Special Events
The event, however, was most joyful, and every day was giving her fresh reason for thinking so.
The deadline to add or cancel a special event is September 27.
No refunds will be given after that date, nor can new events be added.
We have called upon local and more distant talents to create a schedule of particularly joyful events. Many of these events are at the AGM Hotel, the JW Marriott. Others are a short distance away. Please read information on travel and accessibility carefully.
Dining with Jane Austen, Presentation with Tastings
Wednesday, October 19, 12:30-1:30 pm, $25
Location: JW Marriott
Noted food historian and foodways consultant Joyce White has created a program just for us, focusing on the types of food that would have been on Jane Austen’s table. She notes that “Emma is a great book for food references, if you don’t mind Mr. Woodhouse making you feel bad about eating anything remotely tasty!” Her illustrated presentation will include historic information and tastes of some period foods.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: A History of Sugar and Dessert, Presentation with Tastings
Wednesday, October 19, 2:00-3:00 pm, $25
Location: JW Marriott
Learn about the history of sugar in its many forms, from Muscovado to Lisbon to Loaf. An interactive presentation will review how sugar has evolved over time and how it has been used for medicinal, culinary, and decorative purposes. Tastings of historic recipes will follow. Joyce is a popular presenter on everyone’s favorite topics—food and drink—in Maryland, Washington, and Northern Virginia, and works closely with three of the historic houses on our list of tour stops: Riversdale, Dumbarton House, and Homewood.
Tour and Tea at the National Cathedral, #1
Wednesday, October 19 (repeats October 25), 1:30-4:00 pm, $45
Location: Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW
Transportation not provided.
The National Cathedral is 20 minutes by cab; 40 minutes by public transportation/walking.
Fully accessible; wheelchairs available on site.
Tea in the Observation Gallery
Constructed in Indiana limestone and displaying the work of master craftsmen in stone, glass, metal, and wood, the National Cathedral is a vision of England in America and a spiritual resource for people of all faiths. Enjoy an in-depth, docent-led Cathedral tour followed by traditional English tea with sandwiches, scones, and sweets. The tea is served in the observation gallery of the Cathedral tower, offering breathtaking views of Washington and beyond. Before or after the tour, you may walk in the Cathedral gardens, visit the shop, or stay for Choral Evensong.
Special Visit to Historic Costume Exhibit at the Museum of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Chat with the Curator
Wednesday, October 19, entry between 2:00 and 3:00 pm; FREE
but timed entry tickets are required for this afternoon only.
Location: DAR Museum, 1776 D Street NW
Transportation not provided.
Approximately 5 minutes by cab; 12-minute walk. Small elevator, accessible with assistance.
The Museum of the DAR presents “‘An Agreeable Tyrant’: Fashion after the American Revolution,"” featuring clothing and accessories of Austen’s lifetime, drawn from its extensive collections and displayed in 13 period rooms within the museum. On this afternoon only, visitors will enjoy a chat with Alden O’Brien, Curator of Costume and Textiles, and get an exclusive, up-close view of additional garments not in the exhibition. The exhibition runs throughout the AGM; timed tickets are required for entry this afternoon only.
“I must leave off being young”: Jane Austen in 1816
Luncheon, Thursday, October 20, 12:00-1:30 pm, $65
Location: JW Marriott
Maggie Lane
Many of us count ourselves lucky to be growing older (considering the alternative) with such a companion and guide as Jane Austen. At this special luncheon, you will gain insights into the challenges and joys of Jane’s last full year, and the depiction of the aging process in her mature fiction.
Angela Barlow
At the beginning of 1816, Jane Austen was at the height of her powers, with her new novel (Emma) published by the prestigious firm John Murray and work on a sixth novel (Persuasion) progressing nicely. By the end of the year, things were not looking so rosy for her. Maggie Lane and Angela Barlow will lead us to a greater understanding of the highs and lows of this last full year of Jane Austen’s life, including the confidence of the mature writer, royal recognition, family worries, and failing heath. Maggie is unable to join us this year, but has prepared her friend and countrywoman, well-known author and presenter Hazel Jones, to deliver her part of the presentation, and British actress Angela Barlow will give dramatic voice to Jane Austen during this can’t-miss lecture/performance.
Maggie Lane is the author of Growing Older with Jane Austen (Robert Hale, 2014) among other books about Jane Austen. She is Editor of the Annual Report of the Jane Austen Society UK and has spoken at several JASNA AGMs. British actress Angela Barlow has been working in theatre, television and radio for forty years. Among Janeites, she is known for fascinating performances at JASNA AGMs, regional events, and Jane Austen Regency Week in the UK.
Dove of Peace on Mount Vernon’s cupola
Mount Vernon Evening Dinner and Tour
Thursday, October 20, 4:30-10:00 pm, $145
Bus transportation and dinner included.
Bus steps; upper floor of mansion accessible by stairs only.
Wear your finest bonnet or your favorite jeans (or both!) for our private evening visit to the iconic home of George and Martha Washington, located on the Potomac River in Virginia. Dinner at the Mount Vernon Inn will be followed by a tour of the mansion and time to visit the museum galleries and the tempting shop. Inside the 21-room mansion, wall colors, architectural details, and elegant furnishings have been meticulously restored to their appearance in 1799, as selected by the Washingtons themselves. In the museum, jewels, portraits, silver, weapons, and over 500 other artifacts give an unprecedented insight into the possessions and lifestyles of the Washington family. Over a million people visit each year, but AGM visitors will have exclusive access to Mount Vernon during this special evening.
Curtain Raiser: “Emma is Presented in Washington City” Play
Thursday, October 20, 7:45-9:00 pm, $20
Location: JW Marriott
Wait—Emma went to Washington? Sadly for her, no—but the book about her certainly did! Join us to see what happens at a fictional “Jane Austen book club” of the Federal era, written by Laura Rocklyn. It’s 1816, and Louisa (Mrs. John Quincy) Adams invites First Lady Dolley Madison, famous (and notorious) beauty Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte, and sharp-witted Rosalie Stier Calvert to discuss a new three-volume novel by the author of Pride and Prejudice. Louisa quickly discovers that with such witty and opinionated ladies gathered in her sitting room, there will be animated conversation enough to fill another three volumes! Starring noted historical interpreters from Washington and Williamsburg, this is an evening that is sure to give you new ways to think about Emma and about the notable figures of early Washington. At the conclusion of the play, audience members may ask questions of the actors, all of whom are experts in the lives of their historical characters.
The cast includes Laura Rocklyn and Leigh Jameson, Renata Plecha, and Ty Hallmark. Erin Bone Steel directs the play.
 Laura Rocklyn |
 Leigh Jameson |
 Renata Plecha |
 Ty Hallmark |
Ensemble Musica Humana presents A Salon Concert at Hartfield
Friday evening, October 21, 8:15-9:45 pm, $20
Location: JW Marriott
The historically informed performers of Ensemble Musica Humana invite you to an English salon concert to hear a selection of Regency-era music on original instruments, including an 1809 Broadwood square fortepiano. The program will include music mentioned in Jane Austen’s Emma as well as pieces from Austen’s own collection.
Historical flute specialist Lidia Chang will guide the audience through the concert with explanations of the instruments, music selections, and musical life in Austen’s England. Lidia presented a breakout session in Louisville on “Keyboards and Courtship” to great acclaim. She will be joined by Corrine Byrne, soprano, and Patrick Jones on fortepiano.
Play and Reception: Sense and Sensibility at the Folger Theatre
Sunday matinee, October 23, 2:00-5:00 pm; $120
Location: Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street, SE
Transportation not provided.
Approximately 14 minutes by cab; 20 minutes by public transportation/walking.
Please email jasna2016agm@gmail.com in advance if you need an
assisted listening device, wheelchair space, or seat that is accessible without stairs.
(Includes general-admission play ticket and an elegant reception with wine, soft drinks, and hors d’oeuvres from one of Washington’s leading caterers.)
Folger Theatre
Even Miss Woodhouse would welcome a chance to see a play about someone else’s problems. The world-famous Folger Theatre will be the ideal place to enjoy an acclaimed new adaptation by Kate Hamill, directed by Eric Tucker. This is the team behind the New York production that caused a sensation and was a New York Times Critic’s Pick. The play will be staged in the Folger’s beautiful and intimate Elizabethan theatre.
In addition to its unparalleled Shakespeare collection, the Folger is an architectural jewel, with Elizabethan, Art Deco, and Neoclassical elements earning it a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
A delightful wine-and-hors d’oeuvres reception (provided by one of the city’s most sought-after caterers) will follow, allowing the audience to tour the museum, chat with friends, and visit the exciting Will & Jane exhibition.
Tour and Tea at Dumbarton House
Monday, October 24, 9:00-11:30 am, $45
Location: Dumbarton House, 2715 Q St., NW
Transportation not provided.
Approximately 20 minutes by cab; 28 minutes by public transportation/walking.
Accessible; elevator to all levels.
Dumbarton House
Dumbarton House, built c. 1800, offers guests a unique opportunity to view one of the finest examples of Federal period architecture in the U.S., along with impressive furniture and decorative arts collections. In a tour just for JASNA, “Dolley Madison” will describe the house and life in the earliest days of our nation’s capital, then welcome visitors to morning tea. After the tour and tea, you may wish to explore the architecture of Georgetown, shop in its boutiques, or visit another historic site in the area.
Tour and Tea at the National Cathedral, #2
Tuesday, October 25, 1:30-4:00 pm, $45
Location: Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW
Transportation not provided.
Approximately 20 minutes by cab; 40 minutes by public transportation/walking.
Fully accessible; wheelchairs available on site.
Washington National Cathedral
Constructed in Indiana limestone and displaying the work of master craftsmen in stone, glass, metal, and wood, the National Cathedral is a vision of England in America and a spiritual resource for people of all faiths. Enjoy an in-depth, docent-led Cathedral tour followed by traditional English tea with sandwiches, scones, and sweets. The tea is served in the observation gallery of the Cathedral tower, offering breathtaking views of Washington and beyond. Before or after the tour, you may walk in the Cathedral gardens, visit the shop, or stay for Choral Evensong.