Mikaela Prescott

I am delighted to introduce myself as the Director/Curator of the Johnny Appleseed Educational Center and Museum.

The phrase ‘it takes a village’ is so rarely applied to the humanities, and yet, I have never seen such a community-wide effort as I have witnessed here in Urbana. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was once projected nearly a third of American museums would be at risk of permanently closing their doors. According to a survey conducted by the American Association of Museums, nearly half of American museums reported diminishing their workforce by almost a third. An additional 14 percent of museums furloughed their staff altogether. 15 percent of museums were faced with the heartbreaking decision to close permanently due to lack of financial support. And yet, we persist. We knew that the museum needed the community, and we believe the community and the larger world needs Johnny Appleseed.

It is my sincerest hope to present to our patient patrons with a truly remarkable museum that is not just a home for history, but a source of inspiration for years to come. We hope to be the center where your children sow the seeds of their dearest memories as well as a place where adults of all ages can rekindle their inner child.

John Chapman, the real man behind the folkloric icon Johnny Appleseed, remains a pillar of virtue whom we can all strive to emulate. Through his devotion to the planet, education, and his belief that all of God’s creatures-man and beast alike-were deserving of respect, he remains a part of our cultural zeitgeist to this day. We strive to deliver a community driven museum which upholds Johnny’s legacy: both the man and the myth.

It has been and will continue to be my utmost pleasure to serve in the capacity of Director/Curator of the Johnny Appleseed Educational Center and Museum. I look forward to meeting this beloved community when we open in late Autumn of this year.

- Mikaela Prescott, Director, Curator