Illinois Governor's Mansion Association

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Springfield, IL
Illinois Governor's Mansion Association

The Illinois Executive Mansion Association is a private, charitable corporation created in 1972. Its non-profit board aims to preserve and oversee the rest.

Nestled between brick-paved streets and just blocks from the State Capitol, the Illinois Executive Mansion has been home to Illinois’ governors since 1855. It is the third-oldest continuously occupied governor’s mansion in the United States. The Illinois Executive Mansion Association is a non-profit board created in 1972 to preserve and oversee the restoration of the building. That mission has nev

er been more urgent and important than it is today. The Illinois Executive Mansion Association is in the planning stages of a major restoration project to preserve the People’s House for future generations. It is impossible to count the number of historical events the mansion has witnessed since it was built in 1855, and it is critical the building be repaired so all Illinoisans have the chance to learn from it now and in the future.

06/21/2026

Happy Father's Day to all the father figures today! Here is a sweet photo of Governor Thompson holding his baby girl, who was born in Springfield, during his term serving as Governor. A child born to a sitting governor had not happened in 72 years and has not happened since.

06/19/2026

Happy Juneteenth! We celebrate freedom for all, honor resilience, and stand against injustice.

06/17/2026

In our ongoing celebration of Dairy Month, we present this 110% historically "accurate" recreation of Governor Green and Director of Agriculture Howard Leonard both raising a glass of the iconic alabaster beverage: milk.

06/15/2026

The Federal One Program employed more than 5000 artists in a range of projects from 1935 to 1942. Artists were encouraged to depict both the struggles and hopes of American life during the Great Depression. They often found inspiration in the rhythms of everyday life and the resilience of ordinary people facing difficult times. Anne Michalov celebrates rural and small-town life in her work, Recess, while Max Kahn captures a quiet domestic moment in Woman Ironing- likely portraying his spouse and fellow artist, Eleanor Coen, in their Old Town apartment in Chicago.

Both of these pieces are included in the Mansion’s "Works People Art" exhibition featured in the 2nd floor gallery. An in-person discussion led by Illinois State Museum Curator of Art Doug Stapleton will take place on the evening of July 29th. The event is free, registration required. https://WPAarttalk.eventbrite.com

06/12/2026

June is National Dairy Month! The lush summertime pastures of June mean plenty of milk production, which is exactly what the Allied Forces of WWII needed in 1942. Since the start of the war, the US sent over a million pounds of cheese and 37 million pounds of dry skim milk overseas to support the front lines. Here, Governor Green and Director of Agriculture Howard Leonard salute Dairy Month by enjoying a glass of milk. Stay tuned for more milk miscellanea from our lactose-laden library!

06/09/2026

Learn more about the Home for the Friendless and a questionable dessert similar to what was enjoyed during a benefit at the Mansion. Recipe below if you are brave enough to try!

1 oz gelatine
½ C cold water
2 C milk
½ C sugar
4 eggs
½ C sugar
ladyfingers
1 ½ C cream
2 t vanilla extract

Bloom gelatine in cold water for 20 minutes. Scald milk, then add 1/4 cup of sugar. Whip eggs and another 1/4 cup of sugar together. Temper eggs with scalded milk, then return to the pot and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick. Strain and chill. Line a springform pan with ladyfingers* and set aside. Whip cream and vanilla until stiff peaks. Fold into chilled custard, then pour into prepared ladyfinger-lined pan. Chill overnight.

*Although not contained in the original recipe, brushing your ladyfingers with whiskey, brandy, or simple syrup is recommended at this point.

06/06/2026

Happy Pride Month! The Illinois Governor’s Mansion is proud to celebrate and continue welcoming the LGBTQ+ community with open arms.

06/02/2026

For more than 170 years, these rooms have witnessed Illinois history unfold. Experience the contrast in views of the East Parlor and adjoining Music Room as they appeared during Governor Altgeld's administration (1893-1897) compared to today — a fascinating glimpse at how the spaces have evolved while preserving their historic character!

05/29/2026

In May of 1885, the Illinois Governor's Mansion hosted a benefit dinner for the Home for the Friendless. Learn a little about the home's origins and stay tuned for a recipe guests enjoyed at the event.

05/25/2026

Every day, we owe gratitude to the brave members of our armed forces. On Memorial Day, we recognize those who made the ultimate sacrifice and honor their loved ones.

Pictured is the Illinois Governor paying respects at Camp Butler National Cemetery in 2019.

Address

410 E Jackson Street
Springfield, IL
62701

Website

http://www.illinoismansion.org/, https://governorsmansion.illinois.gov/

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