The California State Historic Governor’s Mansion Foundation hosted a “Celebrate the Mansion” open house for media and invited guests on Wednesday evening, June 27. During the event California State Parks Capital District proudly announced that, due to generous corporate partnerships and community support, the Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park (SHP) is now officially off the closure list and will remain open and operating during the 2012-2013 fiscal year (July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013). The official announcement was made by Al Howenstein, California State Historic Governor’s Mansion Foundation Chairman, along with Ruth Coleman, California State Parks Director, Assemblymember Roger Dickinson, John Laird, Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency, and with Governor Jerry Brown in attendance at the open house event on the historic grounds at the Governor’s Mansion SHP.”

The event also included tours of the third floor restoration effort currently underway, period-appropriate living history entertainers roaming throughout the Mansion and historic grounds, and guests enjoying live music by the pool presented by Alta California.

Image by: phil kemp

Image by: phil kemp

Period-appropriate attired attendess added a realistic flair to the event.

Image by: phil kemp Image by: phil kemp Image by: phil kemp A selection of Sacramento's best culinary creations was available for the guests (Image by: phil kemp) Image by: phil kemp Image by: phil kemp

"We applaud the initiative of these community-minded corporate partners, groups and individuals who have stepped up to help keep the Governor's Mansion open for another year," said Ruth Coleman. "The generous support demonstrates the commitment and creativity necessary to preserve our treasured park system during these difficult times.”

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Among the numerous community supporters, Raley’s Family of Fine Stores presented the California State Historic Governor’s Mansion Foundation with a $75,000 check generated through their successful in-store “NickelAid” customer campaign. Also, the Church of Scientology of Sacramento recently contributed $25,000 to the Foundation to aid in the effort. Additionally, a number of other local businesses, groups and individuals have contributed to the cause, including (but not limited to): AECOM, Bosch, Buehler and Buehler Structural Engineers, Joan Grenz Buehler, Burnett and Sons Lumber, Dreyfus and Blackford Architects, Governor’s Mansion Volunteer Docents, Green Acres, Harrison Mahoney and Higgins (HMH), Midtown Business Association, Sacramento Tree Foundation and Sestak Lighting Design.

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The donations come at a pivotal time for the Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park (SHP) and are instrumental in allowing the historic park to remain open and operating while long-term sustainable funding is secured.

While the Governor’s Mansion SHP is officially off the closure list for the coming year, efforts continue to identify long-term sustainable solutions to support the treasured historic park in the future.

Tim Gellinck explains the renovations to the third floor of the Governor's Mansion (Image by: phil kemp)
  Under layers of old paint a painted ceiling of the 'billiard' room was discovered and is now being restored. (Image by: phil kemp)

Image by: phil kemp Image by: phil kemp