GOVERNOR\'S MANSION PRESERVATION FOUNDATION
The Louisiana Governor’s Mansion belongs to the people of our great state and Gov. Edwards and First Lady Donna Edwards are honored to call it home and help preserve its history for those who visit. Built in 1963 by former Gov. Jimmie Davis, the mansion is located in Baton Rouge on Capitol Lake near the State Capitol. It’s designed in the Greek Revival style, which was the dominant style in Louisiana after 1830.
The Governor\’s Mansion Preservation Foundation was started by former First Lady Alice Foster who wanted her legacy to be restoring the mansion into the beauty it deserved. First Lady Edwards committed to carrying on Mrs. Foster’s vision when she learned that the mansion was in need of maintenance. She re-established the non-profit Foundation and an executive board was created to raise the funds to preserve its history and architecture.
The Foundation uses a variety of events to help support the mansion, and the holiday season is one of the favorite times of the year at the Mansion. Every year a new Christmas ornament is unveiled, and this year’s ornament celebrates New Orleans’ 300th Anniversary. There are now 14 official ornaments in the collection, all of which are available for purchase through the Foundation.
The Annual Evening at The Mansion Gala is held each holiday season. Tickets are available for this magical night that celebrates the state’s famous cuisine with a spectacular meal catered by a Louisiana celebrity chef, and the evening is capped off by one of Louisiana’s famed musical performers.
Engraved bricks are available to be placed on the grounds of the mansion to honor family and friends. In addition, First Lady Edwards has designed a beautiful set of state china that was purchased by private individuals and donated to the Governor’s Mansion collection. This historical set contains a design of 18 fleur de lis on the coffee cup representing Louisiana’s place as the 18th state and 64 fleur de lis on the dinner plate representing Louisiana’s 64 parishes. The set was created in a beautiful state blue and gold pattern.
All of these items can be seen and purchased through the governor’s mansion website www.governorsmansion.org or by calling the Executive Director of the foundation, Sandy McClelland at 337-578-4063 or by email gmpfinc@gmail.com.
