White River Farm, courtesy Merritt Chase

Join us Saturday, June 27th at 1:30 pm for a conversation about the American Chestnut with James R. McKenna, founder of A Breed Above Timber and current Chief Science Officer for the Indiana American Chestnut Foundation. This Assembly is a program of our annual summer solstice exhibition, Coordinates of Belonging.

What was the American chestnut, and why bring it back?

A summary of the historic and ecological value of the American chestnut tree, its demise through an invasive exotic pathogen, and the work over decades to develop chestnut blight resistance provided by James R. McKenna. Jim will conclude his talk with a tour of the chestnut planting in the White River Farm orchard, which includes pure Americans, Chinese, and hybrids. Attendees will learn how to identify each type of chestnut, and examples of grafting, nut collection, and cracking will be demonstrated. Examples of American chestnut wood will be on display.

In celebration of the 2026 summer solstice, Coordinates of Belonging features contributing artists and land-based practitioners include Aleyah Austin, Chris Merritt, Dana Lynn Harper, Danicia Monét Malone, Ellery Diaz, Grace Seibert, James R. McKenna, Kevin Allison, Kim Beck, Lalana Fedorschak, Maura Jasper, Max Trumpower, Meris Drew, Rebekah Nolan, Seneca Weintraut, Shamira, Stephanie Barlow, Stuart Hyatt. The cottage and its grounds host both interior and exterior works.

The American Chestnut Assembly is included with open hours viewing appointments. We recommend the 1pm booking. Space is limited to 30 guests.

Viewing Appointments Available Here

[White River Farm, Orchard, 2025, Image: Hadley Fruits]