Spiritualism Today Series- July 2

DEAD RIGHTS: AMERICAN VOICES IN HISTORY 

Learn how talking to the dead occurred in religious traditions and has a rich American history of encouraging individuals to advocate for their rights and use their voices for political and spiritual power. Erik Seeman ‘s book presentation, Speaking with the Dead in Early America, chronicles the story of Protestant relationships with the deceased, which led to the rise of Spiritualism. Marjorie Roth’s talk focuses on the intertwined histories of Spiritualism and feminism. Both began in 1848, in roughly the same geographical location, and involving many of the same people. We will explore similarities in the ancient world, and the power of women's voices in our own time.  

Presenters: Dr. Erik R. Seeman & Dr. Marjorie Roth

Erik R. Seeman is professor of history at the University at Buffalo . As an award-winning professor, he has conducted teaching fellowships in the West Indies and received a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship.  Erik has written several books including: Death in the New World and Speaking with the Dead in Early America. 

Marjorie Roth was born into a musical family. She has a Ph.D. in Musicology, Eastman School of Music; D.M.A., Eastman School of Music; M.M. Performance and Literature, Eastman School of Music. Marjorie taught studio flute at Nazareth and later accepted a position as a music historian.  She currently teaches international workshops on music and culture.