About the mansion
Designed by architect Alexander Parris in the Federal style, the mansion sits close to the site of a modest frame structure that served as the home to Virginia’s governors after the capital moved from Williamsburg to Richmond in 1780.
The mansion’s original grounds included a separate cookhouse, smokehouse, stable, ice house, carriage and cannon houses. Three of these original buildings remain today including the main house, cookhouse and the carriage house. Today, the mansion also includes private living quarters for the First Family.
This mansion is both a Virginia and a National Historic Landmark, and has had a number of successive renovations and expansions during the 20th century.
The Mansion has hosted a wide range of dignitaries including HRH The Prince Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later became King Edward VII); Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; President Rutherford B. Hayes, President Theodore Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Charles Lindbergh and President Barack Obama.
The mansion is located within the historic gates of Capitol Square, a park-like area that includes the State Capitol building, The Bell Tower, Patrick Henry Office Building, Old City Hall, and various monuments.
Virginia’s First Family, January 2018
Come join the Executive Mansion during the Holidays as we celebrate Children and Families.
Each year the Christmas Tree Growers Association of Virginia selects one farm to present the Executive Mansion with a tree. This year Valley Star Farm was selected located in Luray, Virginia, a family farm that began in the 1950’s. The Mansion’s largest tree is just over is a Fraser Fir that is just over 10 feet tall and took 11 years to grow and has over 2000 LED lights on it.
Citizen Advisory Council
The Citizens’ Advisory Council on Furnishing and Interpreting the Executive Mansion (CAC) was formed during the administration of the 61st Governor of the Commonwealth, Linwood Holton. Since its founding, the members of the CAC have worked with the First Ladies of Virginia to select the furnishings for the Executive Mansion.
Roles and Responsibilities Learn More
Those interested in being considered as a member of the CAC should submit their credentials via the Secretary of the Commonwealth Web Site.
Current Members of the Citizen Advisory Council
Pamela Northam, Honorary Chairwomen
Jane Plum, Chair of the CAC
Appointed by the Governor with Term Expiration
| Beverly B. Davis | 3/31/19 |
| Bob Brink | 3/31/21 |
| Bryan Clark Green | 3/31/21 |
| Christy Coleman | 3/31/21 |
| Cynthia H. Conner | 3/31/19 |
| Eileen Lee | 3/31/21 |
| James Howard Schuyler | 3/31/21 |
| Jane Meacham Plum | 3/31/19 |
| Justin Reid | 3/31/21 |
| Kathleen Kilpatrick | 12/14/21 |
| Leslie Bowman | 3/31/19 |
| Margaret Milner Richardson | 3/31/19 |
| Monica M. Rao | 3/31/19 |
| Susan Alefantis | 3/31/19 |
| Tasha Chambers | 3/31/21 |
Michael Paul Carey
michael.carey@governor.virginia.gov
Michael serves as the Executive Mansion Director for Governor and First Lady Pamela Northam. As Director, Michael oversee’s the daily functionality of the Governor’s Mansion including all the events that occur.
Michael has over twenty years of professional experience working on the federal, state, and city government. Prior to joining the Northam Administration, Michael served as Executive Director of Citywide Events Coordination and Management for the City of New York, where he oversaw all large scale events for the City including New Year’s Eve in Times Square and the New York City Marathon.
Michael previously held a variety of roles with President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, First Lady Hillary Clinton, Tipper Gore, Congresswoman Diana DeGette, and Congressman Kendrick Meek. Michael is a graduate of The American University and resides in Richmond.
Stacy Ellis
stacy.ellis@governor.virginia.gov
Stacy Ellis serves as Deputy Director of the Executive Mansion. Stacy plays an integral role in the daily functions of the Mansion with primary responsibilities around the Executive Mansion’s educational programming and visitor experience.
Previously, Stacy worked at the Greater Richmond Convention Center and at Aramark’s global headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Stacy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management from East Carolina University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Virginia Tech.
Stacy is a Virginia native, who currently resides in Richmond.
Plan your visit
Join Us
The Executive Mansion will be closed to tours Saturday, December 21, 2018 thru Monday, January 7, 2019.
Tours last approximately 30 minutes
Reservations
Same-day, walk-up tours are available without reservations if space allows at the Executive Mansion. To maximize the tour experience, large groups (over 25) will be given separate tour times.
Tours may be cancelled without notice due to unexpected events.
Accessibility
The Executive Mansion is fully accessible to visitors with special needs. Please contact us at executivemansion@governor.virginia.gov to make appropriate accommodations.
Additional Information
- Conversation should be kept to whisper level and please set cell phones to vibrate.
- Food, drinks, and chewing gum are not allowed in the Executive Mansion.
- Video recorders, handbags, book bags, aerosol containers, guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, mace, martial arts weapons/devices, or knives of any size are prohibited from the Executive Mansion.
Location and Parking
The Executive Mansion is located in Capitol Square, the entrance of which is at 9th and Grace Streets. There is no public parking available within the grounds. Parking can be found nearby at the following:
Meters
A limited number of metered public parking spaces (2 hours) are located on the west side of 10th Street, between Main and Bank Streets; on Bank Street, between Governor and 14th Streets; on the south side of Main Street, between 9th and 12th Streets; and on 12th Street between Main and Bank Streets.
