Celebration recognizes American pioneer, folk hero of Massachusetts born in Leominster

Sabbra Reyes, Assistant Manager, Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center, and Diane Burnette, Manager, Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center, are joined by two alpacas and staff from Plain View Farm, Hubbardston, Mass.

State and local officials, and community, business and tourism leaders joined members of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and Visit North Central Massachusetts to commemorate the 250th birthday of John Chapman (known as “Johnny Appleseed”) who was born in the city of Leominster on September 26, 1774.

While Appleseed was born and raised in Leominster, he is considered the Commonwealth’s official folk hero and an early environmentalist. He traveled for nearly 50 years across the nation strategically planting apple seeds with an eye toward a future market for crops, and sold or often gave away seeds and seedlings to settlers in communities.

Mark Bodanza, a local historian and author of “Johnny Appleseed – the Man Behind the Folklore,” spoke during the event about the history of Johnny Appleseed and its significance not only in the region, but also around the world.

“Johnny Appleseed may be one of the most enigmatic figures in American history,” Bodanza said. “People near and far from his Leominster birthplace, know of his journey. Those treks not only included planting apple seedlings for pioneers but also the spreading of his religious beliefs and minimalist lifestyle. One of America’s most unusual characters, Johnny Appleseed’s legacy speaks to us today as a gentle reminder of slowing down, consuming only what is necessary, and remaining steadfast in one’s personal beliefs despite popular opinion.”

The event was held at the Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center, which is considered by many the gateway to North Central Massachusetts and the last stop before entering Appleseed’s hometown of Leominster.

Those attending today’s event included State Representative Natalie Higgins; State Representative Meg Kilcoyne; and Jonathan Gulliver from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Members of the Leominster High School Marching Band performed American classics, and a special appearance was made by “Johnny Appleseed,” who interacted with attendees and enjoyed a slice of birthday cake.

During today’s celebration, a new apple tree was planted at the center to commemorate Appleseed’s 250th birthday.

Members of the Leominster High School Marching Ban

“While we all have the image of Johnny Appleseed wearing a stewpot hat with a bag on his back spreading apple seeds across the countryside, he also was a successful businessman who helped many new communities flourish,” said Roy M. Nascimento, president and CEO, Visit North Central Massachusetts and the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. “Today we celebrate his birth by planting an apple tree for the visitors of our region to enjoy and remember his legacy of supporting pioneers and planting seeds to provide nourishing food for generations.”

The Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center, operated by the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association (which does business as Visit North Central Massachusetts), is far from your typical rest stop. This unique destination showcases Johnny Appleseed’s legacy and North Central Massachusetts’ rich agricultural and industrial heritage through a curated collection of historical items, local art, and engaging displays.

At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a popular bronze sculpture of young Johnny Appleseed, crafted by local artist Peter Cote. The center’s grounds feature 91 apple trees, including three Rambo trees that are direct descendants of the last known tree planted by Appleseed himself. A replica colonial-era home, representative of Appleseed’s living quarters, adds historical context. The grounds also boast artistic benches, including a Johnny Appleseed-inspired ski lift chair donated by Wachusett Ski Area converted into a unique seating area and another hand carved wooden bench created by a local wood sculptor and representative of the proud heritage in the furniture industry.

Inside, the center displays local arts and crafts, seasonal murals, historical items from throughout the region, and vintage Johnny Appleseed memorabilia. A popular gift shop sells local items, including jams, jellies, candy, apple-related products, and a variety of books about Johnny Appleseed and the region’s history.

Perhaps most striking is the “Big Apple of New England,” the largest apple structure of its kind in the region, which has become a favorite spot for visitors taking selfies.

The Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center is open seven days a week, 361 days a year from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It only closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Independence Day and early on Christmas Eve.

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