Historic sites help state executive mansion deck the halls

[December 03, 2013]  SPRINGFIELD — Thirty historic and museum sites in Illinois are contributing their expertise and artistic flair to create a one-of-a-kind display of holiday decorations at the state executive mansion this December. The public is invited to see the decorations every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday throughout the month.

Free tours of "Historic Christmas at the Mansion" will be available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 3:30 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

In addition, on Dec. 14 the mansion will participate in the Downtown Historic Home Christmas Open House in Springfield from noon to 5 p.m. Volunteers from several historic sites will be in period attire, demonstrating crafts from their era, selling merchandise and serving refreshments.

The exhibit features unique trees decorated by staff and volunteers from places such as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Dana-Thomas House, Elijah Iles House, Lincoln Home, Springfield Art Association-Edwards Place, David Davis Mansion in Bloomington, Gov. Duncan Mansion in Jacksonville, Quincy Museum, Hegeler Carus Mansion in LaSalle, Cahokia Mounds in Collinsville, Bishop Hill State Historic Site, Old Lincoln Courthouse and Museum in Beardstown, and Central Illinois Decorative Artists.

Dried materials from the executive mansion gardens will complement the decorated trees.

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