Upstate New York was the center of religious activity in America during the country’s first 150 years. Many important American religious movements and denominations were founded or linked to Western New York. Many people are aware of story of the Mormons or the Spiritualists, but they were only the tip of the iceberg of Upstate NY religious activity. This presentation will discuss some of the fascinating historical figures and events that took place in Upstate NY that went on to influence the religious practices of our entire nation and the world beyond.