Elizabeth N. Agnew (she/her) is professor emerita of religious studies at Ball State University. Her work addresses modern American religious diversity, religion and social ethics, and peace studies. Her early historical work, published as *From Charity to Social Work: Mary E. Richmond and the Creation of an American Profession* (Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 2004), was named a 2005 Choice Outstanding Academic Title. Subsequent articles appeared in Soundings, Teaching Theology and Religion, Peace & Change, and Oral History Review. In 2018, she turned toward oral history to chronicle the lives and community building of Muslims with whom she had long standing professional ties in her community. Recording these stories was particularly significant given Muncie's historical status as "Middletown" in the landmark 1929 and 1937 studies of that name by Helen and Robert Lynd, and the lack of prior research on Muslims in the community. Elizabeth designed and led a semester-long, 15-credit student oral history project "Muslims in Muncie," in partnership with the Islamic Center of Muncie, Indiana. The 22 video-recorded and transcribed interviews, and the students' 50-minute broadcast-ready film, are available at: https://dmr.bsu.edu/digital/collection/MuslimsMuncie.As part of her ongoing interest in community oral history and reparative listening, Elizabeth is working on editing the original interviews into a book of shorter, first-person narratives set in cultural/historical context.
Experience
I have an MA in American History, which included community-based service, research, and interviews addressing homelessness in a small, Midwestern city (Bloomington, IN). I led a community oral history project with Muslim members of another small, Midwestern city (Muncie, IN). I am also interested in personal narratives and photographic memories in preserving community and family oral history.
Services
collaboration or consultation on projects in the areas of religion, religious diversity, religion and culture (especially in the United States), and in 20th century peace studies.
Regions Available for Work
Specialty
I focus on modern American religious diversity and specifically the experiences of Muslim communities in small cities. My mission is to foster cultural understanding and cross-cultural dialogue, especially between young college students and Muslim members of the campus and local communities, through in-person conversations and oral history projects.
Subject Areas
- Local/Regional Histories:
- Muncie, Indiana, and the Midwest of the United States
Purpose of Contact
- I am available to answer questions, or provide mentorship to other oral historians
- I am available to collaborate - on research, community projects, artistic endeavors, or other joint undertakings with peers
