Old Governor's Mansion Policies

The Old Governor's Mansion is a National Historic Landmark.  Constructed from 1835 to 1839, it served as the Executive Residence for eight Georgia governors.  Since 1889, the Mansion has been in trust to what is now Georgia College & State University.  Beginning in 2001, the Mansion underwent an extensive historic restoration, which returned the building to its c1850s appearance. 

To protect the building, its collection, and grounds, strict adherence to the rules, regulations, and policies concerning museum practices described herein must be followed at all times. Because of its historical significance and national landmark status, the Mansion's primary purpose will be to serve as a historic house museum, and the building will be available for tours at scheduled times and upon special request.

I. Policy for Use of the Mansion

Note: The policies presented for use of the Mansion were developed by the Old Governor's Mansion, Extended University Division, Georgia College & State University and approved by the Associate Vice President for Extended University, the Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean of Faculties, and the President of Georgia College.  This use policy complies with professional museum ethics and standards.

This policy complies with safety regulations for the building, its collection, and its visitors and assures equitable public access.  The tour and usage fees listed in this document help cover the costs of operating and maintaining a historic house museum, including repairs, maintenance, public education programming, and staffing.

II.  Use of the Mansion

Use of the Mansion will be reserved for presidential events and formal events approved by the President only.  As a house museum, the Mansion is not equipped to accommodate seated lectures, conferences, symposia, meetings, or extensive use for dinners, luncheons, receptions, teas, fundraisers, or other similar activities. Official university conferences, lectures, or symposia will be restricted to the Education Building.  Dinners, luncheons, and receptions may be held in the University Banquet Room or other suitable campus facilities. 

Reservations for special tours must be made at least thirty (30) days in advance through the Mansion office at (478) 445-4545.

III. Use of the Lawn or Education Building

Reservations for the use of the Mansion's lawn or Education Building must be made at least thirty (30) days in advance through the Mansion office at (478) 445-4545.  Mansion facilities will be made available according to the facility reservation policy and standard space access priority order found in the Academic Handbook, Section 4.05

No reservations, either by university or community groups, may be considered annual events.  Every event must be reserved individually on a space-available basis.

Food service is not available for either the lawn area or the Education Building.  While the Mansion lawn may be rented for weddings, receptions may not be held on the grounds.

Below are the fees for rental of the lawn and the Education Building by non-Georgia College organizations or individuals:

     Lawn     $600

     Lawn Wedding $1,200

     Education Building     $275

All fees are for a three-hour event.   Advance payment of the full rental fee and a refundable security deposit will be required to rent the Mansion lawn or Education Building.  Cancellations will be refunded in full up to thirty days prior to the event.  Events canceled within thirty days of the scheduled event will forfeit one third of the rental fee.

While Georgia College events will not be charged for the use of the grounds or Education Building, they will be responsible for security staffing fees, outlined below, for events held after hours.

IV. Security Staffing

Use of the Education Building or lawn after normal Mansion hours will require security staffing. Normal Mansion hours are Tuesday –Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  The additional security staffing fee is $15 per hour per staff person.

V. Tours

As a result of the restoration, visitors to the museum now are able to experience newly opened areas of the Mansion, as well as new archeological exhibits tracing the evolution of the house's history from its construction to the present day. 

VI. Admission Charges

(Note: Figures reflect charges per person)

Regular Adult     $10

Prepaid Adult tours/groups     $7

Seniors (Persons over 60 years of age walk-in)  $6

Students (Non Georgia College)     $2

Students (Georgia College students, faculty, and staff, with proper identification)      Free

VII. Fire Codes

Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the Mansion or on its grounds.

Maximum fire code capacity for the entire building is 150 people.

VIII. Fund Raising

Fund-raising events which do not benefit Georgia College & State University are prohibited.

IX. Photography

Photography and videotaping inside the Mansion are restricted.  Please consult with the Mansion staff.

X. Collections

Users of all Mansion facilities are expressly held to the policies and procedures set forth in the Mansion's collections policy.  This policy specifically prohibits the use or movement of any piece in the collection without the approval of the Mansion Director.

For more information on the Mansion, visit the Old Governor's Mansion Web site.