Hal Siemer
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Hal Siemer is a historian, folklorist, religious researcher, writer, and the Editor of Quest Magazine.
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[edit] Research
Siemer has done extensive research in the following areas:
- American Christmas traditions
- Ancient mysteries
- Folklore
- Freemasonry
- Halloween traditions
- Knights Templar
- Mythology
- Religion
[edit] Advocacy
Siemer founded and was president of a public policy think tank. His area of expertise in this arena is religion and public policy, with his focus being both on the United States and the world. He previously has worked as a lobbyist in Texas for nonprofit organizations and has been a political consultant. In 1999 he was the lead lobbyist for two nonprofits [1], working on an issue that the Austin American-Statesman said was the most important legislation of the 1999 session. When the legislature adjourned for 1999, Siemer was one of the four people interviewed and quoted by the Statesman concerning this legislation.
He has been an advocate for the inclusion of religious studies as a mainstream academic discipline in the public universities in the United States, arguing that understanding religion is extremely important in comprehending world affairs.
[edit] Media
Siemer frequently is a guest on radio talk shows. His writing or interviews have appeared in the Dallas Morning News, the San Francisco Chronicle, the San Antonio Express-News, the Austin American-Statesman, the Austin Review, and in various other newspapers.
[edit] Professional society memberships
- American Anthropological Association
- American Folklore Society
- Medieval Academy of America
- Society for the Anthropology of Religion
