Stephanie Pitcher Fishman

Researching the Plain Religions Stephanie Pitcher Fishman

Religions in America vary from structured to relaxed; historical to new age. Included in this country's social history are those sects commonly called the "plain religions." Plain religions, also called Plain People, are described as being Christian religious sects within the Anabaptist group that follow practices of simple living, separation from the world, and plain dress. Examples of plain religions include Amish and Mennonite, Huguenots, Hutterites, and Shakers. Though each are researched following standard practices for church records, it is helpful to know how each community is structured so that the correct records can be located. This guide will give you the basics of records, research, and terminology for each religious sect. Each section will also include helpful resources such as brief timelines, information on migration patterns, and of course research links to get you started both online and off.