Ready Yourselves: Top Ten Ways to Prepare for JASP 2025

Hello, dear Janeites. As you may already know, the Jane Austen Summer Program event is nearly upon us. This year’s experience, which celebrates Jane Austen’s 250 birthday and highlights one of her most beloved works, Sense and Sensibility, will take place starting June 19th, 2025. Those who have cherished Austen’s novels for many years will meet with others who are new to the fandom at the NC History Center at Tryon Palace, located in charming New Bern, North Carolina. Whether you have already purchased your tickets or are contemplating going on this journey, here is a list of guidelines that will help make your preparation for this occasion much more manageable.

Tip Number 10: Treat yourself to an afternoon filled with viewing pleasure by watching one of the many Sense and Sensibility adaptations. Delight in hearing Marianne’s playful laugh or cringe when the dastardly Willoughby breaks her heart. But grant yourself the time to enjoy these movies and the characters who are depicted on-screen.

Tip Number 9: Take a page out of Elinor Dashwood’s book and aim to economize. Create a budget and determine how best to arrange your travel plans. It might not be easy to embark on this excursion to New Bern but think of all the lasting memories you will create when you are able to surround yourself with like-minded friends.

Tip Number 8: If you are like me and you have not the skill to sew your own regency-inspired costume, take time now to order a new frock. If that budget you crafted after following tip number nine will simply not allow for another gown, consider spending your time, rather than your money, seeking out hairstyle options. Many Pinterest boards are devoted to sharing tips for taming your coiffure. So, with a little effort, you might be able to steal the Dashwood sisters’ sense of style.

Tip Number 7: Practice your dance moves. If you have never been to a regency ball, this might be the time to begin training yourself. Sometimes, in Jane Austen’s day, dances could last for a quarter of an hour or more and ladies and gentlemen were expected to exhibit grace and elegance so as not to disgrace their partners. Get into the spirit of the dance by watching videos on YouTube and readying yourself to have your dance card filled.

Tip Number 6: If you’re a member of a book club, share your love of Austen’s works with your best pals. There’s no better time than the present to introduce your friends to one of the world’s most renowned authors. And think of all the joy your recommendations will bring!

Tip Number 5: Throw caution to the wind, much as Marianne Dashwood does, and confess your feelings to your significant other. Even if you have been in love with the same person for ages, and are in a devoted relationship, it cannot hurt to remind your partner of how much you adore them.

Tip Number 4: Read or review Sense and Sensibility. I’m the sort of person who loves re-reading texts because I inevitably find new information with each perusal. But, if you do not have the time to spare, simply skim through Austen’s novel. You will not regret taking the time to reunite with the Dashwood Sisters and their lovable companions.

Tip Number 3: Go for a long walk. Yes, yes, this might seem counterproductive, as we are trying to get ready for a major event here. But—nothing clears the mind and invigorates the spirit quite so well as taking a moment to walk through nature. Do try to avoid the rain though for no one wants to catch a cold.

Tip Number 2: Settle in on the piano bench and practice your concertos. Developing this sense of timing will not only help you when you need to stand up with your partner and dance at the ball, but much like Marianne Dashwood, your performance could very well provide your friends and family members with hours of enjoyment. Not much of a pianist? Simply take a few moments to listen to a bit of classical music. Allow the sounds to transport you to a different era—one in which you might have sat around and listened to others play in person.

Tip Number 1: If you have not already, take a moment to register for JASP 2025. The weekend is packed with activities, lectures, and there are sure to be friendly debates popping up around every corner. So, join in the fun and take your beautiful, most-deserving self to New Bern this June.

Click here to register for JASP 2025.

JASP 2025 is partially supported by a grant from North Carolina Humanities.