FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Johnathan Campbell
March 19, 2008
(701) 328-9528

VIOLIN DISPLAY HONORING FORMER GOVERNOR AND MRS. LINK
AT FORMER GOVERNORS’ MANSION SITE IN BISMARCK BEGINNING MARCH 24

BISMARCK – The State Historical Society of North Dakota will be displaying at the Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site in Bismarck a violin given to Former Governor Arthur and Grace Link on the occasion of the former governor’s 90th birthday in May 2004.  The violin, commissioned by the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra and created by David Junkt, features artwork reflecting the experiences of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in what is now North Dakota.

The violin can be seen for the first time on display at the mansion during the First Annual Governor Arthur A. Link Fiddle Contest next Monday, March 24 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Violin students from throughout the state will be competing in the afternoon, followed by a winner’s concert at 6 p.m. and a reception at 7 p.m.  The public is invited for all events.

Although they never lived there, the Links have dedicated countless hours to the preservation of the Former Governors’ Mansion over the years.  As a state representative in the Legislative Assembly in 1959, Art Link introduced legislation that saved the mansion from being bulldozed and the lot sold.  As Governor in 1975, he signed a bill that gave the home to the State Historical Society of North Dakota for use as a State Historic Site.  Both Art and Grace Links helped form the Society for the Preservation of the Former Governors’ Mansion, which continues to help the state preserve the site for future generations.  Former Governor Link is also an accomplished fiddle player and enjoyed playing at the Annual Lawn Party each August for many years.

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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