News

Grounds and Gardens Day, Part 2: June 25

Please join us!

When: Wednesday, June 25, 2 p.m.
Where: The Betsy-Tacy Houses, 333 and 332 Center Street, Mankato
Goal: Spread mulch and compost over the newly planted flowers! And assist Tim, our wonderful landscape designer, with other tasks as needed

If you’ve got a wheelbarrow, please bring it.


Thank you! We can't wait to see you – and to see our Houses BLOOM.

The Betsy-Tacy Houses Are Open for Public Tours

Come visit us!

Donation Drive 2025!

We raised $37,006!
Thank you!!

On April 26, we wrapped up our yearly donation drive – to enable us to keep the Betsy-Tacy Houses open and continue the good work we've been doing and also to beautify the grounds and gardens at each House, so the exteriors are as lovely and inviting as the interiors we've worked so hard to restore and maintain. See the 2025 Donor List here.

Everyone who donated $200 or more is listed on our website as a Friend of the Betsy and Tacy Gardens and had the chance to weigh in on what we will plant there.

Thank you for your support!

Do You Remember Your First Time?

The Betsy-Tacy Houses opened for our regular Saturday business hours on May 3, and we would love to add a few more volunteers to our roster. There is simply nothing like seeing someone enter Betsy’s House for the first time – and YOU could be the person who opens the door for them and witnesses this magical moment!

Whether you’re available for a weekly or monthly shift or can volunteer only occasionally, we will gratefully accept the gift of your time.

  • Tour guides: Saturday shifts are from 12:45 to 3:30 p.m., May–October (three total tours). We also need guides for private tours throughout the year. No experience required! Training is provided, we’ll give you a script, and you may shadow an experienced guide until you feel comfortable going solo. 

  • Shop staff: Saturday shifts are from 12:45 to 3:45 p.m., May–October (the Shop is open 1–3:30). Training is provided – and again, you may shadow an experienced worker till you’re comfortable handling things on your own.

To learn more, please call (507) 345-9777 or email us. You can also download our Volunteer Application here.

Our Amazon Wish List

Want to be part of the Betsy-Tacy Houses and support our work in a very concrete and tangible way? Check out our Wish List on Amazon.com and see the various items we’d love to receive. (Many years ago, a member donated a new vacuum to Tacy’s House, and every time she visits she checks to see how “her” vacuum is doing! 🤣) We update this list regularly. Thank you for your support!


—> Looking for older News stories? They can be found here.

Events

The next Betsy-Tacy Convention will be October 10–12, 2025. Find the latest Convention news here:
Website: https://betsy-tacy-convention.square.site/
Facebook: facebook.com/BetsyTacyCon

Have an item to donate to our Silent Auction? Inquire here. Thank you!

Note: “Deep Valley Time” (i.e., Central Time) is our default when listing an event. To be sure that you’ve correctly calculated the time difference for your location, we suggest using an online world clock such as this one.

Featured
“Betsy and Joe” Book Discussion – International Edition!
Jul 12
“Betsy and Joe” Book Discussion – International Edition!

Join us for a closer look at Betsy in Spite of Herself. In an effort to make our book discussions more accessible for our outside–the-U.S. members and friends, this two-hour Zoom discussion begins at 11 a.m. Deep Valley time. Open to all, though best for ages 12 and up. $3 for BTS members; $15 for non-members. Pre-registration is required.

Note: Please register at least 24 hours before the event. If you register the day of the event, we may not see your order in time.


Once you've registered, please email "Jennifer <at> betsy-tacysociety.org" for the Zoom link and discussion questions.

Betsy-Tacy Book Discussion
Jul 13
Betsy-Tacy Book Discussion

Join us for a closer look at Betsy-Tacy, the book that started it all! This 90-minute Zoom discussion begins at 6 p.m. Deep Valley time. Open to all, though best for ages 12 and up. $3 for BTS members; $15 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Once you've registered, please email "Jennifer@betsy-tacysociety.org" for the Zoom link and discussion questions.

Millions of Minnesota Artists Writing Series – Maud Hart Lovelace
Jul 15
Millions of Minnesota Artists Writing Series – Maud Hart Lovelace

Maud Hart Lovelace, born in 1892, published her first Betsy-Tacybook in 1940. In this workshop, local writer (and Betsy-Tacy Society Advisory Council member!) J. Anderson will examine the artist’s history and her work, and use both to motivate individual creativity. The group will spend time together writing and sharing. No preparation is necessary, but come with a notebook, a writing utensil, and a willingness to uncover your most authentic stories.

Tickets are $15/Adults, $10/BECHS Members; pre-registration is encouraged to gauge interest in the series by calling 507-345-5566 or emailing Heather@BlueEarthCountyHistory.com.

Drop-In Writers Lounge – July
Jul 20
Drop-In Writers Lounge – July

Join us for two hours of working quietly in the company of other writers. Participants have noted how much they enjoy this dedicated writing time and how surprisingly productive they are!

This event is free and open to all. Drop in any time!

Note: Pre-registration is required. Once you’ve registered, please email Jennifer for the Zoom link (Jennifer <at> betsy-tacysociety.org).

Millions of Minnesota Artists Writing Series – Wanda Gag
Aug 19
Millions of Minnesota Artists Writing Series – Wanda Gag

Wanda Gag, born in 1893, grew up to write and illustrate Millions of Cats, the oldest American picture book that remains in print.

In this workshop, local writer (and Betsy-Tacy Society Advisory Council member!) J. Anderson will examine the artist’s history and her work, and use both to motivate individual creativity. The group will spend time together writing and sharing. No preparation is necessary, but come with a notebook, a writing utensil, and a willingness to uncover your most authentic stories.

Tickets re $15/Adults, $10/BECHS Members; pre-registration is encouraged to gauge interest in the series by calling 507-345-5566 or emailing Heather@BlueEarthCountyHistory.com.

Drop-In Writers Lounge – August
Aug 19
Drop-In Writers Lounge – August

Each month, we offer a two-hour block for writers to gather via Zoom and have a chance to work quietly on their own while enjoying the fellowship of other writers.

Free and open to all. Pre-registration is required. Once you've registered, please email Jennifer (Jennifer@betsy-tacysociety.org) to get the Zoom link.

Betsy-Tacy and Tib Book Discussion
Aug 24
Betsy-Tacy and Tib Book Discussion

Join us for a closer look at Betsy-Tacy and Tib! This 90-minute Zoom discussion begins at 6 p.m. Deep Valley time. Open to all, though best for ages 12 and up. $3 for BTS members; $15 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Once you've registered, please email "Jennifer@betsy-tacysociety.org" for the Zoom link and discussion questions.

“Big Hill” Book Discussion
Sep 9
“Big Hill” Book Discussion

Join us for a deeper look at Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill. The 90-minute Zoom discussion begins at 6:30 p.m. Deep Valley time. Open to all, though best for ages 12 and up. $3 for BTS members; $15 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Once you’ve registered, please email Jennifer (Jennifer <at> betsy-tacysociety.org) for the Zoom link and discussion questions.