Sex, Communalism, and Utopia: How a 70s Commune Took Oneida into the Future - A Communities In Conversation Program

From the beginning of the American experiment, communalism and challenges to the status quo have formed a significant movement within American society. The Oneida Community receives more attention than many of those groups, partly because of its business success and longevity, but also because of the dramatic ways it rethought marriage, sex, and the family.

In the late twentieth century the Kerista Commune looked back to Oneida and incorporated some of its ideas into their community, updating them for the countercultural shift that began in the 1960s.

Join us for this insightful lecture that will examine the similarities and differences between these two radical communities—both notorious in their times—and consider the lessons they offer for modern America.

About the Speaker

Cheryl Coulthard received her PhD in History from Texas A & M University, College Station. After graduating, Cheryl and her family left Texas for Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley where she is enjoying small-town living. In 2024, Cambridge University Press published her book, Communal Societies and New Religious Movements, as part of the Elements series. Her newest book, tentatively titled, In the Shadow of Father Rapp: The Untold Story of Women in the Harmony Society is almost finished. Cheryl serves as the Vice President of the Communal Studies Association and Associate Editor for the journal Communal Societies.

Secure your virtual seat today for this program or save over 20% by locking in the entire series today and be part of the conversation!

The Communities In Conversation Series
August 20, 2026 - Communal History IS American History, Thomas A. Guiler, Oneida Community Mansion House

October 27, 2026 - "Perverted Spiritualistic Forces": John Humphrey Noyes versus William Hepworth Dixon in the Victorian Press, Christian Goodwillie – Hamilton College

November 24, 2026 - Sex, Communalism, and Utopia: How a 70s Commune Took Oneida into the Future, Cheryl Coulthard – Vice President, Communal Studies Association

January 26, 2027 - New Light Family Values: Sex & Salvation in Revolutionary New England, Douglas L. Winiarski – University of Richmond

April 1, 2027 - Unexpected Colonial American Composers: The Sisters of the Ephrata Cloister, Christopher Herbert – William Paterson University

April 15, 2027 - Camphill and the Ever-Changing Face of Intentional Community, Dan McKanan – Harvard Divinity School

April 27, 2027 - From Oneida to Ithaca: Enduring Themes in Intentional Communities, Jen Myers – Thrive EcoVillage Education Center / Center for Transformative Action

-All registrants will receive a Zoom link within 48 hours of registration.

-All proceeds support the preservation of the Oneida Community Mansion House and its educational programs.