Bring the legend of Johnny Appleseed to your museum, library, or cultural institution with Johnny Appleseed: Cultivating a Nation, a compelling traveling exhibit. This visually rich and expertly researched display traces the life, myth, and lasting influence of John Chapman—better known as Johnny Appleseed.

John Chapman was more than just the barefoot wanderer of folklore—he was a real person with a deep passion for nature, agriculture, and the frontier way of life. Born in 1774 in Massachusetts, Chapman grew up during a time of westward expansion. Instead of simply scattering seeds, as legend suggests, he carefully planted and maintained nurseries, selling saplings to pioneers and ensuring their orchards could thrive. His apples weren’t for snacking but for making cider, a staple in early American households.

Beyond agriculture, Chapman was also a deeply spiritual man, spreading the teachings of the Swedenborgian Church as he traveled. His simple lifestyle and close relationships with settlers and Indigenous peoples added to the mythos that grew around him even during his lifetime. Johnny Appleseed: Cultivating a Nation separates fact from fiction, shedding light on the real man behind the legend while exploring his lasting impact on American history and culture.

Designed for audiences of all ages, this exhibit offers an accessible and engaging way to share the Johnny Appleseed story with your community.