THE EXECUTIVE MANSION

WELCOME TO THE MANSION Welcome to the New York State Executive Mansion. Since 1875, this house has been a warm and gracious home to New York's Governors and their families. It is a fascinating and historic house - eclectic in style, rich with tradition and filled with the echoes of unique personalities and important events from our State's past. The Executive Mansion is a fitting symbol of the variety and greatness of the Empire State, and we are delighted to be sharing it with you today.
	HISTORY OF THE MANSION The Empire State's Executive Mansion has been home to 29 of New York's Governors and has served as the setting for a wide array of historic events. Three of our Governors - Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt - made the Mansion their home before they became President of the United States. Levi Morton served as our nation's Vice President prior to his election as Governor, and Governors Theodore Roosevelt and Nelson Rockefeller both went on from Albany to serve as Vice President. Although not elected to higher office, Governors Samuel Tilden, Charles Evans Hughes, Alfred E. Smith and Thomas Dewey were their party's nominees for the Presidency. Governor Charles Evans Hughes became Chief Justice of the United States and Governors David Hill, Levi Morton, Herbert Lehman and Averell Harriman held other high government positions.
While living in the Executive Mansion, each Governor has had his own style and created his own traditions. Some were bachelors; many had large families and others had no children. Some Governors used the Mansion for official purposes only, while maintaining their own homes apart from their official residence. For generations, the Mansion has accommodated all Governors with grace and comfort, and it has become an important part of the Empire State's cultural, architectural and political history.
	The Executive Mansion Preservation Society was created in the early 1980's and during the 1990s donations from the private sector were obtained to restore and continue the preservation of the Mansion. The kitchen was renovated, windows were repaired or replaced and central air conditioning was added to provide climate-controlled protection of important furnishings and artwork. Philanthropist Brooke Astor generously donated the funds for the Governors' Memorabilia Room and the renovated kitchen, and prominent New York designers Mark Hampton and Stanley Hura were retained to help redecorate the Mansion with appropriate style and grace. The Mansion is maintained on an ongoing basis by the New York State Office of General Services.
The grounds surrounding the Executive Mansion are also part of the history of the house. The flowers in front of the Mansion are a variety of roses known as "New Yorkers," and other flowers from around the State are grown throughout the property’s five acres. There is also a special tradition of planting commemorative trees on the grounds. The weeping elm in back of the house was planted by Governor Charles Whitman to commemorate the birth of his son, and the sugar maple to the right of the house was planted by President Harry Truman and Governor Averell Harriman on the first Arbor Day, April 25, 1958. The grove of New York State apple trees was planted by Governor Hugh Carey to mark his family's stay in the Mansion.

	On the grounds to the rear of the Mansion is the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Pool. It was built in 1929 but later covered over when the building in which it was located was transformed into a greenhouse. Governor and Mrs. Mario Cuomo restored the Roosevelt pool for all visitors to view as part of the free public tours of the mansion. Lined with plain green and white tiles, the swimming pool remains a symbol of Governor Roosevelt's determination to overcome his debilitating physical handicap.
After a fire in 1961 devastated the first floor of the Executive Mansion, Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller helped oversee the building's rehabilitation and restoration. Governor Rockefeller also made a personal gift of the Mansion’s tennis courts.
	Perched on a hill above the majestic Hudson, the Executive Mansion’s traditional Victorian lines stand in marked contrast to the modern architecture of the Empire State Plaza. Both the Mansion and the Plaza reflect the complex and multi-dimensional character of New York – a State that possesses both small town charm and urban grandeur... a place that is steeped in history and tradition, but which always looks boldly toward a bright and exciting future. The Executive Mansion is both a monument and a home, a living part of our history, to be enjoyed by all New Yorkers. Members of the public are encouraged to visit the Mansion, and tours can be arranged by contacting (518) 473-7521.