ELIZABETH MCCLUNDIE BOLTON (1918-1987), better known as Peggy to her family and many friends, was a native of Tennessee and a graduate of Stephens College. She became the wife of Robert H. Bolton, and they had three children and ultimately five grandchildren.

For many years, Mrs. Bolton was a civic and cultural leader in the local, state, and national levels. She was the first president and principal organizer of the Historical Association of Central Louisiana in 1975. In 1977, she established the Alexandria Museum and served as its first president and then as chairperson of its Board of Directors. In 1986, the museum board awarded her the first Elizabeth McClundie Bolton Golden Circle Award for excellence in the arts. She also received a Special Congressional Citation for outstanding service to nation, state, and community, the first recipient even in Louisiana's Eighth Congressional District.

Mrs. Bolton received the Alexandria Junior League award as Outstanding Sustainer; the Harnet Kane Award presented by the New Orleans Chapter of the Landmark Society to the person who has done most for historic betterment in Louisiana; the Historic Preservation Award given by the foundation for Historical Louisiana in Baton Rouge; the Individual Preservationist Award for the Louisiana Preservation Alliance; The Alexandria Civic Award given by the Alexandria Daily Town Talk for outstanding achievement in community service and betterment.

She also served as president of the Louisiana State Museum Board — the first woman and the first non-resident of New Orleans ever to hold the position — and also as a member of the Advisory Council for the New Orleans Museum of Art and of the President's National Council on Historic Preservation.

The following paragraphs are quoted from the resolution approved by the membership of the Historical Association of Central Louisiana on June 11, 1987:

"Whereas, Peggy Bolton additionally served as original founder, board member, and vice president of the Louisiana State Museum Foundation; as the Alexandria Historical and Genealogical Library and Anglo-American Art Museum, LSU-Baton Rouge; received the Alexandria Lions Club Good Citizenship Award; donated two beautiful sculptures by Charles Umlauf to Louisiana College and one by Lyn Emory to Emmanuel Baptist Church, of which she was a loyal member:

"WHEREAS, Peggy Bolton exemplified though years of service and commitment to the cultivation and preservation of that which is beautiful and noble in art, architecture, and history in Central Louisiana and beyond;

"BE IT RESOLVED...that the Board of directors of the Historical Association of Central Louisiana recommends the establishment of an endowment to provide continuing financial support for an annual Elizabeth McClundie Bolton History Lecture which will bear her name in its title, will feature an expert in the field of history, and will be open to the public… The annual history lecture will honor Peggy Bolton while it carries on the work to which she so generously devoted her time, energy and enthusiasm."