The Betsy-Tacy Society (BTS)

The BTS was established in 1990 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the Betsy-Tacy books written by Maud Hart Lovelace. A timeline of our major activities can be found here.

By the end of the 1980s, most of the Betsy-Tacy books were out of print – and even local interest had waned. In April 1990, a small group of local women met to establish the Betsy-Tacy Society, with the goals of promoting awareness of the beloved series and preserving and protecting the still-existing homes and landmarks that Maud so lovingly depicted. That small group evolved into an organization that now boasts hundreds of members throughout the United States and other countries.

The Society’s earliest activities included mobilizing its members to encourage republication of the out-of-print Betsy-Tacy books and organizing local events focusing on the series’ ties to Mankato. An initial one-page newsletter became a multi-page Journal of the Betsy-Tacy Society, issued biannually. In July 1992, the Society sponsored a Convention to celebrate what would have been Maud Hart Lovelace’s 100th birthday, attended by 350 fans. The author’s daughter, Merian Lovelace Kirchner, was the guest of honor, and noted Minnesota writer Patricia Hampl gave the keynote address. Membership grew rapidly thereafter, and subsequent Conventions were held in 1995, 1997 (the late Elizabeth Riley, editor of the Betsy-Tacy series, was the keynote speaker), and 2002 (with “Tacy’s” granddaughter, Peggy Kirch, sharing memories of her grandmother, Frances Kenney Kirch). Volunteers then stepped in, and volunteer-coordinated Conventions were held in 2009, 2012, and 2018.

Betsy-Tacy Society members were instrumental in supporting the campaign to return the books to print, an effort rewarded in 1993 when HarperCollins reissued the first four titles, followed by the six high school books. In 2000 the publisher reissued the entire series, plus the three long-unavailable companion books Emily of Deep Valley, Carney’s House Party, and Winona’s Pony Cart, with new cover art and forewords by noted Betsy-Tacy fans such as Anna Quindlen and Judy Blume.

In 1995, the Society bought the real-life model for the Kelly family home at 332 Center Street and began restoration efforts. In 2001, the Hart house at 333 Center Street became available and the Society arranged for its purchase (probably saving it from demolition, given its poor condition). Tacy’s House currently serves as the organization’s office and gift shop. Many items from the Hart/Lovelace family are on display in both Houses, including Mrs. Ray’s brass bowl, a clock, a corner cupboard, Maud and Delos’s drop-leaf table, a rocking chair, and Tom Hart’s footstool, along with letters, stories, and articles by Maud and Delos Lovelace. Much-needed repairs to both houses are ongoing, supported by the generous donations of Society members.

You can read our most recent Annual Report here.

Mission Statement

To promote and preserve Maud Hart Lovelace’s legacy and her work, encourage and support literacy, and conserve historic Betsy-Tacy landmarks in Mankato.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the BTS’s governing body. Per our bylaws, each member may serve up to two three-year terms.

Pam DeMarce, President Shelley Harris

Michelle May, Vice President Darcy Kies

Michele Blake, Corresponding Secretary Denise Statham

Jennifer Davis-Kay, Recording Secretary

In addition, a volunteer Advisory Council supports the Board in fulfilling the organization’s mission, programs, and services.

Staff Members

The BTS has two part-time employees: Jennifer Davis-Kay, Membership and Communications Coordinator, and Tanya Lee, Interim Operations Manager. All other work is done by volunteers.

National Literacy Landmark: The Betsy-Tacy Houses

The BTS owns both Maud Hart Lovelace’s (Betsy’s) childhood home and the home of her best friend Frances “Bick” Kenney (Tacy). The BTS has restored both homes to their original turn-of-the-century charm.

In 2010, the childhood homes of Maud Hart Lovelace and Frances Kenney were designated National Literary Landmarks by the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends, and Foundations, a division of the American Library Association.