This program discusses the different attempts by Iowans to create their own form of utopia. Featuring the Iowa Pioneer Phalanx, Salburia, the Amana Colonies, the Icarian Communities, the Clydesdale Colony, Communia and many more, this talk will provide some details about specific communal groups, and a general overview of different communal movements in American history and how they influenced community builders on the Iowa frontier, and beyond.

About the Speaker: 

Peter Hoehnle is an Amana native who received his graduate degrees from Iowa State University. He has published widely on American communal societies, including volumes on Amana and the Shakers, served as President of the Communal Studies Association and as a past editor of the journal Communal Societies.