"Together the B V M spire and the Hall tower pierce the acropolis skyline like the two projections of a single cathedral." - Gloucesterbook
Our 2026 conference theme is what Bayliss called his city's "Acropolis" - that is, the part of Gloucester’s downtown where its civic, cultural, educational, and religious life has been centered. In the fiction, the names of the institutions are changed, but in real life the “Acropolis” includes Cape Ann Museum, Sawyer Free Library, City Hall, the former Central Grammar, and the Post Office. If you have suggestions for the conference, please email info@jonathanbayliss.org.
Information about the planned walks, talks, and readings will be available in late spring 2026.