Celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday in Greenwood

News Summary

Greenwood, South Carolina, recently celebrated Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with a wonderful event at Lander University. Participants dressed in Regency-era attire, engaged in literary activities, and enjoyed a delightful tea party. Discussions highlighted Austen’s influence on modern culture, while community members forged connections through shared love of literature. The event beautifully showcased the community spirit and appreciation for Austen’s legacy.

Celebrating 250 Years of Charm in Greenwood

Greenwood, South Carolina, was abuzz recently as Lander University threw a spectacular celebration for the beloved Jane Austen, marking her 250th birthday. The event was a delightful nod to the Regency era, where students, faculty, and community members came together to bask in Austen’s literary legacy. What a perfect way to blend history, literature, and community spirit!

Regency Garb and Enthusiastic Celebrations

Attendees got into the spirit of the occasion by donning their best Regency-era attire. Among them were Kikker Eppley and Alexi Noriega, two students who truly embraced Austen’s world. When you looked around, it was like stepping back in time, with flowing gowns and waistcoats creating a stunning backdrop for the afternoon.

The event saw residents from Wesley Commons in Greenwood joining in on the fun. This collaboration between Lander University and the local residential community was a heartwarming aspect of the festivities. It fostered connections, allowing students and community members to mingle and share their love for literature.

Engaging Literary Activities

The celebration was not just about socializing—there were plenty of hands-on activities as well! Guests had the opportunity to experiment with sealing letters using wax, a delightful activity that evoked an authentic historical vibe. This tactile element added a unique twist to the day’s events, letting everyone feel a bit like they had traveled back in time to Austen’s England.

Of course, no birthday celebration would be complete without cake! Zoe Starr found joy in tasting the delicious birthday cake provided by the Department of English and Foreign Language. After all, what’s a birthday without sweet treats?

Thought-Provoking Discussions and Entertainment

Adding a lively touch to the event, English professor Lillian Craton led an engaging discussion on how Jane Austen might have viewed the modern Netflix series “Bridgerton.” This sparked a fun conversation among attendees about how classic literature can find its place in contemporary culture.

The celebration also featured a Regency-era tea party that allowed guests to sip on fine teas and nibble on dainty pastries, channeling the social gatherings of Austen’s time. After some delectable refreshments, everyone settled in for a screening of the film “Emma,” giving attendees a chance to enjoy Austen’s wit and humor through a visual medium.

Literacy Outreach and Community Connections

Virginia Scoggins, an assistant professor of English at Lander, aimed to highlight the importance of literacy outreach through this engaging celebration of one of literature’s greatest icons. It was a chance for people to come together and celebrate reading while having some fun.

Carly Rogers, a senior English major, spoke about how “Pride and Prejudice” inspired her journey into the world of literature and creativity when she was younger. Such personal stories brought a touch of warmth and inspiration to the gathering, showcasing the lasting impact Austen’s work has on readers of all ages.

Bridging the Gap

Several members of the Lander University community noted the significance of this collaboration with Wesley Commons. Former dean of Lander’s School of Nursing, Carol Scales, expressed the value of returning to campus and recognizing the positive changes over the years.

Brittany Cuenin, a senior lecturer of English and director of Lander’s Writing Center, highlighted the importance of forming lasting relationships with community members through literature. Her enthusiasm for building connections through shared reading experiences resonated with everyone present at the celebration.

A Toast to Austen’s Influence

The event proved to be a resounding success in celebrating Jane Austen’s far-reaching influence while bringing the community together around the love of literature and reading. As the day came to a close, participants couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy and appreciation not only for Austen’s literary contributions but also for the connections forged that day in Greenwood.

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HERE Resources

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Lander University Honors Jane Austen with 250th Birthday Celebration

Additional Resources

• Index Journal: Lander University Brings Literature to Life
• Wikipedia: Jane Austen
• Cosmopolitan: The Love of My Afterlife
• Google Search: Jane Austen
• LitHub: On Jane Austen’s Politics of Walking
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Jane Austen
• MovieWeb: Best Performances in Jane Austen Movies
• Google Search: Literary Celebrations
• TV Insider: The Resident Season 7 Updates
• Google Scholar: Jane Austen Literary Impact