Program – Audubon: The Artist, The Man & The Myth with Brian Miller (hybrid)

Brian Miller, a public historian at Allegheny College, explores “Audubon: The Artist, The Man, & The Myth” at the October 16 PIAS program. John James Audubon traveled through and briefly visited Edinboro and Meadville, Pennsylvania in August 1824. Brian has conducted extensive research on this visit within the archives of the Crawford County Historical Society, and explores this moment’s intersection with the production of Audubon’s breathtaking and revolutionary 1820s-1830s avian portraiture published in installments as the Birds of America. Audubon’s name first came to be used because of his artistic work, but how might honoring this art, along with the “brand name” recognition of the long-used Audubon name, be balanced with an acknowledgement of Audubon’s problematic beliefs held during his lifetime? Brian explores this question through an examination of Audubon’s early 19th century visit to northwest Pennsylvania.

Brian Miller teaches (human) migration history at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. Birds are a source of serenity and joy for Brian. He is an avid birder and wildlife photographer. Brian’s enjoyment of birds has led him to focus on avian conservation efforts in order to give back to the birds that provide him so much. Brian enjoys sharing bird encounters with his daughter Olive, along with family hikes with his wife Angela and their dog Jam Jam.

THIS PROGRAM IS HYBRID: IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM.