Christmas at the Illinois Executive Mansion



Ceremonial State Tree
in Governor's office



This year I was fortunate to be invited to take part in


Looking down from the
top of the spiral
staircase

“Historic Christmas at the Mansion” at the Illinois Executive Mansion in Springfield. 

For this event, the Governor's Mansions features 21 unique trees decorated by staff and volunteers from historic locations and museums from all over Illinois. 

The Hegeler Carus Mansion Tree and the Bishop Hill Tree

Some of the historic sites participating are: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Dana-Thomas House, Old State Capitol, Vachel Lindsay Home, Elijah Iles House, Lincoln Home, Springfield Art Association, Edwards Place, and Pasfield House, all from Springfield.



Tree decorated by
The David Davis Mansion
Bloomington, IL

 Several other historic sites form across the state also participated, including, Lincoln’s New Salem near Petersburg; David Davis Mansion in Bloomington; Governor Duncan Mansion in Jacksonville; Quincy Museum; Hegeler Carus Mansion in LaSalle; Cahokia Mounds in Collinsville; Bishop Hill; Carl Sandburg State Historic Site in Galesburg; Bryant Cottage in Bement; Lincoln Log Cabin near Charleston;  Old Lincoln Courthouse and Museum in Beardstown; and Central Illinois Decorative Artists. 



Dried Hydrangeas from
the gardens accent
the Holiday Decor

 The Executive Mansion trees were decorated by the volunteers November 25, 26 and 28 to prepare for the first public showing on November 29.  Dried materials from the Executive Mansion gardens complement the decorated trees. 



Tree decorated by the
Vachel Lindsey Home

 Governor Pat Quinn greeted visitors during the Executive Mansion Open House on Saturday, December 17 from 3:30 to 5 p.m., and refreshments were provided by the Executive Mansion Association.  

The public is invited to tour the Executive Mansion every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 3:30 p.m., and every Saturday from 9:30 to 11 a.m.  The holiday decorations will be up for viewing through January 7, 2012.