Folger Frost Fair: Emily Dickinson BIrthday Tribute: Celebrating Jane Austen at 250

Folger Frost Fair: Emily Dickinson BIrthday Tribute: Celebrating Jane Austen at 250

English |

Folger Shakespeare Library

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm , Virtual and Folger Theatre

From the Folger:

This year, our annual birthday tribute to American poet Emily Dickinson will also honor English novelist Jane Austen for her 250th birthday.

Noted scholars Martha Nell Smith and Aia Yousef, and contemporary romance author Nikki Payne will discuss the life, work, and legacy of Dickinson and Austen and how they continue to shape writers of today, highlighting well-known passages.

The reading, which is co-sponsored by the Emily Dickinson Museum, will be followed by a book signing in the Great Hall. Emily Dickinson’s famous black cake, based on her own recipe, will also be served.

Please note: Children under the age of 4 are not permitted to attend this event.

Virtual access

Can’t join us in person? Purchase virtual access to a live streaming of the reading.