The Cultural Origins and Viability of a Communitarian Society

FAIN: RO-10801-71

Elizabethtown College (Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2297)
John A. Hostetler (Project Director: January 1971 to present)

Objective is to study the origins of 16th century religious movements in order to complete a definitive research project on one of these groups--the Hutterian Brethren (Hutterities). Examination of the primary souces in Europe is necessary for completing research. Original sources will be studies, as well as ceramics and manuscripts recently excavated in Moravia and observation of the architectural styles and artifacts of the group. The Hutterites are the oldest, most vigorous and most successful communal group in the U.S. PI will visit sites formerly occupied by group, in order to document the life of this communal group; a broad perspective on communal social organization can help to gain greater insight into present utopian attampts.