Acts of Faith:
Religion and the American West
April 20 – August 4
Explore how a diverse range of religious practices shaped the American West and how the American West shaped religion.
Belief, Violence and Resilience in the Mythic West
Spanning more than 200 years up to modern day, Acts of Faith embraces a multi-faceted perspective and explores the many ways diverse religious practices and spiritualties impacted peoples’ lives in the West and how experiences shaped beliefs.
Through art, objects, panels and displays, Acts of Faith offers both a feast for the senses, as well as posing thought-provoking questions about the past, present and future of religious diversity in the nation.
Acts of Faith: Religion and the American West is a traveling exhibition curated by the New-York Historical Society and includes elements developed by the Eiteljorg Museum. The Eiteljorg’s former director of religion and culture initiatives and current guest curator, Jessica Nelson, Ph.D. wrote the companion book, Religion and the American West: Violence, Belief, and Resilience from 1800 to Today, available for purchase in the Frank and Katrina Basile Museum Store. Nelson has also curated an additional section of the exhibition.
The Eiteljorg has also planned a schedule of engaging Acts of Faith public programs that will appeal to visitors of different backgrounds and ages.
Looking to learn more?
Here are some recommended resources so you can dive deeper into the themes and history touched in Acts of Faith.
- Religion and the American West: Belief, Violence, and Resilience from 1800 to Today by Jessica Nelson, Ph.D. Available for purchase in the museum store.
- Sacred Encounters: Father De Smet and the Indians of the Rocky Mountain West by Jacqueline Peterson, Ph.D.
- Frontiers: A Short History of the American West by Robert V. Hine and John Mack Faragher
Acts of Faith Programming
“Acts of Faith” Community Art Project
March 16
Make your voice heard in our upcoming Acts of Faith exhibition and join us for an exciting Community Art Project in partnership with the Harrison Center and artist Kyle Ragsdale!
Member-Only Coffee and Conversation with Jessica Nelson, Ph.D., curator
April 20
Join us for an exciting member-only Coffee and Conversation centered around Acts of Faith with Jessica Nelson, Ph.D., curator.
Expressions of Faith Community Celebration
May 18
Join local groups for a day-long celebration of people’s expression of their faith through the arts. The event will feature multiple performances and hands-on activities
Come experience our featured exhibition
