August 15, 2008
Dear Fellow Nebraskans:
I would like to invite citizens of our state to join my wife, Sally, and I as we conclude the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Nebraska governor’s residence.
Several special events are planned during the last week of August, beginning Sunday afternoon, Aug. 24 with a reception celebrating the residence being placed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The official plaque will be unveiled and a photo of the governor’s residence will be added to the collection of artwork featured at the residence, courtesy of Omaha artist Lynda Tygart.
These events provide an opportunity for Nebraskans to be part of the 50th anniversary year of this exceptional home. It’s come to be known as the people’s home and Sally and I are delighted to be able to share it with Nebraskans and visitors from around the country and the world.
In addition to Sunday afternoon, the residence will be open for public tours from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 25 and Tuesday, Aug. 26. Speakers are scheduled for 2 p.m. on the public tours.
On Monday, Sally will be joined by other members of Nebraska’s first families to share stories of life at the residence, including: Gov. Charlie Thone; Amy Tiemann Tipton, daughter of Gov. Norbert Tiemann; and Candy Exon Wolf, daughter of the late Gov. Jim Exon.
Members of the Lincoln Doll Club will also attend Monday’s event to unveil the doll styled to reflect Sally’s dress from the 2007 inaugural ball. The doll will be part of a collection housed in the residence’s heritage meeting room. Depicting the attire of governors’ spouses, the collection includes more than 30 figures representing the inaugural ball gowns and fashions of Nebraska’s first ladies. Nebraska’s only First Gentleman to date, Bill Orr, is also represented in the collection in a tuxedo.
Tuesday’s presentation will feature State Capitol Administrator Bob Ripley discussing the construction of the State Capitol, governor’s residence and other areas surrounding the capitol building. The day will also feature bus tours of the historic sites of Nebraska’s capital city. Tours will depart from the residence at the top of the hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Nebraska governor’s residence is located at 1425 H St. in Lincoln, directly south of the State Capitol. All events are open to the public and I encourage you to come and share in these special events.
In 1945, the Legislature approved that a new residence be built to replace the home Nebraska governors had used since 1899. Construction on the Georgian Colonial style home began in 1957 and was completed the following year.
More information on the golden anniversary of the Nebraska Governor’s Residence is available online at http://www.governorsresidence.ne.gov.
We look forward to sharing this milestone with some of the people who have lived in this home, those who have helped renovate and maintain it over the years, and all Nebraskans. Please join us in this celebration.
