September ISHRA Conference: Celia’s World

Dates: Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13
(Extra non-conference day on Star is available for Monday, Sept 14)

Registration will open after January 15, 2026 at www.starisland.org.

Mention 19th C writer Celia Laighton Thaxter to most people and her garden, restored and still thriving on Appledore, is the first thing they think of. Most of us know that she grew up on the Isles of Shoals as the daughter of lighthouse keeper and hotelier Thomas Laighton, proprietor of Appledore House, that she was a famous writer in her day and planted her garden, immortalized by American Impressionist painter Childe Hassam. But who was Celia, really?

From the external environmental forces that shaped her to the family and enduring friendships that sustained her, all served as the inspiration for her literary and artistic expression whether in her prose and poetry, her art and enjoyment of music or simply time spent in her beloved garden. 

Today the works of Celia Thaxter are speaking to new generations – to those seeking out themes of self awareness within one’s environment and the preservation of the natural world as well as gaining a newfound understanding of what life was like for an unconventional literary and artistic woman of the 19th century.  

Join us this September as we take an in depth look at Celia’s world and what made her one of the most celebrated authors and poets of her day. We will be sharing lectures and topics with an international conference involving Celia Thaxter scholars. See more info here: amongthaxtersisles.org.

We are delighted to be joined by Island Historian Ann Beattie, known for her lively and insightful presentations of “all things Shoals”.

As always, there will be ample time to enjoy sitting in the rocking chairs on the porch of the historic Oceanic Hotel overlooking picturesque Gosport Harbor, reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones; and the opportunity to hear wonderful musical offerings from The Chamber Music Conference and Writers in the Round who will be on island with us.