Epperly to Headline 2010 Montgomery Conference
Former UPEI president Dr. Elizabeth Rollins (‘Betsy') Epperly, a world-renowned scholar and author on the life and work of L.M. Montgomery, will headline the international conference, 'L.M. Montgomery and the Matter of Nature' running June 23 to 27 at UPEI. Her talk, 'Natural Bridge: L.M. Montgomery and the Architecture of Imaginative Landscapes' promises to be a highlight in four days of discussion and enjoyment of the enduring legacy of the province's best-known writer.
'We are thrilled that Betsy can be such an important part of this event,' says conference co-chair Dr. Jean Mitchell of UPEI. 'Betsy has so much knowledge and passion for Montgomery that people are always eager to hear what she has to say.'
Ever since Epperly helped establish the L.M. Montgomery Institute at UPEI in 1993, its international conference on Montgomery has become an essential focal point for the rapidly-growing field of Montgomery studies. 2010 marks the ninth such conference, and will draw scholars and admirers from across North America and around the world, with presenters from Europe, Australia, Africa, and Asia.
The 2008 Conference attracted some 200 registrants to Charlottetown, and organizers expect a similarly enthusiastic response this year. Besides Epperly's keynote, highlights will include: panel discussions of responses to Montgomery in Asia and Europe; a presentation by Canada Research Chair and leading Montgomery scholar Irene Gammel; and the PEI launch of two publications of recently-rediscovered Montgomery works, The Blythes are Quoted (edited by conference co-chair and LMMI visiting scholar Dr. Benjamin Lefebvre) and Una of the Garden. All are welcome to register, and day and session passes are available for those unable to attend the full conference. For more information and to register, visit lmmontgomery.ca/events/conference2010, e-mail cydennis@upei.ca, or call 902-628-4346.
