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Virginia Capitol Connections , Winter 2013 7
For two centuries 54 governors have embraced Virginia’s
Executive Mansion as a home for their families. This year marks
the bicentennial anniversary of the Governor’s Mansion and this is
undoubtedly a cause for commemorative festivities! An atmosphere
of celebration will abound in 2013 as Governor and Mrs. McDonnell
spread the excitement of this historic milestone across the state of
Virginia. This year will include a birthday bash in Capitol Square,
a stunning full-length documentary, premier parties around the
state, and the Governor and First Lady invite you to join them. The
Mansion’s website will be updated with dates, times, and details
(www.executivemansion.virginia.gov).
When Governor Barbour moved into the Mansion in 1813, his
office was located on the first floor, when the house was open for
guests to just walk in and have a seat in the hall while they waited to
meet with the Governor. Often, members of the General Assembly
and Virginia citizens would walk in and make themselves at home.
Whether they had official business with the Governor or just wanted
to help themselves to gin punch that was always available in a punch
bowl.
In the tradition and spirit of the early governors, Governor and
Mrs. McDonnell will welcome all citizens of the Commonwealth to
a 200th birthday party for the Mansion in Capitol Square on March
16, 2013. While there will be no gin punch in the punch bowl like
Governor Barbour served, there will be plenty of opportunities for
celebration with games, military bands, and more. Following the
party will be a movie on the lawn, featuring the full-length Mansion
documentary, First House, produced in partnership with Blue Ridge
PBS and Appeal Production.
The documentary, First House, is a companion piece to the
Mansion’s official book of the bicentennial, First House: Two
Centuries with Virginia’s First Families, written by Mary Theobald
and with an introduction by David Baldacci. It reveals a behind the
scenes, “if the walls could talk” look at what goes on inside the
Executive Mansion. The exciting film also features interviews with
governors, first ladies, employees, and children of past and present
governors—each has a unique story to tell about their time spent in
this historic house.
The Executive Mansion is the only historic home that belongs
to the citizens of Virginia and it is the only historic home that has
been the center of state entertaining for 200 years. The Executive
Mansion is the people’s house and the doors are open to you, so
come for a visit, enjoy the documentary and help us celebrate 200
years of Virginia tradition!
By Sarah Scarbrough
V