2024 is L.M. Montgomery’s 150th birthday! The L.M. Montgomery Institute (LMMI) at the University of Prince Edward Island is celebrating with 150 tributes – celebratory statements or greetings – that reflect upon personal connections to Montgomery or on an aspect of her life, work, or legacy.
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This week we are celebrating the launch of the L.M. Montgomery Institute in April 1993 with tributes from its founder and some long-term supporters: Elizabeth Epperly, Philip Smith, Rosemary Herbert, and Catherine Callbeck.
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A tribute from the founder of the LMMI, Elizabeth Epperly:
Happy 150th Birthday, oh great inspirer!
I have loved your writing for almost seventy years. You are the reason I came to Canada and then became a Canadian citizen (bless the day). You inspired my mother to be a writer, when she was a little girl in Texas; you inspired my father, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, to see beauty all around. My little sister is named for your Anne. Every day I think about or read your work and try to imagine who you were within and between the lines.
Thank you, thank you for giving me so many reasons and ways to read, to write, to connect with others, and to be.
With love and respect,
Elizabeth Rollins Epperly
Listen to Elizabeth Epperly's tribute here:
Elizabeth Rollins Epperly, founder of the L.M. Montgomery Institute at the University of Prince Edward Island, first woman president of UPEI, Professor Emerita of English, author and editor of books on Montgomery, most recently served as contributing consultant for the Digital Museum Canada www.annemanuscript.ca with Emily Woster, curator. www.elizabethepperly.com
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A tribute from the Chair of the LMMI Committee, Philip Smith:
A boxed set of the first three Anne paperbacks, a present from my sister, contained some of my first chapter books. Growing up in a “farm tourist home” in Millview, PEI, taught me how people, from all over, knew my Island through the work of Montgomery. Decades later, I get to engage with those from around the world who carry out the mission of the L.M. Montgomery Institute in advancing research into, and informed celebration of, Montgomery’s life, works, and cultural influence. Beginning students, emerging and established scholars, fastidious readers, seasoned collectors, people of diverse ages and backgrounds, working independently and together, bringing a spirit of curiosity, generosity, and community. It is such a privilege to witness the passion, commitment, and care of these fine people.
Happy 150th, Maud, and to all who celebrate.
Philip Smith is professor of psychology at the University of Prince Edward Island, where he also serves as Chair of the L.M. Montgomery Institute Committee.
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A tribute from a former member of the LMMI Committee, Rosemary Herbert:
L.M. Montgomery has been a part of my worldview since I first read Anne of Green Gables at age ten. My favourite Montgomery book as a young reader was Anne of the Island, as I loved reading about Anne’s growing independence and adventures while at Redmond. Anne is an inspiration to readers of all ages to be educated, literary, forthright, and kind.
Reading Montgomery as an adult, I was struck by the beautiful descriptions of nature that I had skimmed over when reading as a ten-year-old. I found that the women described in her books reminded me of women I knew while growing up in rural Prince Edward Island. These multitalented women were the backbone of their families and communities.
The image of Montgomery stealing time to write by candlelight in her Cavendish home contrasts sharply with the influence she has had on readers worldwide. Her presence continues to be felt by her devoted readers.
Rosemary Herbert is a former Dean of Nursing at the University of Prince Edward Island School of Nursing (now retired) and former member of the L.M. Montgomery Institute Committee.
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A tribute from a long-time supporter of the LMMI, Catherine Callbeck:
Lucy Maud Montgomery entered my life when I was a young girl. I enjoyed her stories, and the knowledge that a girl from the Island could do great things helped shape my life.
She taught between 1896 and 1897 in a schoolhouse near my hometown, and she and Bedeque strongly influenced each other. My aunt, Louise Callbeck, a missionary who taught in Japan for twenty-one years prior to World War II, used Montgomery’s book Anne of Green Gables as a teaching tool. As Premier and Senator, I have been privileged to support the Emily of New Moon television series in 1996 and to greet Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado of Japan on her 2019 visit.
I was proud to participate in the launch of the L.M. Montgomery Institute 31 years ago, and I am delighted once again to support the Institute as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Montgomery’s birth.
Listen to Catherine Callbeck's tribute here:
The Honourable Catherine Callbeck was the first elected female Premier in Canada and is the only woman to serve as Premier of Prince Edward Island. Callbeck is a member of PEI's famous five – the first and only time in Canadian history that women held the five most influential positions in government. She has also served as a Canadian Senator, a federal Member of Parliament, and the Chancellor of UPEI, and is now Chancellor Emeritus.
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L.M. Montgomery died on 24 April 1942. She would never have predicted the global impact that her life and work would have. Next week we reach out to five continents to celebrate her global impact.