The Continuing Legacies of L.M. Montgomery

Corey Johnston-Flanagan, Site Manager and Curator, Leaskdale Manse National Historic Site

UXBRIDGE: The Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of Ontario (LMMSO) will be hosting their biannual conference, taking place on Saturday, October 25th and Sunday, October 26th, at the Historic Leaskdale Church. T

he theme for this year 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), who is 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 September 30th.

“The goal of this conference is to bring together anyone interested in L.M. Montgomery or those simply wanting to learn more about her. It offers a wide range of voices, including Canadian and international participants, academic scholars and passionate researchers working from home. We're thrilled to welcome the public to our site for this special event!” said Corey Johnston-Flanagan, Site Manager and Curator of the Leaskdale Manse NHS.

The theme was inspired by a donation to the LMMSO, from Wilda Clark’s family, which included a guest book from a July 3rd, 1965 event she organized. This provincial recognition of the Leaskdale Manse’s historical importance drew 700 guests, with 385 signing the book.

Wilda Clark, 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 which was the spark igniting a vision for the Manse's future, years before broader efforts took shape.

The world has just finished celebrating the 150th anniversary of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s birth date. This was a commemoration like no other befitting this remarkable literary figure. This conference builds on that celebration, honouring 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.