Newly installed State Colonial Dames XVII Century Officers include (l-r): Mrs. Beverly DiThomas, state registrar; Mrs. Henrietta Morton, state historian; and Ms. Mary Charles Armstrong, state librarian. The SC Society Colonial Dames XVII Century held its 2009 State Conference February 20- 21 at the Columbia Clarion Hotel. The organization's 54th annual conference was hosted by the Captain John Chappell Chapter of Columbia, Mrs. Robert P. (Frances) Abbott of Lexington, president. Mrs. Beverly R. DiThomas of Columbia and Ms. Mary Charles Armstrong of Bishopville, both members of the chapter, were installed as state registrar and state librarian respectively for the 2009- 2011 term.

The chapter was presented awards from the society for donations of money and comfort items to E. Roy Stone Jr. Veterans Pavilion at the C.M. Tucker Jr. Nursing Care Center, SCDMH, and WJB Dorn VA Medical Center, and for contributions to the South Carolina State Room at National Headquarters in Washington, DC. Chapter member Mimi B. Sansbury of Columbia was also recognized for automating the holdings in the State Society's Library located in the Camden Archives at Camden.

The Columbia Choral Society, at the invitation of chapter (and choral society) member, Mrs. Nancy Hughes, presented a medley of historical and patriotic songs by American composers at the conference banquet.

The 680- member state society is committed

to preserving historic records, lineages, and sites within SC, fostering interest in colonial research, honoring military veterans of all American wars, and aiding in the education of youth through scholarships and mentoring programs.