Don Wildman

And that split has then, you know, reunites down the road in most cases.

That did not happen with Shakerism, and that has a lot to do with it, doesn't it?

They stuck to their guns on what they believed.

I have to understand.

I mean, most people recognize shakerism as an aesthetic, a kind of style, especially to do with shaker tables and furniture.

How conscious were the shakers in creating that style?

Or is that just something that kind of evolved and then was later on labeled?

Yes, exactly.

Well, I worked for a group called Pompanoosic Mills.

I was part of their early stores up in Vermont.

And indeed, one of their major influences is still shaker designs.

And you can see that all over the place.

It's very fascinating.

Is there any future of shakerism, do you think?

Will it rise again at all?

For a pacifist organization, they punched way above their weight.

Douglas Winiarski is a professor of religious studies and American studies at the University of Richmond.

He is the author of Darkness Falls Upon the Land of Light, Experiencing Religious Awakenings in 18th Century New England, which was much awarded.

Doug, where can people find more about you and what kind of work is coming up?

Well, I hope we have you back to talk about just that.