Writers, Religion, Culture

American Prophets

Our largest special exhibit and program series to date, American Prophets will explore the profound ways writing reflects and influences our understanding of religion. Religion is an inherent part of American culture, and throughout our history and into today, writers help to deepen our understanding of our beliefs and the beliefs of others. From the poet Phyllis Wheatley to the comedian Harold Ramis, writers are driven by their beliefs and the beliefs of those around them, and their work can in turn influence countless readers.

Exhibit opening November 2025, on view throughout 2026

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Onsite Exhibit

Opening November 2025

Interactive displays and artifacts displayed throughout the entire museum, such as:

Ursula K. Le Guin’s personal copy of the Tao Te Ching
Groundhog Day writer Harold Ramis’ pocket-sized primer on Buddhism
Louie Pérez’s religious statue that inspires his work in the band Los Lobos

“I am not ashamed to admit that I belong to those who fantasize that literature is capable of bringing new horizons and new perspectives – philosophical, religious, aesthetical and even social. In the history of old Jewish literature there was never any basic difference between the poet and the prophet.”

Isaac Bashevis Singer during his 1978 Nobel Prize in Literature Lecture

Program Series

Ongoing through 2026

Live programs with contemporary writers

Award-winning and best-selling authors
Fiction writers, playwrights, screenwriters, poets, and songwriters
Discussing religion in comedy, science fiction, romance, horror, and beyond

Upcoming Events

View full calendar

October 10

Join us for a panel discussion about religion, spirituality, and horror writing!

November 10

(IN PERSON) Scholar Thomas A. Tweed visits the American Writers Museum to discuss his new book!

November 10

(ONLINE) Scholar Thomas A. Tweed visits the American Writers Museum to discuss his new book!

Education Content

Launching in the 2026 school year

New resources on religion and writing, including:

Youth education programs, inspiring the next generation of writers
New student curricula for elementary, middle, and high school
An anthology on religion and writing based on the exhibit published by Restless Books

Education Resources

Advisory Committee

Emily D. Crews Ph.D. Executive Director | The Martin Marty Center at the University of Chicago Divinity School (UCDS)
Sarah Hammerschlag Ph.D. Professor of Religion & Literature, Philosphy of Religions & History of Judaism | UCDS
Matthew Harris Ph.D. Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellow of Religious in the Americas | UCDS
Keidrick Roy Junior Fellow | Harvard Society of Fellows
Cathleen Falsani MS Journalist, Author and Co founder | Sinner and Saints Creative Consulting
Constance Furey Ph.D. Professor of Religious Studies | Indiana University
Jenan Mohajir MS Vice President of External Affairs | Interfaith America
W. Clark Gilpin Ph.D. Margaret E. Burton Professor, emeritus (served as dean from 1990-2000) | UCDS
Ilan Stavans Ph.D. Lewis-Sebring Professor of Humanities and Latin American and Latino Culture; Publisher at Restless Books | Amherst College
Ivy Wilson Ph.D. Professor of English | Northwestern University

Partners

Recognizing the importance of collaboration in creating a comprehensive exploration of religion in America, the AWM is partnering with a number of individuals and organizations with expertise in religion, faith, spirituality, and literary arts. These partners listed below will help bring to fruition the thought provoking exhibitions, programs, and educational materials that will comprise American Prophets.

American Prophets

Onsite Exhibit

Program Series

Upcoming Events

October 10

November 10

November 10

Program Playlist

Education Content

Advisory Committee

Sponsors

Partners