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Happenings

90 YEARS OF VIRGINIA HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK

On Friday, April 21st the Executive Mansion celebrated the Garden Club of Virginia's 90th annual Historic Garden Week by offering tours of the Mansion grounds, garden and greenhouse to over 600 visitors from across the state and nation. Members of Boxwood Garden Club created gorgeous interior arrangements using Virginia's native flora, clipped from their gardens and Capitol Square. Thanks to these women and our DGS groundskeepers Tony Griffin and Alexander Bigger, the Executive Mansion was in full bloom for the festivities.

The First Lady poses with a group of women in the Ladies' Parlor at the Executive Mansion on Historic Garden Day.
The Gillette Garden on Historic Garden Day.
An arrangement of flowers done by Boxwood Garden Club.
The Governor and First Lady pose with the Dining Room table arrangement.
Tony Griffin (DGS) admires the arrangement he made for the Executive Mansion ballroom.
The First Lady poses with a family in front of the Dining Room table arrangement.
Boxwood Garden Club prepares for Historic Garden Day at the Executive Mansion.
The floral arrangement in the Ladies' Parlor.
The First Lady poses with an arrangement of pink dogwoods.
An arrangement in the Old Governor's Office designed by Boxwood Garden Club.

Happenings at the Mansion

Not seeing an event listed? The content on this page is actively being updated. Visit Happenings 2022 or Holidays at the Mansion 2022 for an archive of last year's events.

The First Lady and Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera stand with a group of homeschool students holding musical instruments.

May 30, 2023

Recognizing the Virginia Homeschooling Community

In celebration of the Virginia homeschooling community, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady welcomed dozens of parents, students and leaders in home education to the Executive Mansion for a festive breakfast reception. Governor Youngkin proclaimed June 2nd as Virginia Homeschool Day, recognizing the opportunities fostered through home education. Guests were treated to music by the L.I.V.E. Quartet, a group of students from the Fredericksburg area.  

The First Lady stands with some of the Virginia Teacher of the Year award winners.

May 18, 2023

Congratulating the 2023 Regional Virginia Teachers of the Year

Following the 2023 Regional Virginia Teacher of the Year Awards ceremony, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady welcomed this year’s award recipients, as well as their families and sponsors, to the Executive Mansion for a reception celebrating their accomplishments. Thank you, teachers, principals, parents, superintendents, school board members and the Department of Education, led by the Honorable Aimee Guidera, for your dedication to Virginia’s next generations.

The First Lady with Secretary Guidera and Margaret Hancock, director of the VCA Fellows

May 16, 2023

Celebrating Virginia Commission for the Arts Fellows

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed current and former Virginia Commission for the Arts Fellows for an inaugural and celebratory gathering at the Executive Mansion. The Virginia Commission for the Arts Fellowship program is intended to recognize, support and promote Virginia artists and the Commonwealth’s thriving artistic community. Thank you to VCA’s Executive Director, Margaret Hancock and Secretary of Education, Aimee Guidera for your commitment to bolstering and nurturing art and art education in the Commonwealth.  And a hearty congratulations to VCA artist Fellows who share their artistry with Virginia. To learn more about the program, visit the Virginia Commission for the Arts website. 

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May 15, 2023

Celebrating the University of Virginia Women's Swim and Dive Team's NCAA Win

After securing their third straight NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving Championship title, the women of the University of Virginia’s Swim and Dive team were welcomed by Governor Glenn Youngkin, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Secretary of Education, Aimee Guidera to the Executive Mansion for a celebratory reception. The Governor and First Lady had the chance to speak to each of the athletes about their collegiate careers and professional goals before toasting the team with a Ukrop’s Cake. Congratulations, ladies- Wahoowa!

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May 11, 2023

A Reception in Honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

In honor of National Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin hosted VAAB (Virginia Asian Advisory Board) members, entrepreneurs as well as leaders in health, finance, academia, public service and education to the Executive Mansion for a celebratory reception. The First Family is endlessly grateful for the outpour of fellowship, support and commitment to the Commonwealth from the AAPI community. A special thank you to the Honorable Kay Coles James and the Secretariat of the Commonwealth for your leadership!  To learn more about serving on a Virginia board or commission, click here.

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May 11, 2023

The First Lady's Mother's Day Brunch with Foster Care Mothers

Happy Mother’s Day, Virginia! In observation of Foster Care Month, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin expressed her gratitude and admiration for the women who nurture and protect children in need of a temporary home by hosting a foster mother appreciation event at the Executive Mansion. While engaging in robust discussions around the women-led, Administration-backed Safe and Sound Task Force, the First Lady had the chance to learn from these mothers what it means to be a foster parent. Thank you to Virginia's mothers for your dedication to your families and the next generation of the Commonwealth's changemakers!

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May 8, 2023

Celebrating the 2023 STEAM-H Essay Contest Winners

Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed the winners, judges and sponsors of the Virginia Council on Women’s annual STEAM-H Essay Contest for a reception at the Executive Mansion celebrating high school achievers in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and healthcare. Congratulations to the Women+girls (W+g) across Virginia who serve, mentor and set their sights on remarkable work.

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May 5, 2023

Celebrating the CNU Men's Basketball Captains and their First National Title

To celebrate a remarkable season and the FIRST National Championship title for Christopher Newport University Men’s Basketball, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed the team’s players, families, and coaches to the Executive Mansion for cake and congratulatory remarks. We are so proud of your tenacity and know this is only the first of many championship wins in your future. Go, Captains!

The First Lady, Governor, Bill Street and Susan Snyder pose for a photo.

April 17, 2023

A Reception Celebrating the James River Association

As a perfect leadup to Earth Day, the Governor and First Lady honored the efforts and achievements of the James River Association at the Executive Mansion's FIRST outdoor reception of 2023! Lead by President and CEO Bill Street, the James River Association acts as a guardian of the James by giving the river a voice and advocating for its conservation and the responsible stewardship of its natural resources. Thank you to the James River Association's board and staff, as well as the Secretariat of Natural and Historic Resources for making this a most special evening! To learn more about how to get involved and become a James Changer, visit the James River Association's website

Governor Youngkin, the First Lady and Secretary Caren Merrick pose for a photo with a member of the YPO.

April 13, 2023

Young Presidents' Organization Reception

Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady welcomed members of the Young Presidents' Organization from the Northern Virginia and D.C. area to the Executive Mansion for a reception celebrating the achievements of Virginia changemakers and their businesses. YPO’s history is long, achievements many and trajectory ever-forward. YPO welcomes extraordinary leaders to grow stronger together to improve lives, businesses and the world. The Governor and attendees discussed economic development opportunities in the Commonwealth and raised a glass to making Virginia the best place to live, work and raise a family. A special thank you to Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Honorable Caren Merrick for your leadership!

The Governor and First Lady pose with high schoolers from Petersburg, Virginia on the steps of the Executive Mansion.

April 11 & 12, 2023

Tours and Picnics with Communities in Schools of Petersburg

In partnership with Communities in Schools of Petersburg, The First Lady welcomed middle and high school students to the Executive Mansion for a tour and picnic with food donated by Chick-Fil-A and buses provided by Virginia State University. The students learned about the history of the Executive Mansion, got civics lesson and visit from the Governor and Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera and met first dogs, Bo and Belle. A special thank you to Wanda Stewart, President and CEO of CIS Petersburg, for your dedication to these amazing students and your community!

Children hunt for Easter eggs on the Executive Mansion front lawn.

April 4, 2023

Easter Egg Hunt

Spring has sprung at the Executive Mansion! In celebration of the change of seasons and Easter holiday, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady invited the children and families of VCU Children's Hospital employees and the guests of Doorways Richmond to the Mansion for an Easter egg hunt. Uncle Dave's Kettle Korn, Kona Ice and beautiful weather made for a special afternoon. The First Family and Executive Mansion team are incredibly grateful for our Virginia healthcare workers and are sending love, light and healing to everyone this Easter!

The First Lady smiles during a conversation between Major General Williams and the wife of a Virginia Vietnam War POW.

March 29, 2023

Welcoming Virginia's Vietnam War POWs Back to the Executive Mansion 50 Years Since Their Return

In 1973, then-Governor Holton welcomed Virginia's Vietnam War POWs to the Executive Mansion in celebration of their safe return home. 50 years later, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady had the privilege and honor to invite these brave men and their families back to the Mansion for another reception. The First Family was humbled to have the opportunity to meet these veterans, listen to their stories and visit with their families, and are immensely grateful for their service and safe return. A special thank you to Secretary General Craig Crenshaw and his team in the Secretariat of Veterans and Defense Affairs for helping make this event possible!

Lt. Gov. Sears stands in front of a crowd, getting a first look at her portrait painted by Sukenya Best.

March 28, 2023

A Reception in Celebration of Women's History Month

In the final week of Women's History Month, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, Governor Glenn Youngkin and Secretary of the Commonwealth, The Honorable Kay Coles James, welcomed over 100 women to the Executive Mansion in celebration of the contributions of Virginia's women. Artist Sukenya Best's portrait of Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears was unveiled and will join the Art Experience at the Executive Mansion, hanging in the Ladies' Parlor. In appreciation for those serving in government as well as on commissions and advisory boards, female entertainers and vintners added special touches to this month's gatherings, including performances by pianist Kay Willett, the University of Richmond Women's Chorale and their accompanist, Dr. Mary Beth Bennett. 

The First Lady of Virginia poses with Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Caren Merrick and a female entrepreneur.

March 22, 2023

Celebrating the Inspiring Women in Virginia's Workforce

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin welcomed more than 125 women who are leading Virginia businesses and nonprofits, both large and small, to the Executive Mansion for a workforce-centric gathering during Women’s History Month. The event recognized and celebrated the talents and dedication of these women who are coming together to make the Commonwealth the best place to live work and raise a family. Click here to watch a video from the reception commending the women in Virginia's workforce who are integral to the Commonwealth's past, present and future.  

Two ladies laughing and smiling while sitting together on a red couch.

February 22, 2023

A Reception for the Legislative and Administrative Assistants of the General Assembly

Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady invited the legislative and administrative assistants of the 2023 General Assembly Legislative Session to the Executive Mansion for a reception celebrating their critical work. By maintaining order in the Pocahontas Building, scheduling engagements with their legislator's constituents, and providing support to our elected officials, these individuals are the backbone of session. Thank you for all that you do!

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin poses with a group of middle school-aged girls, members of the Virginia General Assembly Page Program.

February 15, 2023

A Reception for the 2023 Pages of the General Assembly

In honor of their hard work and commitment to the Commonwealth's legislative session, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady hosted this year's General Assembly pages. The House and Senate Page Programs have served Virginia's legislature since at least 1850, inviting select 13- and 14-year-olds to learn about their state government while developing professional characteristics. Interested in becoming a Senate or House Page, or think you might know someone who is? Applications for admission to the class of 2024 will be available mid-summer 2023 and visit Capitol Classroom to learn more

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin bends down to greet a man and woman sitting at a table.

February 9, 2023

2023 Legislative Spouses Day Luncheon

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin welcomed the spouses of our Virginia legislators to lunch on Thursday while they spent the day in the Capitol. The First Lady enjoyed meeting the partners of our senators and delegates and telling them about the Art Experience at the Executive Mansion with the help of Citizen’s Advisory Council member, Judy Boland. Thank you, spouses for your loving support of our legislators in sickness and in health, in session and in life!

First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and a man in a purple sweater pose for a selfie.

February 8, 2023

VARR’s First Annual Recovery Day Breakfast

In honor of the critical work of the Virginia Association of Recovery Residencies and their partners, Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady hosted a breakfast at the Executive Mansion marking VARR’s First Annual Recovery Day in Virginia. Senators, delegates, cabinet members and leaders from organizations dedicated to making addiction recovery resources available, affordable and exceptional came together to celebrate the progress being made in the recovery community and discuss ways to improve accessibility and advocacy. Thank you, Dr. Sarah Scarbrough and the folks at Real Life Program for your work in organizing such an important day!

Two women standing next to a contemporary portrait of Abraham Lincoln.

February 6, 2023

A Reception in Celebration of Black History Month

Governor Glenn Youngkin and the First Lady were honored to host a reception at the Executive Mansion in honor of Black History Month. The Governor and First Lady were joined by HBCU presidents, faith leaders, health care professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders in recognizing the accomplishments of three incredible black owned businesses, listening to the inspiring and original poetry of two young women and a musical performance from Virginia State University’s Gospel Choir. Thank you to Chief Martin Brown, the Office of Diversity, Opportunity and Inclusion and Virginia State University for your hands in making this evening so special.