Wisconsin Governor's Mansion facts for kids
The Executive Residence, often called the Governor's Mansion, is where Wisconsin's governor lives. It is located in Maple Bluff, Wisconsin, a town near the state capital, Madison. The mansion sits on the eastern shore of Lake Mendota. Currently, Governor Tony Evers and his family live there.
This mansion is one of only four governor's homes in the United States that are not inside the state capital city itself. However, they are all still in the same county as the capital. The other three are Drumthwacket in New Jersey, the Ohio Governor's Mansion in Ohio, and the Tennessee Governor's Mansion in Tennessee.
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History of the Governor's Home
When Was the Mansion Built?
Construction of the mansion began in 1920. It was first built as a private home for Carl A. Johnson, a businessman from Madison. Twelve years later, in 1932, a banker named Thomas R. Hefty bought it.
How Did It Become the Governor's Residence?
In 1949, Thomas R. Hefty sold the house to the State of Wisconsin for $47,500. Since then, all Governors of Wisconsin and their families have lived there. Before this, governors lived in a different building called the Old Executive Mansion.
What Does the Mansion Look Like?
The mansion was designed by architect Frank M. Riley from Madison. He designed it in the southern Classical Revival style. The building is made of wood with painted stucco over sandstone. It has three stories and a basement. The total living space is more than 16,000 square feet (1,500 m2), with 34 rooms, 13 bathrooms, and 7 bedrooms. There are also 7 fireplaces.
The property covers about 3.7 acres (15,000 m2) along Lake Mendota. It has 10 main garden areas, including a screened-in gazebo. Winding paths lead down to the lake shore. Many parts of the mansion are still like Carl Johnson first planned them.
Historical Features Inside
You can find several items with Wisconsin history inside the Executive Residence. For example, the wrought-iron fence on the street side of the property is very old. It used to surround the original State Capitol Building.
Visiting the Governor's Mansion
Can the Public Visit?
About 20,000 people visit the Governor's Mansion each year. They come for events like receptions, dinners, meetings, and public tours. There is no cost to visit. Governor Tony Evers is the 15th governor to live in this home.
How to Arrange a Visit
If you have a group of 20 or more people, you need to make a reservation to visit. Please note that public access to the mansion has been limited at times, especially due to events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Solar Power at the Mansion
In 2009, Governor Jim Doyle asked for solar panels to be put on the roof of the mansion. A special board that handles building projects approved this idea. These solar panels help heat the water for the residence, using energy from the sun.
How the Mansion is Managed
Who Looks After the Building?
The State Capitol & Executive Residence Board (SCERB) is in charge of the mansion. This board must approve the yearly budget for maintenance and any big improvements. The SCERB has 16 members, including 7 citizens who are chosen by the governor. Their job is to make sure the Capitol and the Executive Residence are well-maintained.
The people who work at the Residence are part of the Wisconsin Department of Administration. They help manage the building. Also, the Wisconsin Capitol Police have officers guarding the building all year round.
What is the Wisconsin Executive Residence Foundation?
The Wisconsin Executive Residence Foundation is a non-profit group. It raises money to help pay for maintenance and improvements that the state might not cover with tax dollars. This foundation was started in 1964. It was created at the request of Dorothy Knowles, who was the wife of Governor Warren Knowles. She once said the house was "a firetrap" and they were "afraid to move in." After the foundation was created, the mansion had its first major renovation since 1949. The governor's spouse acts as the leader of the foundation's board.
See also
- Old Governor's Mansion (Madison, Wisconsin)
