The Betsy-Tacy Society

Over the past few weeks I have been working for the Betsy-Tacy Society on a poster featuring the first four books of the classic children's series Betsy-Tacy. The books by local author Maude Hart Lovelace are about growing up, in the early 1900's in the small town of Mankato, Minnesota. Better know to readers as the fictionalized Deep Valley. She based the books on her own childhood memories, included her cherished friendships and the special places that she so loved to visit. The series begins with the book Betsy-Tacy. It introduces us to a five year old Betsy, who we are to fallow, threw the ten book series all the way downtown, to college, over to Europe and in the very last book, her wedding.

I read the first four books as a child and bonded with my dear friend Renata over the fact that we had both read and loved the books. As an adult Renata got involved with the Betsy-Tacy Society and started going to Mankato to volunteer. She invited me to go with her, introducing me to the real houses and settings of these charming story book characters. The BTS was able to purchased and restore the childhood houses of Maud and her friend Frances Kenney, also known as Tacy. With the help of volunteers the houses are open to the public to visit on Saturdays, March-December. Betsy's house is restored as a furnished museum to resemble when Maud (Betsy) lived there from 1892-1906. Tacy's house is open as a gift shop and is also used for presentations and special events. Both houses have artifacts on display including books, scrapbooks, photographs, manuscripts, as well as other items readers will recognize from the books.


Now that you know a little bit about the books and the Betsy-Tacy Society, I can tell you about the poster that I am working on. The poster features the four main books that start the series, taking place when the characters are between the ages of 5-12. The poster is aimed at young readers, hopefully inspiring a lifelong love of reading. I have been drawing designs for the society to choose from and from my sketches they have narrowed it down to three samples. They are currently featuring my posters on their facebook page and are asking fans to come and vote. So please visit and pick which option you like best!

option 1

option 2

option 3

For more information on the Betsy-Tacy books, society, and houses visit the BTS official page at www.betsy-tacysociety.org


To give your vote join in the fun at the BTS facebook page at
www.facebook.com/BetsyTacy