Who We Are
The Betsy-Tacy Society was established in 1990 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the Betsy-Tacy books written by Maud Hart Lovelace. That small group evolved into an organization that now boasts more than 700 members (starting at age 5!) throughout the United States and several other countries. Over the years, our members have mobilized to encourage republication of the out-of-print Betsy-Tacy books and protect the still-existing homes and landmarks that Maud so lovingly depicted.
Today, the entire 10-book Betsy-Tacy series is in print (as well as the three long-unavailable companion books Emily of Deep Valley, Carney’s House Party, and Winona’s Pony Cart), and the BTS owns the real-life Betsy and Tacy Houses, which have been restored to their original turn-of-the-century charm. In 2010, the Houses were designated National Literary Landmarks by the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends, and Foundations, a division of the American Library Association.
What We Do
Our mission statement is "to promote and preserve Maud Hart Lovelace's legacy and her work, encourage and support literacy, and conserve historic Betsy-Tacy landmarks in Mankato." Toward that end, we offer a variety of events—both in person at the Betsy-Tacy Houses, and virtually, via Zoom—throughout the year.
The restored Betsy-Tacy Houses are open to the public for tours every Saturday afternoon from May through October. Each year hundreds of visitors from all over the country (and the world) come to Mankato, Minnesota, to visit these homes and the places Maud immortalized in her beloved books.
Our in-person Shop is located within Tacy's House and open to the public on Saturday afternoons, May through October. (We also have an online Shop that's available year-round.)
The BTS has two part-time paid employees. Much of our work is done by volunteers.
