JASNA
Founded in 1979, the Jane Austen Society of North America is dedicated to the enjoyment and appreciation of Jane Austen and her writing. JASNA is a nonprofit organization staffed by volunteers, whose mission is to foster among the widest number of readers the study, appreciation, and understanding of Jane Austen’s works, her life, and her genius.
With more than 5,000 members of all ages and from diverse walks of life, JASNA is the largest literary society devoted to Jane Austen. While most of our members live in the United States or Canada, we also have members in more than a dozen other countries.
JASNA – South Central Texas Region
Our local JASNA region, covering the Austin, New Braunfels, and San Antonio areas, was founded in 1994, by devoted Janeite Lynda Chiu. She served at the helm until her passing in January 2013 and was succeeded by Bill Lesso. Lynda laid the foundation for a group passionate about Jane Austen, from fans to scholars, and everything in between. Bill carried on in her footsteps and eventually left the role to Barbara Burnham, who served until 2019. Melinda O’Connell is now the current regional coordinator.
The “Austen in Austin” region seeks to engage fellow Janeites with a shared love of Austen.
JASNA - South Central Texas Region 