At the 108th Annual Conference of the international Dickens Fellowship, meeting this year in Chicago, U.S.A., the new Baltimore branch received its charter from the Fellowship founded in London in 1902. The Fellowship's objective as stated then was "to knit together in a common bond of friendship lovers of the great master of humour and pathos, Charles Dickens", to spread the love of humanity, to campaign against those "social evils" that most concerned Dickens, and "to assist in the preservation and purchase of buildings and objects associated with his name or mentioned in his works". In 2005 "an additional objective was introduced - to promote the knowledge and appreciation of his works. This was to reflect the change in emphasis of the Fellowship's activities."
Baltimore Branch members Mary Jane Mallonee and Menalcus Lankford attended the five day conference. Our new charter is pictured below. In Chicago a group from Montreal also received its charter and was welcomed into the international fraternity.
This handsome large scroll is the charter of the new Baltimore branch of the international Dickens Fellowship.
The convention itself included many engaging presentations focused on Dickens's works, life and the continuing interest in identifying sites mentioned in the novels. There were also two dramatic performances of his works and boat, walking and literary tours of Chicago -- and a fun banquet and farewell party in elegant Loyola University buildings on Lake Michigan.
Pictured below is the cover of the Conference brochure.
Pictured below is the cover of the Conference brochure.
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