Jane Austen Society of North America (NS)

The Nova Scotia Region is one of 70 JASNA  regions across Canada and the USA. JASNA was started in New York City in 1979 as a way for fans of Jane Austen to share their interest, knowledge and  high regard for the works of this beloved English author, and there are currently over 5,000 members. JASNA holds an annual conference;  the next one will be held in Montreal, in October 2014, and will focus on Mansfield Park, in celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the inital publication of the novel.

The NS Region was founded in 1982, and as each other region does, unites poeple  with a passion for the writings of Austen - from those who have simply enjoyed reading one or more of the novels, to those who devote their life's work to the scholarly study of the the writings and the world of Jane Austen.  Activites vary from literary discussions, to dramatic readings;  from workshops on period clothing design and construction, to teas; picnics; and meals prepared using  the historical recipes menus that were popular in Austen' s times and writings.  The group's primary focus is to preserve and enhance the understanding  of  Jane Austen's world, and to introduce to it those who have not - as yet - had the chance to experience its romance... and its reality.