The annual Missouri Colonial Dames 17th Century State Conference was held March 19 at the Hampton Inn and Suites, near the University of Missouri Columbia.Missouri State President Pat Limpus called the meeting to order and invocation was given by State Chaplain Sara Branton.The hostess chapter was the Missouri River Trails with Chapter President JoAnna Dale giving the welcome. Response was given by Second Vice President Anne Sizemore. Honorary State Presdients Pat Horton, Sally Bueno, Freddie Nichols and Fran Black were introduced.Limpus gave a report on her state president project, the support of Camp Hope in Farmington. Camp Hope is a retreat for combat-wounded veterans injured in the global war on terror that offers the nation’s heroes the opportunity to participate in outdoor adventures with dignitity.Chairman reports were given and certificates of award were given by Chairman Margaret Maulin to chapters for their advancement of historical, education, historical preservation and volunteering items and hours to veterans. Veteran Chairman Fran Black collected cookie, brownie and muffin mixes donated by the chapters to take to the Missouri veteran homes.The guest speaker was Dr. Maryellen McVicker of Boonville, who gave a program on barn quilts. Painting large 8-foot by 8-foot quilt squares on vintage barns originated in Ohio, but can be seen in Iowa, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Most of Missouri’s barn quilts are found in Boone County, but can be seen in surrounding counties. Missouri has 51 barns with large quilt squares. Watch the barns in Boone County when you travel Highway 70.A memorial for the Dames who passed away during the year was given by Branton.There are seven chapters of the Missouri Colonial Dames of the 17th Century.Colonial Dames