JASP 2026 Recap: Pride, Prejudice, and the Pursuit of Happiness
As the last rays of summer give way to the breezy boughs of autumn, I thought it fitting to reminisce on the greatest event of the season: JASP 2026.
From June 11th-14th, the theme “Pride, Prejudice, and the Pursuit of Happiness” enthusiastically came to life through a most-welcoming group of Austen fans, scholars, and readers. Please join me for a stroll down memory lane as I fondly look back on the highlights of JASP 2026!
📷༘ Photography: Rachael Cameron; thank you Rachael for the lovely photos!
Thursday, June 11th
On the first day of JASP, guests arrived and had their choice of activities, from touring the historic Seton Hill grounds, attending a trial of the incorrigible Mr. Wickham—performed by members of Hanna's Town—, and exploring the momentous landmark, Fort Ligonier.
On the first day, JASP attendees also met the Dance Master, Mr. Charles Steplively, and attended the first dance lesson of the program to prepare for the renowned JASP Regency Ball.
Later, we all reconvened for a joyous welcome feast, accompanied by delicious food, drink, and Maria Frawley’s invigorating plenary lecture: "Pride and Prejudice and the Languages of Liberty.”
Friday, June 12th
The second day of JASP kicked off with Kirsten Boswell’s Context Corner "Jane Austen's Revolutionary Novel," followed by the first discussion groups and Elevenses of JASP. Elevenses included coffee, tea, a variety of flavored scones, and delicious clotted cream!
Anne Fertig’s stimulating plenary lecture, titled “Revolutionary Readers: Transatlantic Women and their Books,” rounded off the morning!
After lunch, the day proceeded with an optional Pocket Sewing Workshop, led by the talented Camille Kaszubowski, or an optional dance practice of “the Cotillion,” led by Dance Master Mr. Steplively.
After more terrific dancing during formal dance practice #2, Janeites rested their feet as Juliette Wells roused our minds with her talk “Lively Minds: Pride and Prejudice and Its Legacy,” followed by her Pop-up Museum.
After dinner, we re-convened for an Austen-inspired Evensong, led by the wonderful Master of the Music, Mark Boyle, and accompanied by Una Voce, the Chamber Choir of Seton Hill University.
The night wrapped up perfectly with a film screening and panel of Manydown: A Jane Austen Story, directed by Prerna Ramachandra (right), adapted from Sarah Rose Kearns's play (middle).
Saturday, June 13th
Saturday started with Emma Zuder’s context corner “Natural Rights and Happiness in Pride and Prejudice,” followed by discussion groups and Elevenses (and delicious clotted cream).
After Elevenses, Inger Brodey and Sarah Walton prepared a digital presentation on Jane Austen’s Desk, followed by Michael Kramp’s thought-provoking plenary lecture titled "Political Extremism, Difficult Dialogues, and Pride and Prejudice."
We had a Jane Austen 4 Teachers Workshop and a ball-review dance practice, then a break in the program to ready gowns and tailcoats for the Ball!
The JASP Regency Ball featured refreshments, parlor games, a distinguished procession, and several dances led by Mr. Charles Steplivley. I confess, the ball is one of my favorite parts of JASP. As Miss Bates says in Emma, “It is such a happiness when good people get together—and they always do.”
Sunday, June 14th
Maizie Ferguson—JASP’s beloved registrar—began our last day of JASP with her Context Corner “Marriage Laws + Customs in Georgian England and Early America,” followed by discussion groups and Elevenses, plus a bonus author signing!
Our much-anticipated Adaptations Panel, chaired by the irreplaceable Heather King, concluded the program, featuring: Nellie Downie's "Pursuing Happiness in the Internet Age with the Lizzie Bennett Diaries," Sayre Greenfield and Linda Troost's "Transformations of Pride and Prejudice on the World Stage: Austen Without Words", and Katy Landres's "Fire Island: Uncovering Queer Possibilities in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice."
After JASP successfully wrapped up, Lena Yasutake hosted one last merry gathering—“Jane Austen Spills the Tea”—before Janeites departed on their respective journeys home.
I do declare that JASP 2026 was a most decided success! Pray, share your favorite stories, recollections, and most memorable moments from JASP in the comments, that we might all delight in them together.
If you are as eager as I for more Austen, please join us for JASP 2027. From June 10–13, 2027, we will return to historic Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA, to take up Mansfield Park under the theme "Virtue & Vice." Registration for JASP 2027 will open in the coming months; watch the website for details!
Since 2013, our annual, award-winning symposium has attracted lovers of Jane Austen from all walks of life. Attendees spend four days in person with fellow scholars and fans to explore one topic or novel in greater depth for an unforgettable experience. Your donations help keep pricing as low as possible.
Bravo, Emma! What a lovely, nostalgic read. Simply cannot wait for next year! (: