Special Events

Here you are in pursuit only of amusement all day long.”
                                                                                               —Northanger Abbey, Chapter 10

Activities on this page are offered as add-ons to AGM registration at additional cost. For programs included in AGM registration, see the pages for Plenary Speakers, Breakout Sessions, and Special Interest Sessions.

A Regency Murder Mystery

$30 per session; 25 people maximum each session
Session 1: Thursday, Oct. 3, 9:00–11:00 am
Session 2: Thursday, Oct. 3, 2:00–4:00 pm
Session 3: Thursday, Oct. 3, 8:00–10:00 pm
Session 4: Friday, Oct. 4, 8:00–10:00 pm

Unravel the trail of clues to unmask a killer before you find yourself his (or her) next victim! But whom can you trust in this neighborhood of voluntary spies? Participate in this interactive whodunit, designed especially for our AGM, and find yourself plunged into a world of murder, muslin, and the Mysteries of Udolpho. Costumes optional—deductive powers a must!


A Visit with President Jefferson

$20
Thursday, Oct. 3, 7:00-8:00 pm

A sojourn in Williamsburg hardly seems complete without a conversation with one of Colonial Williamsburg’s Nation Builders. Thomas Jefferson was the President of the United States when Jane Austen first submitted her manuscript, Susan, to a publisher, and though he is not known to have read Austen’s works—unlike his cousin, John Marshall—he had many thoughts on education, literature, architecture, gardening, and of course, politics. Hear the renowned Bill Barker interpret Mr. Jefferson in a conversation that would not be out of place if it happened to transpire on Beechen Cliff. Learn more about Bill Barker at his website, http://www.thethomasjefferson.com/about.html.



Crystal Concert—the Glass Armonica

$30
Friday, Oct. 4, 7:00-8:00 pm

An invention of Benjamin Franklin, the glass armonica enjoyed a burst of popularity during the late 18th century when its unique, unearthly sound would have made a fitting accompaniment to Catherine Morland’s novel-reading. Even Mozart and Beethoven wrote for it, but by the 1820s, its star had declined amid rumors that its music summoned the spirits of the dead and brought on madness. Listen to Dean Shostak, one of only a handful of glass armonica players in the world, revive this beautiful instrument and introduce you to a variety of other ways to produce music from glass. Learn more about Dean Shostak at his website, http://www.glassmusic.com/.


Northanger Abbey the Musical

$30 with transportation; 290 people maximum
Friday, Oct. 4, 7:30-10:30 pm

What adventures await our heroine, Catherine Morland, as she leaves the sleepy village of Fullerton for the busy spa town of Bath? Will she be abducted by a villain in a speeding carriage? Will her investigation of Mrs. Tilney’s death reveal murder and everything of the kind? Will her new muslin gown wash well, or will it fray? Join us at the world premier of this new musical, performed by talented local actors and musicians at the Williamsburg Players Theatre. The production sparkles with the wit and beauty of Austen’s language united with memorable melodies, but most of all, it brings to life Austen’s characters with great care and love.

NOTE: Please be ready to meet the buses at the front of the Williamsburg Lodge at 6:45 pm. After the conclusion of the show at 10:30, the buses will stop at the Woodlands before returning to the Lodge. Plan accordingly.

Photo courtesy of Samantha McCarty

Saturday Boxed Lunch

$20

If you wish to be entirely at leisure at midday on Saturday rather than venturing abroad, consider ordering a boxed lunch from the Williamsburg Lodge. The box will include your choice of sandwich (turkey and Swiss, ham and cheddar, or roast beef and provolone) with an apple, potato chips, and bottled water. Find a welcoming courtyard seat and enjoy!

NOTE: We regret that special dietary requirements cannot be accommodated.


Post AGM Tavern Dinner

$65
32 people maximum each seating
Seating 1: Sunday, Oct. 6, 5:15 pm
Seating 2: Sunday, Oct. 6, 7:30 pm

Can’t bear for the AGM to end so soon? Join us on Sunday evening for dinner at the King’s Arms Tavern, just a short walk from the conference site in the Historic Area, where you’ll enjoy atmospheric period surroundings, attentive staff, and strolling musicians with your meal.

NOTE: No transportation is provided, and we regret that special dietary requirements cannot be accommodated.

The menu includes your choice of the following:

Menu Choices

Mrs. Purdie’s Salet: baby iceberg lettuce, heirloom tomato, cucumber, crispy bacon, and blue cheese dressing
OR
Traditional Peanut Soupe: garnished with roasted peanuts and toasted sippets
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Citrus Roasted Game Hen with butternut mash, seasonal vegetables, and citrus pan jus
OR
Whiskey Brined Pork Loin Chop with butternut mash, seasonal vegetables, tart apple compote, and whiskey pork jus
OR
Game Pye Croute: tender venison, duck, and rabbit braised in a rich Port wine sauce with vegetables and bacon lardons put forth under flaky pastry
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Southern Pecan Pie with a Bourbon caramel sauce
OR
American Heritage Chocolate Fudge Cake