JASNA MD

Reading Group: Evelina
2024-09-29 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | MD
I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!
A monthly, in-person book club for those interested in Jane Austen. We have made our way through her major works together and will generally cycle through these types of works moving forward:
-read a work by Jane Austen (eg. re-reading her novels from new perspectives, letters, and juvenilia)
-read a book about Jane Austen (biographies, literary criticism, etc.)
-read a work Jane Austen read herself (works by Walter Scott, Frances Burney, Maria Edgeworth, Mary Wollstonecraft, etc.)
-read a work by someone who read/was influenced by Jane Austen (works by the Brontes, George Eliot, Mary Shelley, Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell, Virginia Woolf, etc.)
-read a work of popular culture inspired by Jane Austen (sequels written by Jane Austen’s distant relative, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife, etc.)
We will also meet to watch film adaptations, and enjoy other events connected to Jane Austen and the Regency period.
Maryland Region member, Kiera Boyle-Toledo, leads this discussion group. Anyone is welcome to join. Please visit the Meetup page to join the group and for more details https://www.meetup.com/i-declare-after-all-there-is-no-enjoyment-like-reading/

Reading Group: Jane Austen's Letters
2024-10-27 15:00 - 16:30 | MD

Virtual Meeting: Jane Austen and Warren Hastings, with Jocelyn Harris
2025-03-16 16:00 - 17:30 | MD
Join us for a virtual gathering with a fascinating guest speaker.
In “Jane Austen and Warren Hastings,” Jocelyn Harris, reveals remarkably close connections between the largely unknown writer and the immensely powerful Governor-General of Bengal, who probably fathered her cousin, Eliza de Feuillide.
Our guest speaker is professor emerita of English at the University of Otago, New Zealand. Jocelyn has authored three Austen-focused books: Jane Austen’s Art of Memory, A Revolution Almost Beyond Expression: Jane Austen’s Persuasion, and Satire, Celebrity and Politic in Jane Austen.

Register here to receive the Zoom link: Zoom registration
We’ll send a reminder link just before the event opens.

In Person Gathering: Creative Writing Workshop
2025-04-05 13:00 - 14:30 | Maryland Horse Library & Education Center, 321 Main St., Reisterstown, MD, 21136
Unlock Your Creativity with Jane Austen!
Join us for a special sneak peek at an upcoming AGM workshop. No prior writing experience? No problem! This interactive session invites you to:

Try your hand at creative writing inspired by Jane Austen’s delightful language.
Explore how writing can be a de-stressor and boost mental clarity—just as it might have been for Jane.

What to Bring: Your favorite journal/paper and a pen!
Seats are limited, so be sure to register in advance to secure your spot!
Let’s celebrate the timeless charm of Austen while discovering the joy of creative expression!
Register Now for this Event! https://forms.office.com/r/2pmu2rWfg9
This location has free parking.

A Day in Historic Chestertown - 2025 AGM Fundraiser
2025-04-26 10:00 - 17:00 | Chestertown, 122 N Cross St, Chestertown, MD 21620-1547, Chestertown, MD, 21620, United States
A day in historic Chestertown on the Eastern Shore of Maryland – April 26, 2025 10am-5pm
Come see how Americans were living during Jane Austen’s lifetime in this important riverport of the time. The morning walking tour of the historic downtown will cover the history of the area as well as stops to see inside Magnolia House, a middle/ upper middle class 1700s home * and Sumner Hall, one of two existing African-American Grand Army of the Republic buildings still standing in the U.S. Built circa 1908, it played an important role in strengthening community for Civil War veterans and other local African-Americans.
Relax after lunch with a fixed price menu made especially for our group at The Retriever Bar. It has an upscale, cozy Pub vibe. The proprietor, Neyah White, is curating a selection of historic alcohol choices for purchase that would have been enjoyed in Austen’s time. Non-alcoholic drinks, tax and tip will be included with lunch.
We have booked the Chester River Packet for an hour and a half afternoon cruise that will let us socialize while enjoying the countryside. Because the area is mainly agrarian, we will have similar views to the colonial and federal era time periods. There will be a knowledgeable local on-board for any questions. *Cash bar available*
Our final tour of the day will be a private home built circa 1760-1780 by a very wealthy local merchant. It was in the dowry of his only child, a daughter, who married into one of the most prominent Philadelphia families in the nation at that time. On the National Register of Historic Places, Rose Hill had the largest private ballroom in Kent County when it was built. You will easily be able to imagine Anne Elliott playing for the Musgrove sister’s enjoyment and sit in a window seat that was designed for someone to enjoy watching English Country dancing!
This inspiring day has been designed to get a feel for 18th century living at affordable price points. Non-members are welcome. The total price for all activities is $150. Guests may choose to skip the walking tour ($40) and/or the afternoon cruise ($25) in favor of exploring the local farmer’s market and unique boutique stores. We have a limit of 50 participants.
When guests have registered below, they will receive details for where to send payment and to choose their lunch offerings. We will also provide car pool information, maps for parking and meeting places, as well as recommendations for local dining whether you are staying in Chestertown for the night, heading back over the Bay Bridge or points North of Chestertown. Participants who want to spend more time in the area can visit Chestertown’s visitor’s center on-line or in person for ideas about activities they would enjoy in the area.
$150/pp Full Day: Morning Walking Tour, Lunch, Chester River Packet Cruise and Rose Hill Tour
$125/pp Partial Option 1: Morning Walking Tour, Lunch and Rose Hill Tour
$120/pp Partial Option 2: Lunch, Chester River Packet Cruise and Rose Hill Tour
$95/pp Partial Option 3: Lunch and Rose Hill Tour only
Space is limited
Register Here by 4/18: https://forms.gle/8fiPNqdXvnN9h8DF8
Questions: Agm2025treas@gmail.com
Payment must be received by 4/18 to secure your space.
Refunds for can be issued up until 4/18 minus a $50 donation to the AGM.

PBS "Miss Austen" Discussion Part 1
2025-05-18 14:00 - 15:30 | MD
The Maryland Region will meet on Zoom to discuss the first two installments of the BBC’s “Miss Austen” showing on PBS May 4th and 11th.
Plan to watch the first two episodes before joining to avoid spoilers!
How do I register? Complete this registration to join this virtual meeting. You will receive a confirmation email with the link when you register and another one right before the event. JASNA members are welcome!
Read more about the PBS series: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/specialfeatures/miss-austen-airdate-cast-details-first-look-photos-and-more/

PBS "Miss Austen" Discussion Part 2
2025-06-01 14:00 - 15:30 | MD
The Maryland Region will meet on Zoom to discuss the full “Miss Austen” series.
Episodes air May 4, 11, 18, 25.
Attendees should view the full season if they wish to avoid spoilers! However, feel free to join us even if you only watched part of the series and want to hear the commentary.
How do I register? Complete this registration form to join the virtual meeting.
You will receive a confirmation email when you register. We’ll send a reminder link right before the meeting. JASNA members are welcome!

Bus Trip to NYC - Morgan Library's “A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250”
2025-06-07 | MD
Come see the Austen exhibit at the Morgan Library in NYC!
You’ll board a bus at your chosen pick up location, travel to NYC in style, and have an opportunity to tour “A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250” plus the Morgan’s other standing exhibits!
Tentative Bus Plan:

Pick Up Location #1: Greenbelt METRO, 6am
Pick Up Location #2: White Marsh, 7am
Pick Up Location #3: Woodcrest, NJ, 8:30am
We will have a restroom/snack stop on both legs of the journey.
Tentative plan is to be in NYC by 11am and depart by 5pm.

Be sure to register for your spot by the May 18th deadline!
Register now for your spot on this trip!
No refunds on the bus fare unless we fill your seat. If a refund is issued, a $5 PayPal fee will be deducted. Thank you for your understanding!

Afternoon Tea with Austen
2025-07-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Beans in the Belfry, 122 W. Potomac St., Brunswick, MD, United States
We are celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with Afternoon Tea and Austen trivia. Join us for games, raffles and prizes!
Afternoon Tea:
Four-courses that includes a selection of tea, tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and a sweets plate with tea cakes, macarons, Scottish shortbread, and meringues.
Jane Austen Trivia will follow refreshments. Regency dress encouraged, but not required!

Date: Sunday July, 27th
Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Beans in the Belfry
122 W Potomac St, Brunswick, MD 21716

Ticket Prices:

$49 (Early Bird) until May 4th
$60 (General Admission)
Buy your tickets now on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afternoon-tea-and-trivia-with-jane-austen-tickets-1288686348559
All proceeds from this event support the 2025 Baltimore Annual General Meeting of The Jane Austen Society of North America.

Looking Regency Fine on a Dime
2025-07-30 19:00 - 20:00 | MD
Are you looking forward to the AGM ball? Perhaps you want to strut the runway in the fashion show? Maybe it’s both but you’re facing the challenge of what to wear. Join Lena Yasutake as she guides you through creating your Regency look in this virtual presentation.
If you’re new to Regency costuming and are a Janeite of modest means (with little-noticed sewing skills), this webinar is for you! Learn tips and tricks to creating a masculine or feminine Regency ensemble on any budget. Get practical pointers, links and resources to get started on your AGM look right now.
Wednesday, July 30 7:00 PM EDT
Register for the webinar https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/aJRJFr0PQDKG6oeFS3eUgA
If you are attending the AGM and want to be a model in the Thursday night Fashion Show, fill in the participant interest form https://forms.gle/yaBWuaj4iYsmFbXk6

Jane Austen Games & Ice Cream Social at Plum Crazy Diner
2025-08-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Plum Crazy Diner, 15 Baltimore Boulevard, Westminster,, MD, 21157, United States
Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with an afternoon of ice cream and games for $20.25. Ticket includes an ice cream and drink.
Register for your spot on Eventbrite.
Payment details will follow. Thanks!
This event is located in Westminster Maryland.
This event is a fundraiser for the 2025 AGM in Baltimore. Thanks so much!

JASNA Virtual Meeting - AGM Prep for MD Region
2025-09-07 15:00 - 16:00 | MD
Is this your first AGM? Don’t miss our welcome session hosted by JASNA Maryland designed to help our members make the most of this unforgettable Austen experience! We’ll cover what to expect—from logistics and meals to dressing up (if you prefer a bit of flair), navigating the hotel neighborhood, and planning your schedule.
Our goal is to help you feel confident, prepared, and excited so you can fully enjoy everything the weekend has to offer!
Bonus for Maryland Members: All JASNA MD region attendees are invited to join us for a group photo during the Saturday pre-banquet social hour. Be sure to save a spot on your dance card!
Register now for this virtual meeting held Sunday, Sept. 7, 3-4pm.
We’ll be taking questions over chat and answering them during a Q&A time.

Jane Austen Cooking Class at Pierpoint Restaurant
2025-09-14 11:00 - 14:00 | MD
Join award winning chef, Nancy Longo, at Pierpoint Restaurant in Fells Point, Baltimore on Sunday, September 14th, 2025 as we don our aprons to cook 6 recipes from the Austen table.

The cost is $85 for this three hour intensive cooking class. And the best part is… you’ll get to eat all the food the group makes!

The menu includes:

Soup — White Soup
Vegetable — Fricasse of Mushrooms
Meat Main — Mince Pies of Beef and Potatoes
Vegetarian Main — Veggitarian Pie
Dessert 1 — Bath Buns
Dessert 2 — College Pudding

Register on the registration link, and you’ll be contacted about securing your spot with a check payment.
Deadline to sign up is September 1st.
After signing up, you will be contacted to send a check to our treasurer.
Refunds will only be issued if we’re able to transfer your spot, with a $5 deduction. Thank you for your understanding!

This AGM fundraiser is open to JASNA and non JASNA members alike.
Please be aware that the dishes feature traditional ingredients and may not accommodate all dietary restrictions. If you have concerns, we encourage you to contact the organizer at least one week in advance to review ingredients. Unfortunately, substitutions or swaps may not be possible.

MD Region Meet Up at the Annual General Meeting (AGM)
2025-10-11 17:00 | MD
Going to AGM this year in Baltimore’s inner harbor? The Maryland region will have a meet up up during the social hour of the Saturday night banquet. Location will be announced to AGM attendees a week before the conference.
Stay up to date about all things AGM on the conference web site: https://jasna.org/agms/baltimore2025/home.php and by making sure your JASNA preferences set you up to receive AGM updates.

Persuasion with Chesapeake Shakespeare Company
2025-10-19 13:30 - 17:00 | Chesapeake Shakespeare Company 7 South Calvert Street Baltimore, MD 21202, 7 South Calvert Street, Baltimore, 21202, United States
Persuasion at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company
Date: Sunday, Oct. 19Time: 1:30, meet for seating. Show starts 2pm. Cost: $60 per ticketLocation: Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, Baltimore, MD
Reserve Your Ticket Now
Join JASNA Maryland for a special group outing to see Persuasion, Jane Austen’s moving story of resilience and second chances, brought to life on stage in a vibrant new adaptation by Sarah Rose Kearns and directed by Megan Behm. Anne Elliot’s quiet strength and the enduring pull of love unfold with Austen’s signature wit, set against the refined backdrop of Regency-era England. JASNA Maryland is securing prime-seating for this delightful play!
The AGM performance is already sold out—but JASNA Maryland is offering an exclusive second chance! Join us on October 19 for a special group outing to enjoy this captivating Austen production together. It’s a perfect opportunity for Janeites to gather and celebrate Austen on stage.
Chesapeake Shakespeare Company is Maryland’s premier classical theater, known for its fresh, engaging productions that breathe new life into classic works. This performance takes place in CSC’s 266-seat theater in downtown Baltimore.
Please Note:Transportation is not provided.
Prepaid parking is available at CSC’s partner garage for just $6, located one block from the theater—a rare Baltimore bargain! View information under “Parking” on the theater company’s site. JASNA MD is not responsible for parking tickets or parking plans.
Reserve Your Spot:
Reservations are no longer being taken. The deadline was. Sept. 19th.

Due to costs, refunds will only be issued if we are able to fill your spot, and will be subject to a $5 deduction to cover processing fees.

AGM Recap Meeting - Joint DC & MD
2025-10-26 16:00 - 17:00 | MD
Maryland and DC members are warmly invited to join us for a lively natter on Zoom about the Baltimore AGM!
Two weeks on, what moments are still on your mind?
This will be an easygoing, chat, perfect for reminiscing with fellow attendees or giving next year’s AGM-goers a sneak peek at the concentrated joys of JASNA.
Register now
You will receive an email when you register, and it will have the meeting link. We also always try to send out a reminder link the morning of the virtual gathering.

Austen Birthday Meeting, 2025
2025-12-07 11:30 - 14:30 | Kelsey’s Restaurant, 8480 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD, 21043
**The Birthday Banquet is now sold out. We are now taking names for a wait list.**
Email karenlibrarian13@gmail.com to be added to the wait list.
We’ll meet for our annual celebration of Jane Austen’s birthday, and this one is the 250th!
Attendees must register for this in-person event.
All sales are final. If you cannot attend, please give your ticket to a friend!
Cost: $50 JASNA members/$55 non-members. Check your membership before registering, or register for JASNA now.
Meal Plans: Beef in Wine Sauce, Salmon in Dill Cream, Pesto Cavatappi (vegetarian), red potatoes, asparagus, cupcakes, cash bar, Champagne/juice toast.
Dietary Restrictions Info: Some serving accommodations to listed items only are possible if you contact Karen at karenlibrarian13@gmail.com at time of purchase.
Registration Questions? Contact Karen at karenlibrarian@gmail.com
Come prepared for our Merch Table, Silent Auction, and Cash Chance.
Chance tickets: You can buy these with cash or bring an item to receive some chance tickets. But please, bring items other than books. We have plenty of books for the chance table already. If you are new, people bring Austen or regency-related items for the chance table (a gorgeous porcelain tea cup set you don’t have room for, an Austen t-shirt you never wore, a set of antique gloves, a fan, an Austen doll…. things Austen fans would enjoy picking up for fun!)
Location: Kelsey’s Restaurant, Ellicott City, MD (free parking in restaurant lot)
Time: Doors open 11:30am, programming ends at 2:30
Programming: Join us for a traditional champagne/juice toast, a Baltimore AGM recap, a JASNA MD 2026 preview, and an Austen-inspired performance by a local acting troupe.
We’ll have 250th Austen Anniversary pins and luggage tags from AGM for purchase. We’ll also have souvenir medallions for sale. Cash or charge.
Contact
If you have unique treasures to include in the silent auction, please contact treasurer@jasnamd.org.
Attendees are encouraged to bring items for the chance draw. Each item you bring to load our table will earn you 5 chance tickets. The chance table will support a JASNA MD Book Box grant.
Pay by credit card or check (register through link and the treasurer will contact you with mailing details).
Registration opens Nov. 7th and closes on Nov. 29 at 9pm or when we run out of seats.
