FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Johnathan Campbell
March 18, 2008
(701) 328-9528

SLOTS OPEN FOR CHILDRENS’ TEA AT FORMER GOVERNORS’ MANSION
STATE HISTORIC SITE IN BISMARCK MARCH 29

BISMARCK –Registration slots are still available for children to enjoy an afternoon tea party at the Former Governors’ Mansion Saturday, March 29 at 2 p.m., learning about etiquette, games, music and daily life in the early 1900s.  This unique event is presented for children first grade and older who are accompanied by an adult.  Children are encouraged to wear dress-up clothes and bring a fancy hat as part of the fun.

Having friends over for tea was a popular way to entertain during the time that governors’ families were in residence at the home.  Fancy desserts were often served to guests on fine china.

The tea party is limited to 12 adult-child pairs, and reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. The cost is $5 per person, which includes tea and treats, live music, games and a craft, a short talk, and a stroll around the Former Governors’ Mansion.  For more information or to make a reservation, call Site Supervisor Johnathan Campbell at (701) 328-9528 or email at jcampbell@nd.gov.

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.  Here are the Fridays and Saturdays for each month the site will be open to visitors through the winter hours’ schedule: April 13-14 and May 11-12.  Groups are welcome to schedule a visit to the Former Governors’ Mansion at times other than its regular open hours by calling (701) 328-9528 or email at jcampbell@nd.gov.

The site consists of a large two and one-half story, restored Victorian house, and the restored 1903 carriage house.  Built in 1884, 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.  For schedule information, contact the State Historical Society of North Dakota at (701) 328-2666 or visit the agency’s web site at www.nd.gov/hist.

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