FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Johnathan Campbell
October 2, 2009
(701) 328-9528
BISMARCK – A special open house for the public will be held at the Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site in Bismarck celebrating the 125th anniversary of the mansion’s construction. The open house will be held Wednesday, October 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Coffee, tea and sweets will be available for visitors to enjoy as they tour the mansion. Visitors will also be able to sign up for a drawing for a free hosted tea at the mansion for up to 24 people.
The mansion was constructed in 1884 by Bismarck contractor Justice O. Grout for businessman Asa Fisher. Fisher, who came from Boston, homesteaded in the area in 1872. He built a successful wholesale liquor business, started a bank, and was the agent for the land department as well. In 1884, he had the mansion built for his family. They lived in it until 1893, when Fisher sold it to the State of North Dakota for use as its executive mansion. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Cripple Creek, Colorado, where he started a new liquor business and ventured into mining.
The Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site is located at the corner of Fourth Street and Avenue B in Bismarck. It is managed by the state’s history agency, the State Historical Society of North Dakota. The site consists of a large two and one-half story, restored Victorian house, and restored 1903 carriage house. It housed 20 chief executives of North Dakota between 1893 and 1960. Unique exhibits feature the restoration process, architectural style changes and furniture used by several governors. The beautiful grounds feature many examples of the types of flowers typical of the Victorian era.
The Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site is open year-round. Its winter hours, now in place through May 15, are the second Friday and Saturday of each month, from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Groups are welcome to schedule a visit to the Former Governors’ Mansion at times other than its regular open hours by calling Site Supervisor Johnathan Campbell at (701) 328-9528 or email at jcampbell@nd.gov.
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Address:
612 East Boulevard Ave.
Bismarck, North Dakota 58505
Get Directions
Hours:
Exhibit galleries and Museum Store: 8am - 5pm M-F; Sat. & Sun. 10am - 5pm.
State Archives: 8am - 4:30pm., M-F, except legal holidays, and 2nd Sat. of each month, 10am - 4:30 pm.
State Historical Society offices: 8am - 5pm M-F, except legal holidays.
Contact Us:
phone: (701) 328-2666
fax: (701) 328-3710
email: histsoc@nd.gov
