July 11, 2024 – To celebrate the 200th birthday of Governor Richard Oglesby on July 25th, the Governor Oglesby Mansion Board of Directors has established the 200 Club.
Community members are encouraged to join the 200 Club by making donations in honor of Governor Oglesby. Suggested donations include: 200 pennies ($2), 200 dimes ($20), or 200 one-dollar bills ($200). However, the board says any amount is appreciated. Donations can be mailed to: 200 Club Gov. Oglesby’s Mansion, 421 West William, Decatur, IL 62522. Checks should be made out to Gov. Oglesby Mansion. Donations can also be brought to the Mansion during open houses or the birthday party on July 25th from 6pm to 9pm.
“We wanted everyone to have a way to get involved because the mansion tours cater to all ages. In the month of May, we host hundreds of 5th graders for a play and a tour telling the story of President Grant visiting this mansion in 1880! Many of our tourists recall coming to the mansion with their fifth-grade class. The idea that children could save 200 pennies to donate is a way for them to contribute to our preservation efforts,” says board President, Carol Pelz.
Regular open houses in July are every Wednesday (except July 24) and Saturday from 2pm to 4pm, and Sunday, July 28th from 2pm to 4pm. Docents are available for tours with a suggested donation of $5 per adult and $2 per child. All donations will support the maintenance of the mansion and the Oglesby collections.
