Characters to Contemplate

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The year is 1815, and Jane Austen has just returned from a visit to the Prince Regent’s London residence. The honor of this invitation prompts her to reminisce about the events that led the daughter of a country clergyman to a position of such prominence. She shares her thoughts and feelings about her novels and how their publication changed her life for ever.

 The day is March 4th, 1825, and on this day of her husband's inauguration as the 6th president of the United States, Louisa reflects on the events of her tumultuous life in the public eye. From her childhood in England and France, to her adventures as the wife of an American diplomat in Europe where she charmed heads of state from Berlin to St. Petersburg, Louisa’s memories provide a glimpse into international politics during the Age of Revolutions.

The year is 1853: Charlotte has recently published Villette, her third, and most personal, novel.  The remarkable writer reflects on her extraordinary family, unconventional education, and the life-changing experience in Brussels that inspired her most recent novel.  

Learn about the hardships faced by single women in the 19th century who attempt to make a living and, possibly, a name for themselves as authors.

This year is 1804 as Dolley welcomes the audience to a reception at her home and gives them a glimpse into the life of a political hostess in Washington City. Dolley reflects on the adventures that have taken her to the center of society in the capital.

Meet Martha Washington’s granddaughter, Nelly, who offers an insight into the life of George Washington and his family as they move between the largest cities in the young United States, and have a first-hand view as this group of former colonies' struggles to become a nation. Nelly shares her unusual perspective on our first President as her caring grandfather.

It’s 1816, and Louisa Adams invites First Lady Dolley Madison, famous  beauty Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte, and sharp-witted Rosalie Stier Calvert to discuss a new three-volume novel by the author of Pride and Prejudice.  Louisa quickly discovers that with such witty and opinionated ladies gathered in her sitting room, there will be animated conversation enough to fill another three volumes!