Fall JASNA Meeting Features Field Trip to Andrew Jackson's Hermitage

Since the theme of JASNA's 2015 Annual General Meeting (AGM) is "Living in Jane Austen's World," the program committee thought a trip to Andrew Jackson's Hermitage might complement and enhance the information presented for Middle TN JASNA members.who were able to attend the AGM as well as for others who were unable to make the trip to Louisville in October.

Although Andrew Jackson's "world" on the frontier of Tennessee seems far removed from Jane Austen's "world" in Regency England, their lives overlapped in history as well as in other ways.  Jackson's career as a general in the American Army during the War of 1812 contrasts with Austen's interest in  Britain's Navy during the Napoleonic Wars.  Although Jackson married, he had no children, so his family consisted of adopted children, some of whom were children of relatives.  Likewise, Austen never married, but was extremely close to her nephews and nieces.  Most importantly, Andrew Jackson and Jane Austen were both eloquent writers.  We know about Austen's ironic humor and deep understanding of human foibles in her classic novels, but Andrew Jackson was also a powerful writer and witty raconteur.

We hope that you will attend JASNA's Fall Meeting at Andrew Jackson's Hermitage on Sunday, Oct.18 from 2:00-4:00 pm. 

If you would like to eat a light snack/luncheon prior to the tour, The Kitchen Cafe will be open. Those who wish to eat together can do so @ 1:00 pm. We will meet in the lobby of the Visitor's Center and begin our tour promptly at 2:00 PM.

Cost is $20.00 for General Admission.  
For driving directions to The Hermitage as well as other information, go to the Hermitage Website at: http://thehermitage.com/visit/ or contact Mildred Tilley at: millietilley@gmail.com.

JASNA Members Get "Crafty" at Summer Meeting

Mildred Tilley proudly shows off her newly made Jane Austen collage

Led by expert crafter and JASNA member, Debbie Carrell, JASNA members spent a lovely July afternoon making unique Jane Austen collages using various mediums including:  paint, tissue paper, cloth, ribbon, ink,  rubber stamping, etc.  For those of us who were new to crafting, we were amazed at what we were capable of doing under Debbie's expert tutelage and organization of a plethora of materials.  In addition to enjoying the craft workshop, attendees were treated to wonderful snacks and beverages provided by hostess, Connie Little, at her Franklin-area home situated on a verdant hill that might be the perfect backdrop for a movie re-make of Sense and Sensibility!  Thanks again, Debbie and Connie!!

Tying Turbans in May: Something New for JASNA Members

Tonya Staggs (R) begins to wrap long strands of cloth into

a pretty turban for Andrea Hearn (L)

On May 3, Middle Tennessee JASNA members were introduced not only to the history of turbans as a fashion trend, but also learned techniques for wrapping a number of wonderful turban headpieces for themselves and their friends.  Through a wonderful power point presentation, Tonya Staggs, Education Director at Historic Traveller's Rest, shared numerous slides of turbans throughout history.  In her well-crafted presentation, Ms. Staggs shared examples of turbans of the Regency period like ones Jane Austen may have worn as well as turbans in other historic periods via their representation in beautiful portrait paintings and fashion plates.

  Caroline Davis (L) strikes a pose with Roberta Maguire (Center) and Andrea Hearn (R)

Tonya Staggs puts finishing touches on Anna Groom's turban

Mildred Tilley likes her brown turban fashioned by Betsy Fleetwood

Jo Ann Staples (R) admires Anna Groom's (L) beautiful turban!

A fluffy feather adds the right touch to finish this elegant turban.

Announcing the 2015 Jane Austen Summer Program, Emma at 200! June 18-21, 2015 at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

This year’s 4-day residential symposium will focus on Austen's Emma, in honor of the novel's two-hundredth anniversary. Participants will have the opportunity to hear expert speakers and participate in discussion groups each day, as well as join in a Regency ball, partake in an English tea, and visit special exhibits tailored to the conference. The discussions will consider the novel in its historical context as well as its many afterlives in fiction and film. The Jane Austen Summer Program (JASP) is designed to appeal to established scholars, high school teachers, graduate students, and undergraduate students—anyone with a passion for all things Austen is welcome and encouraged to attend!

For more program information, to see comments and photos from previous programs, or to register, please visit our website janeaustensummer.org. K-12 teachers will also want to visit the website for information on available scholarships and continuing education credits. 

Thanks to the following partners for their continued support: North Carolina Assembly Dancers, Jane Austen Society of North Carolina, UNC-CH Department of English and Comparative Literature, UNC College of Arts and Sciences, The Institute for the Arts and Humanities, The Department of Dramatic Arts, Carolina Performing Arts, UNC Summer School, UNC Friday Center, and Crunkleton’s. 

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Ashley J. King

Coming Soon: JASNA Field Trip to the Frist Center for Houghton Hall Exhibit

You are cordially invited to join JASNA members for a docent-guided

tour of the Houghton Hall exhibit at 

The Frist Museum 

on Thursday evening, March 19.

Those who wish to participate in a "Dutch-treat" dinner prior to the tour 

are encouraged to meet in the cafe at The Frist at 6:00 pm.

The docent-guided tour will begin at 7:00 pm in the lobby of the museum.

Cost is $10.00 per person for the group rate. 

Please let Mildred Tilley know if you plan to attend no later than March 17.  In order to 

get the group rate, Mildred must make one payment for everyone.  She will make this

payment immediately before the tour begins @ 6:45 pm.  You may pay her either by cash or check

prior to 6:45 pm that evening.

This exhibit showcases the art and architecture of Houghton Hall, one of England’s grandest country houses. Located in Norfolk, roughly 100 miles northeast of London, Houghton was built in the early 1700s for Britain’s first prime minister, Sir Robert Walpole (1676–1745).

"Wicked" Lady Susan Presentation Delights Austen Fans

Elegantly attired readers ready to begin (L to R): Debbie Carroll, Roger Moore, Caroline Davis and Andrea Hearn

L to R:  Director Andrea Hearn, Debbie Carroll, Caroline Davis and Roger Moore

On Feb. 8, Middle Tennessee JASNA members were treated to a wonderful dramatic reading of an adaptation of Jane Austen's Lady Susan. An early epistolary novel that Jane Austen never submitted for publication, Lady Susan revolves around the schemes of selfish Lady Susan, a widow who tries to trap the best possible husband while she "carries on" with a married man.  Directed by Vanderbilt professor, Andrea Hearn, Lady Susan came alive through the dramatic interpretations of Caroline Davis (Lady Susan), Debbie Carroll, Roger Moore and Dr. Hearn.  Following the performance at Vanderbilt University's Alumni Hall, a group of 15 audience and cast members continued their Lady Susan revelries at "Cabana" restaurant in Hillsboro Village. 

New Austen-Related Book Features Hampshire Countryside

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Former graphic designer Terry Townsend from England, continues to pursue his passion for literary

landscapes. In his latest book, Jane Austen's Hampshire, Terry takes readers on a tour of the

beautiful and historic countrywhere Jane was born and spent most of her days."  

Jane Austen's Hampshire is published by Halsgrove Press and retails at $28.00.

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