Biographies

Johnny Appleseed: The Man, the Myth, the American Story

Howard Means

About the Program

Howard Means, former senior writer and editor for Washingtonian Magazine, recounts the life of John Chapman aka Johnny Appleseed.  The author reports that the often mythologized John Chapman (1774-1845) was a voracious land speculator whose westward travels assisted in paving the way for future settlers.  Mr. Means relays that Chapman was a vegetarian and pacifist as well an evangelist for the Church of New Jerusalem who's famously planted orchards bore sour fruit more akin to producing hard cider than eating.  Howard Means recounts the life of Johnny Appleseed at the Johnny Appleseed Educational Center and Museum at Urbana University in Urbana, Ohio.

About the Authors

Howard Means

Howard Means is the author of several books, including The Avenger Takes His Place: Andrew Johnson and the 45 Days That Changed the Nation.  He is a former senior editor and writer at Washingtonian Magazine.  For more information, visit howardmeans.com. 


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Program Information

Johnny Appleseed: The Man, the Myth, the American Story

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Past Airings

  • Sunday, June 12th at 2pm (ET)
  • Sunday, May 8th at 10pm (ET)
  • Sunday, May 8th at 1:15am (ET)
  • Saturday, May 7th at 1:15pm (ET)
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