Maud conference returns to Uxbridge next month
Submitted by Melanie Whitfield
The Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of Ontario (LMMSO) is hosting its biennial conference on Saturday, Oct. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Historic Leaskdale Church.
The theme for this year’s conference is “Vision and Commemoration: The Continuing Legacies of L.M. Montgomery.”
The weekend will feature Canadian and international presenters, a book panel with authors of more recent L.M.M.-related books, a Maud of Leaskdale feature, a gala dinner and more. The keynote speaker is Laura Robinson (Acadia U, CA), the chair of the L.M. Montgomery Institute at the University of Prince Edward Island. Sign ups can be for a part of a day, both days, or attend online. There is an early-bird registration deal for the whole conference plus the gala dinner, if purchased before Sept. 30.
“The conference is for experts, for the general public and all lovers of Lucy Maud Montgomery. We're thrilled to welcome the public to our site for this special event!” says Sharon Andic, an LMMSO board member.
The theme was inspired by a donation to the LMMSO from Wilda Clark’s family, which included a guest book from a July 3, 1965, event that Clark organized. The event was a plaque unveiling ceremony recognizing the manse as a provincial historic site. This provincial recognition of the Leaskdale Manse’s historical importance drew 700 guests, with 385 signing the book.
Clark, the founder of the organization, recognized the site's significance early on and tirelessly advocated at all levels of government to preserve it.
2025 marks the 60th anniversary of that pivotal event; a spark that ignited a vision for the Manse's future, years before broader efforts took shape.
Last year marked the 150th anniversary of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s birthdate. Organizers say that this conference builds on that milestone, honoring her legacy and enduring impact. She has truly reached “that far-off goal of true and honoured fame.” (L.M. Montgomery, The Alpine Path: The Story of My Career)
To learn more about the event and to register, please check out lucymaudmontgomery.ca.