David Krueger (he/him)
David M. Krueger is a scholar, author, and educator who is passionate about public history, religious literacy, and dialogue. His areas of academic expertise include American religious history, religious pluralism, race and ethnicity. Dr. Krueger is a sought-after lecturer and speaker and has frequently served as a narrator and scholarly contributor on the Science Channel. He received an M.Div from Palmer Theological Seminary, a ThM from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a PhD in religious studies from Temple University. His book, Myths of the Rune Stone: Viking Martyrs and the Birthplace of America was published by the University of Minnesota Press. Dr. Krueger is a versatile and seasoned educator who has taught at several area colleges, universities, and community-based settings. He is also a faculty trainer and education consultant for the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program based at Temple University. Although he grew up as a farm kid in Minnesota, he has come to love Philadelphia and its fascinating history since moving there in 1995. Articles and essays he has written have appeared in several publications including Religion Dispatches and The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia. He is certified by the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides to offer tours of diverse religious and historical sites in the city.
John Bright (he/him)
John Bright is a scholar of religion who has worked for years as a public historian at sites associated with Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, including a church that is likely the single most historic religious congregation in the U.S. John has broad experience in communications in both the nonprofit and for-profit worlds. His current role with the DI focuses on the development and funding of new programs connecting the historical sites of colonial and Revolutionary Philadelphia to the unique religious congregations of the era. John has an undergraduate degree in anthropology and religion studies from Lehigh University, and a Master’s degree in religion from United Lutheran Seminary, located in Philadelphia’s historic Germantown. He has done doctoral work in religion at both The General Seminary of the Episcopal Church in Manhattan and at Temple University.
Kime earned an M.A. in Religion from the University of Georgia and has been teaching college courses since 2001.
In his own words: “My education has been centered in religious studies, American studies, and American history with specialization in the religious history of the United States. I’ve lived in Philadelphia for twenty years. I’ve taught courses at Temple University, Thomas Jefferson University and Chestnut Hill College related to the religious history of America as well as the history of American Immigration, World Religions, and the cultural history of the United States. I adore and respect the sacredness Americans afford the story of our foundational city. I hope to unveil its mysteries and diversity. I can share various sacred spaces related to Philadelphia’s diverse religious history and population. We could explore Catholic and Protestant churches, synagogues, places related to early Muslim and Lenape communities, along with Hindu and Buddhist temples and sites related to new religious movements.”
