A little about why we exist:
On a lazy day in early 2007, after marathoning hours of Jane Austen adaptations, the founding member of the ORS decided she wanted to play dress-up with others like her. So she got up off the sofa, and bought a web domain. She then began to cobble together the rudimentary website, and started dreaming up the ideas for the first ball. That day, the Oregon Regency Society was born.
Since the first event in August of that year, the ORS has grown to include over 300 members, expanded to several chapters, and inspired other groups to form in their own respective states.
The Oregon Regency Society is a wholly not-for-profit organization of like-minded individuals. It is run entirely by volunteer effort. Its primary aim is to unite the groups and individuals dedicated to the appreciation of Jane Austen, Lord Byron, Beau Brummell, groups for English Country and Regency Dance, people that read and write Regency Romance, costumers specializing in Regency garments, Historic reenactors and enthusiasts, Napoleonic and 1812 War reenactors and enthusiasts, Live Action Role Players, (LARP), history students, literature students, Regency era enthusiasts and so much more.
In part, our membership is broad and diverse. Our members come from all walks of life; professionals, homemakers, students, scholars, young and old. Our group embraces civil, polite society, unified by a common love; the Regency Period; enjoying the simple pleasures that our modern lives so infrequently offer to us. Our policy of universal inclusion results in a broad choice of activities, from events and groups that require period-accurate attire to costume-optional events. Our all-inclusive policy is something we stand by with great alacrity. We do not exclude anyone for not having proper costumes at most of our ORS events (some select events may have a costume-requirement). We only ask that for the sake of suspending our disbelief, that participants make as valiant an effort as possible to play the 'part'. We have a slough of members and workshops to help participants perfect their trousseau. We do not expect anyone to adopt a persona or character. If you are interested in pursuing these activities, we can help you find a group connected to our organization that does just that.
We all adore the world that Jane Austen’s winding, brilliantly written tales portray, perhaps romantically but nonetheless appealingly; depicting a time where ladies were ladies, gentlemen were gentlemen, and good society, family connections, grace, wit and romance were treasured—Where the careful attention to dress and detail, the handsome garb of the ladies and gentlemen can be so appealing against our t-shirt and jeans world. It is a world all of our members seek to recreate.
We partake in events, workshops and educational opportunities to broaden our view of this all-too-short period in history. We celebrate the customs and costume of the time, and encourage all of our members to bring their own unique knowledge and skills to the table to share with others. We try to honour the special, historic venues and locations of our state as much as possible. We have a pool of costumers, organizers, history buffs; we even have members who provide lessons in Regency and English Country Dance to help us make our events all the more realistic.
We accept event ideas and efforts from anyone wanting to take part, and are always looking for motivated people with a variety of skills to add to our organization force. Want to become involved? Contact us and let us know.
