New display and programming initiative at the American Writers Museum: "American Prophets: Scribes, Faith, and Society"
The American Writers Museum (AWM) is excited to announce a new special exhibit and programming series titled "American Prophets: Writers, Religion, and Culture." This initiative, supported by a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., promises to delve into the profound ways writing reflects and influences our understanding of religion.
The exhibit, opening in November 2025, will showcase rare artifacts, interactive displays, and related creative works. Visitors can expect to see unique objects of religious significance to various writers, such as Flannery O'Connor's rosary, Ursula K. Le Guin's annotated copy of the Tao Te Ching, and Louie Pérez's statue of the Santo Niño de Atocha.
The special exhibit, "American Prophets: Writers, Religion, and Culture", focuses on exploring the complex relationship between American writers and religion. It examines how faith and spirituality have influenced American literature and culture, highlighting both historical and contemporary intersections of religion with writing, art, and culture.
The exhibit spans numerous religions and faiths, including Agnosticism, Atheism, Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Humanism, Indigenous spiritualities, Islam, Judaism, Scientology, and Taoism. The programming series accompanying the exhibit features events such as panel discussions and conversations with authors and scholars. These programs delve into themes like the role of religion in horror writing and the impact of "crypto-religious" artists in postsecular American cultural debates.
AWM President, Carey Cranston, stated that religion is a central theme in American literature, and the exhibit is necessary to remain true to the museum's mission. The series spotlights the diverse ways religion has influenced American writers’ perspectives and narratives, as well as how cultural expression reflects spiritual questioning and conflict.
The museum offers something for every age group, including permanent exhibits and special galleries highlighting America's favorite works and the authors behind them. Tickets are $16 for adults, $10 for seniors, students, and teachers. Free for members and children ages 12 and under. Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.
Museum hours are Monday, Thursday-Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
The AWM kicked off its programming for American Prophets with an event titled "Making New Gods" in partnership with the Chicago Public Library. The American Prophets programming also includes public events with authors, field trip curriculum for students, podcasts, and additional online content.
In a separate development, Dark Testament, currently on view at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, brings these powerful stories to life through art, multimedia, augmented reality, and interactive elements. The touring version of the special exhibit Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers on Justice is also part of the American Prophets initiative.
Dark Testament is inspired by the poem of Pauli Murray, a 20th-century human rights activist, legal scholar, feminist, author, poet, Episcopal priest, labor organizer, and multiracial Black, LGBTQ+ community member. The exhibit explores the enduring impact of Black writers from the end of the Civil War through the Civil Rights era.
Visitors to the American Writers Museum can look forward to a thought-provoking and enlightening experience as they delve into the complex and fascinating relationship between American writers and religion. The museum's programming for "American Prophets: Writers, Religion, and Culture" promises to be a must-see for literature enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the intersection of faith, culture, and the written word.
- For individuals interested in learning about the profound impact of religion on American literature and culture, the American Writers Museum (AWM) offers a special exhibit and programming series titled "American Prophets: Writers, Religion, and Culture."
- In addition to the "American Prophets" exhibit, visitors can also engage with books that delve into this topic, such as those focusing on the role of religion in horror writing or the impact of "crypto-religious" artists in postsecular American cultural debates.
- For those seeking personal growth or career development, the museum offers skills-training programs and workshops that can help individuals hone their writing and analytical skills through studying the works of American writers and their views on religion.
- For those with an interest in home-and-garden, lifestyle, education-and-self-development, or entertainment, the museum caters to various interests with permanent exhibits, special galleries, and public events with authors and scholars, making it a destination that offers something for everyone.
