Illinois museums and historic sites provide seasonal decorations for governor's mansion

[November 28, 2012]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois executive mansion will feature a historic flair once again this holiday season with decorations provided by Illinois museums and historic sites. The public is invited to see the decorations every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through Dec. 27.

"Historic Christmas at the Mansion" will feature 23 unique trees decorated by staff and volunteers from Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Dana-Thomas House, Old State Capitol, Vachel Lindsay Home, Elijah Iles House, Lincoln Home, Springfield Art Association -- Edwards Place, and Pasfield House, all in Springfield; Lincoln's New Salem near Petersburg; David Davis Mansion in Bloomington; Gov. Duncan Mansion in Jacksonville; Quincy Museum; Hegeler Carus Mansion in LaSalle; Cahokia Mounds in Collinsville; Bishop Hill; Carl Sandburg State Historic Site in Galesburg; Bryant Cottage in Bement; Lincoln Log Cabin near Charleston; Old Lincoln Courthouse and Museum in Beardstown; Mount Pulaski Courthouse; and Central Illinois Decorative Artists.

The trees at the executive mansion were decorated by volunteers Friday, Saturday and Monday to prepare for the first public showing on Tuesday. Dried materials from the executive mansion gardens will complement the decorated trees.

The public is invited to tour the executive mansion on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30-11 a.m. and 2-3:30 p.m., and on Saturdays, 9:30 to 11 a.m.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency]