Shadows-on-the-Teche is pleased to launch its Faith & Freedom program series with a virtual presentation by Dr. Ben Wright on Thurs., May 7, at 5:30 p.m.
Dr. Wright, author of Bonds of Salvation: How Christianity Inspired and Limited American Abolitionism, will explore the profound role religion played in shaping American abolitionism. Drawing on his acclaimed work, Dr. Wright traces the ideological tensions between spiritual salvation and emancipation, from the American Revolution through the denominational schisms that pushed the nation toward Civil War. The virtual program is free to attend, but registration is required. Attendees can register online.
For a limited time, signed copies of Bonds of Salvation can be purchased at the Shadows Museum Shop (320 E. Main St., New Iberia) for 15% off. Copies can be purchased in person or online.
Additional programs in the series:
- Friday, June 19 – Faith & Freedom Symposium with keynote Dr. Kodi Roberts
- Thursday, July 16 – Southern Jewish Experience with Kenneth Hoffman
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. The 2026 Program Mini Grant has been provided by the State of Louisiana and administered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by this organization do not necessarily represent those of either the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities or the State of Louisiana.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Ben Wright is an associate professor of history and the Director of the Open US History Lab at the University of Texas at Dallas. He is the author or editor of five books, including Bonds of Salvation: How Christianity Inspired and Limited American Abolitionism (LSU 2020), the two-volume American Yawp: A Massively Collaborative, Open History of the United States (Stanford 2019), and, most recently, American Revolutions in the Digital Age (Cornell 2024).
His articles have appeared in a variety of outlets, ranging from the American Historical Review to the Washington Post. He is currently writing a book-length study of religion in early colonial Sierra Leone and Liberia.
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