Hartford Library to Host Presentation on House of David Commune

Historian Evelyn Sterne will discuss her book on the religious community's history.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:00am

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The Hartford Public Library is inviting the public to a special presentation on April 25th about the House of David, a religious commune founded in the early 20th century. Historian Evelyn Sterne, author of the book 'The House of David: Salvation, Scandal, and Survival in a Modern American Commune,' will lead the discussion and be available to sign copies of her work after the event.

Why it matters

The House of David was a unique religious and communal society that flourished in the early 1900s, attracting national attention for its unorthodox beliefs and practices. Sterne's book provides insight into this little-known piece of American history and the social and cultural forces that shaped such alternative communities.

The details

Sterne's book on the House of David was recently named one of the 2026 Michigan Notable Books, an annual list recognizing works that highlight the state's cultural and literary heritage. As a professor of history and director of the Center for the Humanities at the University of Rhode Island, Sterne specializes in American religion, immigration, and communal societies.

  • The presentation will take place on April 25, 2026 at 11 a.m.
  • Sterne's book was named a 2026 Michigan Notable Book earlier this year.

The players

Evelyn Sterne

A professor of history and director of the Center for the Humanities at the University of Rhode Island, Sterne specializes in American religion, immigration, and communal societies. She is the author of 'The House of David: Salvation, Scandal, and Survival in a Modern American Commune.'

Hartford Public Library

The public library in Hartford, Connecticut that is hosting the presentation on the House of David commune.

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What they’re saying

“The House of David was a unique religious and communal society that flourished in the early 1900s, attracting national attention for its unorthodox beliefs and practices.”

— Evelyn Sterne, Historian and Author

What’s next

Copies of Sterne's book will be available for purchase and autograph following the presentation at the Hartford Public Library.

The takeaway

This event provides an opportunity for the public to learn more about an intriguing and little-known piece of American religious and communal history through the expertise of a leading scholar in the field.