About us

Beginnings

The Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) was founded in 1979 by Joan Austen-Leigh, Henry G. Burke, and J. David Grey. JASNA’s approximately 4,000 members are of all ages and from diverse walks of life.

The Greater Phoenix Region was formed on January 27, 2012. We have been experiencing steady growth and are confident that we will continue to grow and be enriched by each other and the better understanding of Jane Austen and her work. We have great plans for the future!

Mission

Our mission is to create community and provide a vehicle among the people of the Greater Phoenix area to study, appreciate, understand, and enjoy the works and life of Jane Austen, to reach out to the community through various services, and provide scholarships for Austen-related study and travel.

Lynda Hilton

Regional Coordinator

Lynda has been a member of JASNA since 2000, and previously served as our region’s treasurer. Her favorite Austen is Persuasion. She and her husband Rick have struck a bargain: he will dress in Regency finery for JASNA events, and she will don leathers to ride on the back of his Harley. They live in Scottsdale with their rescued Golden Retrievers.

Our Board

Lynda Hilton, Regional Coordinator

Renie Broderick, Treasurer

Kate Lyon, Membership Correspondence and Recording Secretary

Donna E. (Bella) Bennett, Historian

Gloria Zanella, Events Coordinator

Sherry Moore, Electronic Media

Peg Hesley, Regional Dance Caller

Renee Frost, Central AZ Book Club Leader

Perry Krowne, Northern AZ Book Club Leader

Elizabeth Pickens, Event Prizes

Diane Gorham, Founder

Sandy Bregman, Advisor

Join us!

Membership in JASNA is open to everyone, especially those who have an interest in Jane Austen and her works. We welcome your participation in JASNA’s activities, conferences, and regional groups.

If you’re ready to join, you may do so here!

You are also welcome to come to a few local events before you decide to join.

JASNA Greater Phoenix is a region of The Jane Austen Society of North America. If you’d like more info, please fill out the form below.

Get involved:

If you would like to be placed on our email list, please fill out this form. We promise not to fill your inbox, but keep you abreast of upcoming events which may be of interest to you.

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