Governor Paterson Announces Launch of Online Executive Mansion Video Tour and Photo Gallery
October 12, 2010
Governor David A. Paterson today announced the launch of a video tour and photo gallery for the Executive Mansion. These new features, located on the Governor's website at /mansion/governormansion/index, will enable all New Yorkers, regardless of location, to tour the Executive Mansion and learn more about this piece of New York State history.
"The Executive Mansion is an historic treasure and truly belongs to all New Yorkers," Governor Paterson said. "The photographs in these new features, many of which had been stored away for decades, offer a rare insight into our State's history, and the governors who shaped it. I applaud the New York Network for shooting and editing the video, the Office of General Services for locating the photographs and Assistant Curator Barbara Maggio for serving as the people's tour guide."
Although tours of the Executive Mansion are available and free of charge, most New Yorkers are unable to visit this impressive piece of State history. The video tour and photo gallery, which was produced entirely with existing internal State resources, was created to provide New York State residents with all of the access and information available on traditional tours.
Acting Commissioner of the New York State Office of General Services Carla Chiaro said: "The Executive Mansion belongs to the people of New York State and we are very proud of our role providing tours to those who visit in person, as well as maintaining the house and grounds. I commend Governor Paterson for his commitment to this project. Thanks to his direction, these new web pages will allow people worldwide to tour this historic home and learn more about its role in State history."
The Executive Mansion, located at 138 Eagle Street in downtown Albany, is a 39-room building in the Queen Anne style of architecture. The mansion has housed 29 governors since Samuel Tilden first resided there in 1875. Each first family has left its mark on the Mansion and its grounds. Governor Franklin Roosevelt installed a swimming pool. Governor Harriman celebrated the first Arbor Day in 1958 by planting a tree that still stands today. Governor and First Lady Cuomo led an extensive renovation in the 1980s.
The Paterson family has worked to make the Executive Mansion more environmentally friendly. In May 2008, First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson unveiled the first installation of solar panels at the Executive Mansion in an effort to reduce energy consumption and pollution. The Patersons also continued the "Greening the Mansion" initiative, which serves as a model for homeowners as they seek to become more energy efficient.
To sign up for a traditional tour, please visit: /mansion/governormansion/visitthemansion
