Learn about this radical abolitionist through his encounters with key Civil War-era figures such as Harriet Tubman and Robert E. Lee.

“Encountering John Brown” explores the history of the man who helped start the Civil War through history, firsthand accounts, and vivid illustrations of the Americans, from widely recognized to largely unknown, whose lives were altered by their encounters with the man. Utilizing expressive portraits by artist Brad Sneed, the exhibit explores Brown’s story from childhood to his execution for his role in the raid on Harpers Ferry. From his abolitionist roots in Ohio to his role in the violence of “Bleeding Kansas” to his plan to start a slave insurrection beginning with the taking of Harpers Ferry, “Encountering John Brown” follows America’s most prominent abolitionist from cradle to grave and beyond.

Target Audience
Ages 10 and above

Space Requirements
The John Brown exhibit is sized for approximately 1,500 sq ft. However, all exhibit components are freestanding and can be arranged in a flexible layout, so as long as you have 1,000 sq ft you should be able to display the exhibit.

The venue ceiling should be at least 8 feet tall.

Exhibit Elements

• 6 large, free-standing panels with wooden bases
• 10 medium, free-standing panels with wooden bases
• 10 wooden reader rails
• 1 reproduction “Beecher’s Bibles” crate

ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS BY BRAD SNEED

EXHIBIT MOCKUPS

VISIT US

27th and North Main St.
North Newton, KS 67117
Across from the main campus of
Bethel College

CONTACT US

(316) 283-1612
kauffman@bethelks.edu
Mailing address:
300 E. 27th Street
North Newton, KS, 67117-1716