Old Governor's Mansion Soiree

press release: The Madison Trust for Historic Preservation (Madison Trust) will host the Old Governor’s Mansion Soirée on October 17, 2019.  The event is a fundraiser benefiting the Madison Trust so that we may continue promoting and supporting Madison’s historic places, neighborhoods and cultural history. Guests will be able to enjoy an array of hors d'oeuvres and beverages while mingling with guests, listening to music and learning more about the history of the recently renovated property. We encourage purchasing tickets in advance as we forsee this event selling out.  Tickets (Members - $50, Non Members - $70) are available at www.eventbrite.com/e/old-governors-mansion-soiree-tickets-71210240747.

This Italianate-style sandstone house at 130 E. Gilman St., was built circa 1855 for Madison businessman (and later Civil War General) Julius T. White. The house had several prominent owners before being bought in 1883 by Wisconsin’s 15th Governor, Jeremiah Rusk. Rusk in turn sold the house to the State of Wisconsin for use as the governor’s residence and it served this role until 1950 when Oscar Rennebohm became the first governor to occupy the current Executive Residence in Maple Bluff. That year the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents bought the East Gilman Street house and renamed it the Knapp House. Through 2012, it was home to a Kohler Foundation fellowship program. Today it welcomes guests as the Governor’s Mansion Inn.

“It’s humbling to think of all of the history that encompasses this home. It comes with a lot of responsibility.” David Waugh, co-owner of the Governor’s Mansion Inn & Café

See event details including the meeting location, parking options and how to purchase tickets at www.madisonpreservation.org/old-governors-mansion-soiree.