About the Dante Society of America
The Dante Society of America was founded in 1881 through the leadership of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, James Russell Lowell, and Charles Eliot Norton, who in turn served as its first three presidents. Our mission is to encourage the study and appreciation of the time, life, works, and cultural legacy of Dante Alighieri.
Currently under the leadership of its nineteenth president, Alison Cornish (New York University), the Society publishes the annual journal Dante Studies, sent gratis to all members, and Dante Notes, a digital journal of scholarly notes. It also produces an annual American Dante Bibliography, since 2017 in collaboration with the Società Dantesca Italiana. The Society organizes sessions on Dante at various academic conferences, and an annual symposium and meeting open to the entire membership.
The Society sponsors various prizes and awards for students, high school teachers, and early career researchers. We recognize outstanding contributions from our members through the Presidential Service Awards and Distinguished Service Awards.
The Council, the Society's governing body, elects prominent scholars, especially those outside the United States, as Honorary Members, and recognizes writers and artists whose creative work significantly contributed to the appreciation of Dante as Fellows.
Membership in the Dante Society is open to everyone. Our members include scholars, teachers, and students, and we welcome anyone who loves reading Dante and wants to connect with others to learn more about Dante's life, works, and cultural legacy.