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June 15, 2023, Johnson City, Tenn. – On the evening of June 15, 2023, Poetry Society of Tennessee (PST) celebrated its 70th anniversary. Founded in 1953 by a handful of members based in Memphis, Tennessee, today the society’s members hail from across the state and beyond.

The celebration commemorated the society’s June 1953 founding, highlighting founders and first Board members: Raymond McCarty, Charlie W. Sturm, Inez E. Andersen, Cleo John Fox, Margaret B. McCarty, Kenneth L. Beaudoin and Gordon Lockhart. A memorial poetry reading featured member poetry published through the years to honor members who have passed away. Many of these members also served in leadership roles or were named PST Poet Laureate during their lifetime. Current members and friends of the society shared poems and memories as well. PST ended the event with a time capsule ceremony, sealing historic documents and mementos to be opened in 2028 on their 75th anniversary.

PST President Lisa Kamolnick reflected, “How tremendous to celebrate our society’s seven-decade history. We honor the poets who came before us, and we are inspired by their achievements. We commit to building upon their legacy, advancing poets and poetry across Tennessee.” She adds, “We welcome all poets and poetry lovers to join us, and we invite like-minded organizations to contact us to enhance collaboration across the state.”

For more information visit poetrytennessee.org. Contact them at poetrytennessee@gmail.com.