“We have all a better guide in ourselves, if we would attend to it, than any other person can be.”

Fanny Price, Mansfield Park

 

“How quick come the reasons for approving what we like.”

Persuasion

“Run mad as often as you choose, but do not faint.”

Sophia, Love and Friendship

“I suppose there may be a hundred different ways of being in love.”

Emma Woodhouse, Emma

 

“The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel must be intolerably stupid.”

Henry Tilney, Northanger Abbey

“I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.” 

Elizabeth Bennet on Mr Darcy, Pride and Prejudice

“I wish, as well as everybody else, to be perfectly happy; but like everybody else, it must be in my own way.”

Elinor Dashwood, Sense and Sensibility

Upcoming Events

 

Jane Austen: Frump or Fashionista presentation and regency fashion show

Date: Thursday, April 23, 6:00pm
Location: Rockland Public Library
80 Union Street Rockland, ME 04841

Dee Rieber, regional coordinator of JASNA Maine. will explore Jane’s fashion “sense and sensibility” as evidenced through her personal letters and novels. The talk will be followed by a fashion show of Regency styles. Light refreshments will be provided. Please contact the Rockland Public Library for any questions.

 

Spring Tea by the Sea Winter Harbor

Date: Sunday, May 3rd, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Location: 73 Misty Harbor drive, Winter Harbor, Maine

JASNA Maine Board Member, Merry Post will talk on “Family Dynamics” and influence of birth order in Austen’s Books. Serious “Jane” games will be played. Costumes HIGHLY encouraged! Space is limited, please RSVP to 646-327-1572 (call or text). Please bring a sweet or savory to share!

 

Jane Austen Regency Ball

Date: Saturday, May 23rd, 7:00pm-9:30pm (doors open at 6:30)
Location: 47 Pleasant St, Topsham, ME 04086

Join us for an elegant evening of English Country Dancing called by John Bloom, scrumptious refreshments, and Regency revelry including historic card games.

This is a costume ball; Regency inspired attire is anticipated. Dress to impress, the best dressed guest will be crowned Diamond of the Ball! You can look forward to an entertaining evening with or without English Country Dance experience or a partner to escort you.
Tickets must be purchased in advance, and more information can be found here. JASNA Maine members get a discount; check your email for the discount code!

 

Historic House Tour: General Henry Knox Mansion


Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 10am-3pm
Location: 30 High Street Thomaston, Maine 04861

Montpelier, the grand home of Henry Knox and his wife Lucy Knox, was begun in 1794 along the St. George River in what is now Thomaston, Maine. Designed in detail by Henry as a tribute to Lucy, the house reflected both classical influences and his personal vision, becoming widely admired in its time. The estate supported Knox’s business ventures until his death in 1806; Lucy lived on, but the property eventually declined, was sold in 1854, and demolished in 1871. In 1919, local resident Mary Watts spearheaded efforts to rebuild Montpelier, leading to its reconstruction between 1929 and 1930. Today, the site stands as a museum preserving Knox’s legacy and the history of his era.

Tickets are $10, and there is limited availability. Sign up for the tour here!

 

Summer Picnic by the Sea

Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026, 1-3pm
Location: Dorcas Library, 28 Main St (back yard area)
Prospect Harbor, Maine

The DownEast area of JASNA Maine is hosting a “Summer Picnic by the Sea” event!

Come join us for Croquet, Cards and other Jane Board games with the backdrop of lovely and serene Prospect Harbor. Event takes place in the back yard of Dorcas Library in Prospect Harbor.