Quakerrama: A Celebration of the Career of Thomas D. Hamm

228 College Avenue,Richmond IN 47374

19 May, 2023

Description

Quakerrama is a conference to celebrate the career of historian and Quaker studies scholar Thomas D. Hamm. A Professor of History, Director of Special Collections, and Trueblood Chair of Christian Thought at Earlham College, Tom’s impact on the study of Quakerism has been considerable. His book The Transformation of American Quakerism in 1988 was pivotal in inaugurating a new era of scholarship on Quakerism. It was one of the first works that focused on how Quakerism divided and adapted to changing circumstances at the dawn of the twentieth century, broadening the study of American Quakerism beyond the colonial and antebellum periods. Tom followed the book with further works, including a study of the Quaker-run Earlham College that showed how a small denomination faced the twentieth century, a monograph, The Quakers in America, and an edited collection of Quaker writings. Tom’s work brought Quakerism into conversation with the broader scholarship on American history and religion. Beyond his work as a historian, Tom worked as an archivist in the Friends Collection at Earlham College. During his career, the introduction of the internet and changes in research methods altered archives considerably. Tom helped steer Earlham’s collections into this new era. This conference is an occasion to honor Tom’s contributions to Quaker studies and his work as a teacher and mentor at Earlham College. This includes paying tribute to his work and reflecting on newly-emerging research and emerging methodological questions. Scholars and archivists will address the changing understandings of Quaker studies, history, and archival work. The conference will also be a forum for colleagues, friends, and students, who will come together to wish Tom well in further ventures as he retires. Schedule of Events If you have questions or need assistance with the conference, please contact Jenny Freed ([email protected]) or Isaac Barnes May ([email protected]).