Hal Siemer - Official Site
Brief biography
Hal Siemer is a historian, folklorist, religious researcher, writer, and the Editor of Quest Magazine.
Research
Hal Siemer has done extensive research in the following areas:
* Folklore
* Legends
* Mythology
* Religion
Folklore and religious studies
Siemer has been an advocate for the inclusion of folklore and religious studies as mainstream academic disciplines in universities in the United States, arguing that understanding these fields is extremely important in comprehending world cultures.
Public policy
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. Siemer took the lead in defending the Wiccans' right to freedom of religion at the Ft. Hood Army base, writing both editorials and arguing on their behalf in interviews with the media. 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 several groups, working on legislation that the Austin American-Statesman said was the most important of the 1999 session. When the legislature adjourned for 1999, he was one of the four people interviewed and quoted by the Statesman concerning these issues.
Media
Hal 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, Austin American-Statesman, the Austin Review, and other newspapers.
Personal
Hal Siemer is single and in his free time he enjoys golf, bicycling, weight training, convivial drinks, and, of course, reading.
Professional society memberships
* American Anthropological Association
* American Folklore Society
* Medieval Academy of America
* Society for the Anthropology of Religion
Copyright © 2006-2007 Hal Siemer
