FRANKFORT, KY (September 30, 2004) Reputed as the United States’ oldest official executive residence still in use, The Old Governor’s Mansion will re-open for public tours.  Located at 420 High Street, Frankfort, KY, The Mansion will resume public tours, hosted by the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, on Monday, October 4.

“The re-opening of the Old Governor’s Mansion provides another opportunity for visitors to view the beauty and history of the Commonwealth’s Capital City,” said Randy Fiveash, Kentucky Department of Tourism Commissioner.

The Old Governor’s Mansion will be open for public tours on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.  There is no charge to tour the mansion.  The mansion is also available for meetings.  For additional information on tours and meeting space contact the Division of Historic Properties, 502-564-3000.

In the mansion’s early years it was referred to as the “Palace.”  Many United States presidents, Officials of state and dignitaries including Theodore Roosevelt, Andrew Jackson, Louis Philippe of France, Henry Clay, William Jennings Bryan and the Marquis de Lafayette have been visitors at the mansion.

The Old Governor’s Mansion, a federal style home, was built in 1798 and was a first home to Kentucky’s second Governor, James Garrard.  It has withstood fires, neglect and five renovations the most recent completed this year.  The recent renovation and reconstruction project included HVAC, electric and plumbing.  The mansion now reflects the look of a mid 19^th century Kentucky home.

The Old Governor’s Mansion is owned and operated by the Department of Finance, Division of Historic Properties.  The Commerce Cabinet provides staff for the public tours.

The Kentucky Department of Tourism, an agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, exists to promote The Commonwealth as a travel destination, to generate revenue and create jobs for Kentucky’s economy. Tourism is a $9.3 billion business for Kentucky.  It’s the state’s third largest industry and second leading employer.