January 2025 marks the 250th birth anniversary of novelist Jane Austen, and fans — known as "Jane-ites" — are celebrating.
Austen is the author of many popular novels, several of which have been adapted into films: “Pride and Prejudice,” “Sense and Sensibility,” and “Persuasion.”
On Jan. 18, Artifacts of History Bookstore hosted an event honoring Jane Austen's 250th birthday. The event celebrated her legacy by showcasing first editions, rare books, and serving regency era-inspired refreshments.
Fans of Austen gathered — some dressed in period clothing — bonding over their shared love for her novels.
Among those in costume was Roger Howells, who said being the father of four daughters made familiarity with Austen inevitable.
“I have four daughters, so I’ve ended up seeing so many Jane Austen movies,” Howells said.
Charity Ford, curator of the Artifacts of History Bookstore and an avid Jane Austen enthusiast, explained why Austen’s novels remain timeless and meaningful to readers.
“She appeals to so many people in so many ways. For a lot of people, it’s the love stories, humor, social commentary or history,” Ford said.
Ford believes the main reason raiders connect with Austen is her characters.
“People don’t really change. So even, as the decades and the centuries go on — because she is representing people as people — it’s always going to be like, yes, I know exactly someone like this, or even I’m like this,” she said.
Although Austen’s readers never knew her personally, “People loved Jane because they felt she was writing for them,” Ford said.
Austen’s work continues to captivate readers, offering a lens into human nature that feels as fresh today as it did two centuries ago.