About Us

 

Who we are:

We are the San Diego Region (chapter) of the multi-national Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA)

What we do in JASNA San Diego:

• We join in fun activities and talks, both in-person and on Zoom.
• We have a new Book Club.
• We have special events, including an Annual Tea in honor of Jane’s birthday.
• See our Upcoming Events, our Past Events, and How to Join Us.

What JASNA does:

• JASNA is the only major North American society devoted to Jane Austen, her works, and her times.
• JASNA has publications, an annual meeting, tours of Jane Austen sites in England, and more.
• If you move to another region in the future, you’ll find a ready-made group of friends who share your interests!

Our story:

The San Diego Region initially began as part of Southwest JASNA. It became a separate region in the late 1990’s with Lelia Dooley as the first regional coordinator.  After many years, there was an absence of leadership until 2012 when Jeanne Talbot revitalized the region by organizing fun events often held at the England House in Balboa Park. The region enjoyed book discussions, movies, lectures, teas and presentations by members about their own JASNA explorations in England. A highlight of these years was in 2014,when the region presented the play “Lovers’ Vows” to the public on the stage at Balboa Park. Several professional actors joined in and this memorable performance was very well received!

The region slowly grew, in 2016 a subset of North County members decided to hold their own meetings in addition to the general region’s activities. In 2018 Dottie Marron and Alisa Shorago served as co-regional coordinators, in 2019 the region hosted its first half- day event with lectures from authors Collins Hemingway and Regulus Allen.  

The 2020 pandemic brought new challenges, of course. Zoom meetings were held to replace in-person events and a fun dramatic presentation of readings from JA’s Juvenilia was thoroughly enjoyed. Since that time the region has held events on Zoom and in -person. Beginning in 2022 Nicole Odwanzy has provided leadership. In the last few years we have had many lively book discussions, watched movie adaptations together and critiqued them, learned to play regency games, enjoyed outdoor Box Hill picnics and attended plays and performances together. We attempted a Jane Austen escape room, leading to what can only be described as hilarious results!  We have learned new skills, such as how to regency dance, talk in regency- speak and create regency hats and clothing. The region has always hosted the ever popular annual Jane Austen Birthday tea each Decem

ber.  

San Diego JASNA is growing! The joy of shared enthusiasm for Austen is magical, it never fails to energize!  We extend a warm welcome to new members!  

JASNA’s story:

 

The Jane Austen Society of North America is dedicated to the enjoyment and appreciation of Jane Austen and her writing. JASNA is a nonprofit organization staffed by volunteers.

Vision

Because literature has the power to change and enrich our lives, we want to see more people reading the great authors, with special emphasis on Jane Austen.

Mission

Our mission is to foster among the widest number of readers the study, appreciation, and understanding of Jane Austen's works, her life, and her genius.

History

JASNA was founded in 1979 by Joan Austen-Leigh, Henry G. Burke, and J. David Grey. One hundred Janeites attended the inaugural dinner on October 5, 1979, at the Gramercy Park Hotel in Manhattan. The society's membership has grown considerably while maintaining its original collegiality and purpose.

Currently

JASNA's over 4,500 members span all ages and backgrounds across the United States, Canada, and more than a dozen other countries. More than 70 regional groups host local meetings featuring novel discussions, lectures about Austen and the Regency era, teas, picnics, and English country dancing. Members celebrate Jane Austen's birthday on December 16 with special events.

Each autumn, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) brings together several hundred members for a three-day conference featuring lectures by scholars, workshops, exhibits, tours, and a Regency ball.

JASNA publishes two annual journals—Persuasions and Persuasions On-Line—and JASNA News three times yearly. The society also conducts an annual Essay Contest and sponsors occasional tours to England.

JASNA is funded primarily through membership dues and contributions, and provides support to Austen-related sites in England. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, all contributions are tax-deductible.