JASNA Pittsburgh

JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY of NORTH AMERICA
Pittsburgh Region

View of the City of Pittsburgh in 1817, from a sketch drawn by Mrs. E.C. Gibson on her wedding tour

About Us

The Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) and its regional groups are dedicated to the appreciation of Jane Austen: her writing, her life, and her legacy.The Pittsburgh region meets six or so times a year in various venues around the city as well as on Zoom. Our events range from formal teas and luncheons with speakers to informal discussions of a moderated topic. We go to movie and play adaptations of her works, have dances, balls, and Regency craft and sewing sessions.Pittsburgh has been an active group in JASNA since the early 1980s. We love Jane Austen!We welcome all those who are interested in Jane Austen, from movie lovers and costume enthusiasts to serious scholars. Come join the fun!Pittsburgh Region team
Regional Coordinator: Allison Thompson
Treasurer: Laura Livingston
Website Design and Manager: Christina Papp

Antique drawing of two women dressed in 18th-century clothing, conversing and laughing

“Both gained considerable amusement,” Mrs. Jennings and Elinor in Sense and Sensibility, illustration by Hugh Thomson, 1896

JASNA National

JASNA’s national website has numerous opportunities for learning, expressing and connecting through a love of Jane Austen.

Are you a young filmmaker?
Amateur filmmakers up to the age of 30 are invited to enter an original short film of 5 minutes or less in JASNA’s annual contest—a creative competition designed to encourage the study, interpretation, and appreciation of Jane Austen among new generations.

Are you interested in Jane Austen films?
Jane Austen’s novels have been adapted for large and small screens since 1938—from faithful period recreations to reinterpretations and modernizations.

Are you a K–12 educator?
JASNA’s Book Box Program is designed to help schools, libraries, and community groups introduce Austen to new generations and diverse readers. Apply for free books tailored to your students’ needs for use in a program of your own design.

About Jane Austen

Jane Austen (1775–1817) is one of England’s foremost novelists. She began writing at a very young age with humorous works intended to entertain family members. Her major works are six novels, four of which were published during her lifetime. The remaining two were published shortly after her death. Other works were published much later.

Major Works

Sense and Sensibility
Published in 1811
Mrs. Dashwood and her three daughters, Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret, are forced to leave their home after Mr. Dashwood dies. When Marianne tumbles down a hill, charming and elegant Willoughby comes to her rescue.Pride and Prejudice
1813
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet need husbands for their five daughters: Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. “Netherfield Park is let at last” and they meet eligible bachelors, Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham.Mansfield Park
1814
Ten-year-old Fanny Price goes to live with her wealthy uncle and aunt, Sir Thomas and Aunt Bertram, at their large country estate. At a disadvantage to her lively cousins, Fanny strives to do right while she carries a secret love in her heart.Emma
1815
“Handsome, clever, and rich,” Emma Woodhouse is matchmaker for friends while determined to remain single to look after her elderly father. Family friend, Mr. Knightley, tries to keep her from causing trouble. Then, she falls in love.Persuasion
Posthumously in 1817
27-year-old Anne Elliot wonders if she will have a second chance at happiness when her true love, Captain Wentworth, returns from years at sea.Northanger Abbey
Posthumously in 1817
Young Catherine Morland, with her love of Gothic novels and very active imagination, looks for evidence of foul play in the country home of her handsome friend, Henry Tilney.

Antique watercolor of back view of Jane Austen seated outdoors gazing into distance

Circa 1805 watercolor of Jane Austen by her sister, Cassandra

Interested in learning more about Jane Austen's life, her works and the movies made from them, and more?Take a look at the JASNA national website for a biography and further reading on Jane Austen's works, her life, modern adaptations, plus links to the Austen Chat podcasts.

Antique print of couples doing country dancing

250 Years of Jane Austen

In 2025, JASNA marked the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth in grand style. Thanks to the creativity, generosity, and enthusiasm of members, volunteers, speakers and partners, JASNA was able to offer a wide-ranging lineup of events and programs in celebration of Austen’s life and legacy.Here are links to some special 250th-birthday articles, videos, photos, radio broadcasts, and podcasts that are available for our continued enjoyment.

Upcoming Events

Events in our area that may be of interest to all fans of Jane Austen and her works, presented by JASNA, JASNA Pittsburgh and occasionally by others.You are welcome to attend most JASNA Pittsburgh events before you become a member of JASNA. To join our mailing list and hear about upcoming events via email, or to ask questions about our events, fill out the form on the Contact page.

Antique print of couples doing country dancing
Photograph of a Jane Austen action figurine with bendable arms, a quill pen and a writing desk

Pride and Prejudice and Popularity
Presented by JASNA Pittsburgh
Saturday, January 10, 2026, 1:00 to 2:00 PM
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh — Downtown
612 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

What makes Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, published in 1813, so beloved? How has it inspired so many movies and spin-off novels? With retellings set in India, Utah, a Muslim community in Toronto, a high school debate team, a Chinese-American family in New York, or a world with dragons, there is a Pride and Prejudice for everyone. Come explore the world of the fandom with JASNA Pittsburgh Regional Coordinator Allison Thompson and learn to read Austen in a new light.This program is a repeat of earlier presentations at Cooper-Siegel Community Library, Cranberry Public Library and CLP Squirrel Hill.

Photograph of a Jane Austen action figurine with bendable arms, a quill pen and a writing desk

“Formed for [an] Elegant and Rational Society”: The History of Persuasions and Persuasions Online with Susan Allen Ford
Presented by JASNA Pittsburgh
Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 7:00 PM
ZoomA Zoom link will be sent out the day before the presentation to e-mail newsletter subscribers. If you’re not already on our e-mail list, send us a request through the form on our Contact page.

In this talk Susan will trace how Persuasions and Persuasions On-Line (JASNA’s journals; the latter is indeed viewable on-line, for free!) developed from humble beginnings in 1979 to the scholarly journals we enjoy and consult today. This history reflects the complexity of JASNA’s growth over the years. Susan will also provide insight into the processes of publication, from submission onward, and she'll highlight some particularly interesting essays that you might have overlooked.Susan Allen Ford has been Editor of Persuasions and Persuasions On-Line since 2006 and is Professor Emerita at Delta State University in Mississippi. She has written on Austen and her contemporaries, the gothic, detective fiction, and Shakespeare. What Jane Austen’s Characters Read (and Why) was published in 2024.  She is now working on a history of JASNA.  She is also on the board of the Jane Austen Collaborative, is a cohost for the Jane Austen & Co. virtual lecture series, is an advisor on the Jane Austen’s Desk project, and has been involved in the Jane Austen Summer Program since its beginning.This talk will be particularly relevant to JASNA Pittsburgh, as our region was formed just a few years after JASNA itself started in 1979.

Photograph of a Jane Austen action figurine with bendable arms, a quill pen and a writing desk

Beginner-friendly English Country Dancing with Allison Thompson
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Friends Meeting House
4836 Ellsworth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213Our own Allison Thompson will be calling this beginner-friendly dance.Interested in English Country Dancing? The Country Dance and Song Society of Pittsburgh runs dances twice a month on Saturdays. No partner necessary. Break for refreshments. Bring indoor shoes to protect the floor.No advance registration necessary. More information:

Watch the Appalachian Folk School doing one of the dances Allison will be calling:

Photograph of a Jane Austen action figurine with bendable arms, a quill pen and a writing desk

Jane Austen Summer Program: “Pride, Prejudice and the Pursuit of Happiness”
June 11–14, 2026
Seton Hill College, Greensburg, PARegistration expected to open in January. Join the JASP 2026 email list:

Marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This year’s Jane Austen Summer Program will be held in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, instead of the usual North Carolina — a great opportunity close to home!The Jane Austen Summer Program is a sister organization to one of our favorite online Jane Austen destinations: Jane Austen & Co., whose online programs have been entertaining and educating us since 2020. All of their past programs are available for viewing online:

Past Events

Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday Celebration and Screening! Pride and Prejudice (1940) with commentary by Linda Troost and Sayre Greenfield
Presented by Harris Theater and JASNA Pittsburgh
Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 8:00 PM
Harris Theater, Downtown Pittsburgh
809 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Jane Austen and vintage movie fans filled the Harris Theater for a birthday screening of the 1940 film version of Pride and Prejudice starring Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier introduced by JASNA Pittsburgh members and Jane Austen scholars Linda Troost and Sayre Greenfield. Harris Theatre served hot tea and festive English sweet treats. After the film, Linda and Sayre led a discussion and answered questions from an engaged audience. (Almost everyone stayed for the discussion!)

Pride and Prejudice and Popularity
Presented by JASNA Pittsburgh
Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 6:00 to 7:00 PM
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh — Squirrel Hill
5801 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217

A group of literature enthusiasts gathered to hear JASNA Pittsburgh Regional Coordinator Allison Thompson present 200-plus years of Pride and Prejudice literary fandom.This program was a repeat of earlier presentations at Cooper-Siegel Community Library and Cranberry Public Library.

Jane Austen’s 250th Potluck Birthday Tea
Presented by JASNA Pittsburgh
Sunday, December 14, 2025, 2:00 PM
Moved to Zoom due to inclement weather

Our local group came together online to wish Jane a Happy Birthday. We shared how many inches of snow we all got, how nice it was to not have to drive or park in the winter weather, and chatted all things Austen to celebrate her 250th birthday.

Jane Austen’s Life, Times, and Legacy
Presented by JASNA Pittsburgh
Saturday, December 13, 2025, 2:00 to 3:00 PM
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh — Main (Oakland)
4400 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15213

A small group of enthusiastic Jane Austen readers gathered to hear JASNA Pittsburgh Regional Coordinator Allison Thompson's insights on Jane Austen’s life and legacy.This program is a repeat of an earlier presentation at Cooper-Siegel Community Library.

Why Isn't Mr. Darcy a Lord? and Other Questions of Etiquette, Inheritance, and Money in Jane Austen's Time
Presented by JASNA Pittsburgh
Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh — Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians (LAMP)
4724 Baum Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Hybrid in-person and virtual event. Register at LAMP website by December 8th at noon to receive Zoom link:

A small group of inquisitive minds attended a talk by JASNA Pittsburgh Regional Coordinator Allison Thompson on the Regency era rules of entails, inheritance, the ranks of the nobility, marriage, and divorce that can be challenging for modern readers of Jane Austen. We gained new insights on details in Austen’s works that help us see her writing in a larger context than romance novels.

Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday Party with Pride and Prejudice and Popularity
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 1:00 to 2:00 PM
Cranberry Public Library
2525 Rochester Rd., Suite 300
Cranberry Township, PA 16066-6499
Program is free but registration is required.

Cranberry Library threw a birthday party for Jane Austen with a raffle for a basket of Jane Austen themed items and another talk by Allison on 200-plus years of Pride and Prejudice literary fandom.This program will be repeated on December 16, 2025 at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Squirrel Hill, and on January 10, 2026, at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Downtown. See listings below.

What Counts As Wild in Austen? with Devoney Looser
Presented by JASNA — JASNA Members only
Sunday, November 9, 2025, 4:00 PM
ZoomNoted Austen scholar Devoney Looser concluded JASNA’s 2025 series of virtual member events with a talk inspired by her new book Wild for Austen (released September 2025). She challenged the long-standing myth of Austen as a quiet, prim spinster and explore the surprising, sometimes sensational dimensions of Austen’s life and legacy — through her writings, her circle, and her cultural afterlife.A fascinating talk that put Devoney’s Wild for Austen book on many holiday gift lists!JASNA members can view a recording of the talk on the JASNA website here:

Read Northanger Abbey with Us, Volume 2: Spooky Houses and Eventual Spouses
Presented by JASNA Pittsburgh
Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 6:00 to 7:30 PM
ZoomJASNA Pittsburgh member Sarah Morgan led another lively discussion on Northanger Abbey, this time focusing on Volume 2 (Chapters 16–31) and the themes of fantasy, family expectations, and love.Sarah encouraged us to learn more by listening to the podcast episode The Thing About Austen on Henry's Great Coat. Find the podcast here:

JASNA Annual General Meeting
Austen at 250: “No check to my genius from beginning to end”
Presented by JASNA — JASNA members only
October 10 to 12, 2025
Baltimore, Maryland1,000 happy Jane Austen fans gathered in person and online at a special AGM to listen, learn, discuss and celebrate the genius in Austen’s writing. A good time was had!Articles and transcripts from some of the presentations are available in Persuasions Journal On-line, here:

Read Northanger Abbey with Us, Volume 1: Literary Frights and Satirical Delights
Presented by JASNA Pittsburgh
Sunday, September 28, 2025, 2:00 to 3:30 PM
ZoomJASNA Pittsburgh member Sarah Morgan led an enthusiastic group of readers through Volume 1 of Northanger Abbey. Our lively discussion focused on the themes of gothic novels, satire, and female friendships.Sarah enhanced our understanding of the novel with a discussion about muslin during the 1790s, as it was described in the podcast episode The Thing About Austen on Mrs. Allen's Muslin with guest Dr. Hilary Davidson. Go here to listen to the podcast:

Jane Austen and Taylor Swift
Presented by JASNA — JASNA members only
Sunday, September 21, 4:00 PM EDT
ZoomJane Austen and Taylor Swift may seem worlds apart — one a 19th-century novelist, the other a 21st-century pop star — but they actually share striking similarities in themes, impact, and style that capture the complexities of society, self-awareness, and love. Online discussion by Professor Rachel Feder (University of Denver), co-author of Taylor Swift By the Book and author of The Darcy Myth) and Melissa Jensen (University of Pennsylvania), who created and teaches a popular new course, Juvenilia, focusing on the early writings of authors, musicians, and artists.JASNA members can view a recording of the talk on the JASNA website here (scroll down):

Wild for Austen: A Rebellious, Subversive, and Untamed Jane with Devoney Looser
Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Andrew Carnegie Free Library in Carnegie, PA
(about 12 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh)
300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA 15106Professor Devoney Looser is on a tour showcasing her just-released book, Wild About Austen: A Rebellious, Subversive, and Untamed Jane. Devoney is a fabulous Austen scholar and an entertaining speaker who played roller derby under the name Stone Cold Jane Austen.Devoney gave this talk again, online in November. JASNA members can view a recording of the talk on the JASNA website here:

Potluck Tea with Jane Austen
Presented by JASNA Pittsburgh
Saturday, August 16, 2025, 3:00 to 5:00 PM
Maple Grove Shelter of Highland Park, Pittsburgh, PA 15206JASNA Pittsburgh members gathered in the shrubbery at Maple Grove for summertime treats, good company, and lively conversation about all things Austen.

Celebrate Jane Austen Part I: Pride and Prejudice and Popularity
Thursday, August 7, 2025, 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Part II: Jane Austen’s Life, Times, and Legacy
Thursday, August 14, 2025, 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Cooper-Siegel Community Library
403 Fox Chapel Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238A group of literature enthusiasts gathered to hear JASNA Pittsburgh Regional Coordinator Allison Thompson present 200-plus years of Pride and Prejudice literary fandom.JASNA Pittsburgh Regional Coordinator Allison Thompson returned to the library for an exploration of Jane Austen’s life.

Extraordinarily Ordinary: Compass Inn During the Regency Era
Saturday, July 19, 2025, 11:00 to 4:00 PM
Sunday, July 20, 2025, 11:00 to 4:00 PM
Compass Inn Museum
1386 Route 30 East, Laughlintown, PA 15655On Saturday, JASNA Pittsburgh members and historical re-enactors Sally and Steve recounted the Lewis & Clark expedition and discussed fashions of 1814. On Sunday, JASNA Pittsburgh members Dewi and Marion demonstrated bobbin (pillow) lace-making and Allison spoke about social dance of the period.

Clueless 30th Anniversary Watch Party
Presented by JASNA — JASNA members only
Saturday July 19, 2025, 3:00 PM EDT
ZoomJASNA members gathered on line to watch the movie Clueless, chat and listen to a Q&A with director and writer Amy Heckerling. Clueless appeared on-screen 30 years ago on July 19, 1995.JASNA members can view a recording of the talk on the JASNA website here (scroll down):

Jane Austen Wrecked My Life Movie Meetup
Sunday, June 1, 2025, 3:00 PM
Harris Theater
809 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222We met at the movies for a screening of this cute, quirky film about an aspiring writer with a lousy love life who lands a Jane Austen Writing Residency in England.

Miss Austen Meetup
Saturday, May 24, 2025, 12 Noon
Bakery Square
6425 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206We had an in-person meet-up at noon to lunch and discuss the recent Masterpiece television series of Gill Hornby’s Miss Austen on Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend.

Review of 2024 JASNA Young Filmmakers’ Contest
January 26, 2025, 1:30 to 3:00 PM
ZoomOur own Sayre Greenfield and Linda Troost, Professors of English at University of Pittsburgh-Greenfield and Washington and Jefferson College, respectively, were judges for the 2024 AGM’s Young Filmmakers’ Contest. With Sayre and Linda we watched some of these short and very creative movies and heard about what they looked for in them as judges and what we liked as viewers.

Membership

JASNA membership is open to everyone interested in the works and life of Jane Austen.To join JASNA Pittsburgh, join JASNA at the national level and list Pittsburgh as your primary region.Membership at the national level includes:

  • JASNA News quarterly newsletter

  • Persuasions annual journal

  • Membership in one or more regional groups

  • Opt-in email subscription to JASNA’s monthly e-bulletin and other announcements

  • Invitation to the Annual General Meeting national conference

  • Advance notice of tours to England tailored for JASNA members

Pittsburgh Region Mailing List

You are welcome to receive our emails and attend most of our events before you become a member of JASNA. To join our mailing list and hear about upcoming events, fill out the form on the Contact page.

Free Student Memberships

In honor of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in 2025, JASNA has a special offer for students. Throughout the year, students are eligible for a free one-year membership. Offer available through December 31, 2025.

Contact Us

Send us a message if you'd like to be added to our mailing list, have questions about our events, or simply to say hello. We would love to hear from you!

Antique painting of woman in a white gown seated at a table writing with a feather quill pen