Kentucky State Poetry Society (1965-) | Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives

The Kentucky State Poetry Society (KSPS) grew out of a meeting of the Eastern Kentucky Poetry Society in Ashland, Kentucky in 1965. In 1966 KSPS was accepted by the National Federation of State Poetry Societies. The first annual meeting was at the Henry Clay Hotel in Ashland on October 16, 1967. Since that time the annual meeting has been held during October at various sites in Kentucky. In 1976 Governor Julian Carroll proclaimed October 15th as National Poetry Day.

In 1966 the first Pegasus was printed. At that time the publication consisted of four pages. By 1970 it grew to a much larger periodical and has been issued from two to four times a year. Members also receive a bi-monthly newsletter giving news of publications and various markets for members' poetry.

Membership in KSPS is not restricted to Kentuckians nor is age a barrier. In the early seventies there were over five hundred members.

An annual contest is held each year containing more than thirty categories. In addition a book fair is held each year at B. Dalton Book Store in Oxmoor Center in Louisville. KSPS continues to prosper and grow. The collection of publications generated by members is housed in University Archives at Eastern Kentucky University.