Contributed by Anna MacDonald
The L.M. Montgomery Institute was launched at the University of Prince Edward Island in April of 1993. This Institute has long been a dream of those who study Montgomery's life and works. In establishing this Institute, we wish to pay tribute to Montgomery's achievement and to provide a centre for the
dynamic research that is focussed on her works, career and life.
The Institute has two sections: Research and an English Summer Language program. (I am coordinator of the research section, and Dr. Clare Fawcett, of St. Francis Xavier University, looks after the ESL program.)
Last summer we held our first two major events. The first one, an international symposium entitled L.M. Montgomery and Her Works, drew people from Scotland, Japan, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, and all over the United States and Canada. It was very successful! I knew that Montgomery is famous around the world but I still felt a thrill of excitement and surprise when I received messages, faxes, letters, etc. from places like Hong Kong, Singapore, Finland.
Our first English Summer Language program was also very successful. Sixteen students from Japan spent a month here, improving their English skills by attending classes and some of the many events and activities that take place here in summer. We are looking forward to a larger class next year.
We are now planning our 1995 ESL program and an international conference that will take place here in 1996. This conference is entitled L.M. Montgomery and Canadian Culture.
The Institute is governed by a committee, chaired by Montgomery
scholar Dr. Elizabeth Epperly. (She will assume the presidency of the university this summer.) I could say much more about the Institute, but this post is long enough. Inquiries about Montgomery, the Institute and its programs are welcome. You may contact the Institute at:
University of Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Canada C1A 4P3
Telephone: (902) 628-4346
Facsimile: (902) 566-0420
Email: LMMINST@UPEI.CA
Website: http://www.upei.ca/~lmmi/
