Lecture at the state capitol explores decorative arts of the Executive Mansion

On Saturday, Jan. 21, learn the stories behind some of the Executive Mansion's furniture and artifacts with Maria Shevzov, acting curator of decorative arts at the N.C. Museum of History and North Carolina's Executive Mansion. The free lecture takes place at 1 p.m. in the old House Chamber.
In this multimedia presentation, Shevzov will introduce several objects from the collection to discuss the medium, the use of the object and the private lives of the public families who used these items.
When the Executive Mansion was completed in 1891, high construction costs limited the amount of money that remained for the purchase of furnishings. Daniel Fowle, the first governor to inhabit the residence, brought his own furniture and thus set a precedent for future First Families until adequate furnishings could be acquired. Over the next 70 years, the mansion was furnished with a mix of personal pieces and furniture purchased by the state as funding allowed.
In 1965, First Lady Jeanelle C. Moore appointed an Executive Mansion Fine Arts Committee to raise funds for Mansion furnishings. EMFAC is tasked with preserving and maintaining the mansion as a unique architectural treasure—a historic house and home. It also is responsible for acquiring historical and artistic objects for use in the mansion. It works with the First Family and the Secretary of Cultural Resources to ensure the continued use of this historic treasure by and for the people of North Carolina.
The State Capitol's mission is to preserve and interpret the history, architecture and functions of the 1840 building and Union Square. The capitol is bounded by Edenton, Salisbury, Morgan and Wilmington Streets. For more information, visit www.nchistoricsites.org/capitol or call (919) 733-4994.