CRF Museum Appleseed exhibit runs through Oct. 11
A visitor at the Cleo Redd Fisher Museum in Loudonville explores the Johnny Appleseed exhibit, open through Oct. 11. The museum is open weekdays, and admission is free.
The Cleo Redd Fisher Museum in Loudonville is celebrating the 250th birthday of John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, with an exhibit dedicated to his life and legacy that is running through Oct. 11.
After its run, the temporary exhibit will transition into a traveling display, available to schools, libraries and other museums. The exhibit’s development was supported by a grant from the Ashland County Community Foundation, with in-kind contributions from Premier Metals in Loudonville. Since its opening the exhibit has drawn attention, both locally and nationally, leading to an increase in museum visitors.
On Sept. 26, 1774, Chapman was born in Leominster, Massachusetts. Although Chapman’s early life began in Massachusetts, his legacy was shaped as he traveled through Pennsylvania, into the Ohio frontier and eventually settled in Eastern Indiana. Along the way he became a major landowner in Ohio, establishing a prosperous business. By the time of his death in 1845, Chapman’s story had spread nationwide, eulogized through newspapers, speeches and songs, solidifying his place in American folklore as Johnny Appleseed.
While most Americans are familiar with Johnny Appleseed, few know his most influential years were spent in North Central Ohio. During his nearly 30 years in Richland and Ashland counties, the latter formed after his death, Chapman became a savvy businessman and built his empire. Many of the primary historical sources that detail his life originated from this region, including land deeds and personal accounts from those who knew him.
CRF curator Kenny Libben said one of the first surprises for many visitors to the exhibit is learning Johnny Appleseed was a real person.
“It’s surprising how many past visitors to the museum thought he was only a Disney character,” Libben said.
The exhibit offers a detailed look at Chapman’s life, the importance of apples on the frontier and the evolution of his legacy. It also separates fact from fiction including addressing the famous myth about whether Chapman wore a pot on his head. The exhibit specifically highlights Chapman’s time in Perrysville and Green Township, which served as his home base in Ohio, as well as his relationship with local residents like Rosella Rice, who personally knew him.
To further commemorate Chapman’s milestone, the museum has donated certified apple trees grafted from the last surviving tree planted by Chapman to local institutions including McMullen Elementary in Loudonville and Weltmer Park in Perrysville. The McMullen tree was planted earlier this year with the help of students while the Perrysville tree was to be dedicated on Sept. 28.
Additionally, the museum partnered with the Malabar Farm Foundation to offer apple cider pressing demonstrations during Heritage Days at Malabar Farm State Park Sept. 28-29. A second pressing demonstration will be held at the museum on Friday, Oct. 4 from noon to 5 p.m.
The Cleo Redd Fisher Museum is located at 203 E. Main St. in Loudonville and is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with special hours during the Loudonville Free Street Fair in October. Admission to the museum and the exhibit is free, which Libben said is a priority for the organization.
“We rely on donations from visitors and the community, but providing free access and educational opportunities to everyone regardless of income is something that we are passionate about,” he said.
For more information on the museum and upcoming events, visit www.crfmuseum.com or call 419-994-4050.