Some much needed renovations were recently completed at one of Jacksonville’s oldest homes.
Governor Joseph Duncan, who served as governor of Illinois from 1834 to 1838, had his mansion constructed off State Street between 1833 and 1835.
The house has served several purposes over the decades, including state business meetings and being the executive mansion of Illinois in the 1830s.
Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Brittany Henry says construction on the east-side porch of the mansion wrapped up last week.
“It’s a huge project for the Governor Duncan Association and the DAR, because this is a $30,000 project. People are just really interested in history and I feel the mansion serves that purpose. With the renovation, people are excited to get back in it and see the changes. Not only are there new attendees, but also old, because they want to see the work done,” says Henry.
Henry says the Duncan Mansion had over 1,000 attendees this summer, a record setting number.
“It’s going to look so beautiful in the spring when the grass is up. Right now we are just encouraging people to go by and see the project. It is the community that helped support this. It is because of all their efforts helping us that this project was completed.”
Two organizations keep the Governor Duncan Mansion up and running. The Daughters of American Revolution operate the home and facilitate the tours, which run from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The Governor Duncan Association is in charge of fundraising, which includes the Duncan Gala on December 6th. The evening will feature a three-course meal, live and silent auctions and musical entertainment.
Contact the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau to buy a ticket.