What We Do

Pearl S. Buck International, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization located near Philadelphia in upper Bucks County, PA, carries on Pearl S. Buck’s legacy of bridging cultures and changing lives through humanitarian aid, intercultural education, and historical tours of the Pearl S. Buck House, a National Historic Landmark museum.

Pearl S. Buck was a writer, activist, and humanitarian. She was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in Literature for her novel, The Good Earth, and the Nobel Prize in Literature for her body of work. Ms. Buck used the spotlight on her to shine a light on the plight of marginalized people everywhere and to advocate for the civil rights movement in the U.S. She also founded Welcome House (the world’s first international biracial adoption agency) and established The Pearl S. Buck Foundation (now Pearl S. Buck International) to provide international humanitarian aid.

Ms. Buck’s groundbreaking words and work paved the way for greater international and intercultural understanding. They also provided life-changing aid for countless impoverished children. For more information on Pearl Buck’s life, please click below.

Mission

Pearl S. Buck International provides opportunities to explore and appreciate other cultures, builds better lives for children around the globe and promotes the legacy of our founder by preserving and interpreting her National Historic Landmark home.

Vision

The legacy of Pearl S. Buck unites nations, societies, communities and individuals with an appreciation for cultural differences and a commitment to service.

We Believe

  • All children should receive education, nutrition and preventive health care to become self-sufficient.
  • All children should grow up with cultural competence to be successful in a global environment.
  • All individuals can improve conditions and resolve problems if they understand and appreciate cultural differences, establish relationships with people from other cultures and build strong alliances with different cultural groups.
  • The Pearl S. Buck House should inspire visitors to embrace and engage in continuing her legacy by making meaningful, lifelong contributions within the community.

What Our Visitors Say

Wow - I knew Pearl S. Buck was an author but I didn’t know about ALL her humanitarian endeavors! Today I learned just a bit about her life and wow!!! She was a phenomenal outspoken woman for human rights - all humans! Her home a National Historic Landmark and is right here in Bucks County! I went on a cold dreary day but the house tour was awesome - festival of trees was going on so the whole house was decorated. Visitor center was extremely informative. Definitely will be back to see the grounds on a nicer day! Plan to bring family and friends as well! 

The volunteer that provided our tour taught us so much about this amazing woman. The time spent touring the house and garden area made for a terrific visit. Would not interest young children. Highly recommended.

The tour and presentation greatly exceeded my expectations. I thought it would be pleasant and informative, but it was truly beautiful and fascinating. The docent was gracious and amazingly knowledgeable, answering a wide variety of questions as well as giving the regular tour. You can stroll around the lovely grounds and admire the flowers. It was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

This lovely home , grounds , and final resting place of theNobel prize winning author is a fitting tribute to her life and legacy. The collection of personal effects include her typewriter. The tour docent is very knowledgeable and engaging.A must for literary lovers and gardeners alike.

I had a tour of The Pearl Buck House with a group of friends. Whether you are a fan of her writings, enjoy house tours, gardens, or appreciate the contribution she has made to international understanding there is something for everyone. The docent was very knowledgeable, and gave us time to appreciate the variety and historic significance of the objects we saw. There is also an exhibit area at the Visitor’s Center with changing exhibits. Enjoy!!