Mission

Our mission is to honor our state’s rich history through enhancing the understanding, appreciation, enjoyment, operation, and accessibility of the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield and the Hayes House in Du Quoin.

Governing Board

The Illinois Governor's Mansion Association is a non-profit board created in 1972 to preserve the Illinois Governor's Mansions in Springfield and Du Quoin. Since the Association’s creation, each of Illinois’ First Spouses have served as honorary chairpersons and spearheaded fundraising efforts.

Our mission has been brought to life through a recent full renovation and redecoration of the Governor's Mansion in Springfield, focusing on the rich history and the artistry of Illinois. The renovation ensures that all Illinoisans have the chance to learn about Illinois' rich history and preserves the Mansion for future generations. In addition to overseeing the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield, the Illinois Governor’s Mansion Association is proud to preserve the Hayes Home on the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in southern Illinois.

IGMA Board Members

  • MK Pritzker

    Chair

  • Leslie Hindman

    Vice Chair

  • John Nicolay

    Vice Chair

  • Leslie Sgro

    Treasurer

  • Joseph Gromacki

    Secretary

  • Susan Benjamin

  • Craig Bergmann

  • Liz Brown-Reeves

  • Christine Dudley

  • Elissa Efroymson

  • John Forehand

  • Sara Wojcicki Jimenez

  • Lori Montana

  • Wanda Rednour

  • Samantha Thompson

  • Andy Van Meter

  • Martin Green

  • Katie Lamb-Heinz

  • Brenda Edgar

    Emeritus

  • Diana Rauner

    Emeritus

Jim Edgar Memorial

The Mansion Association honors the legacy of Governor Jim Edgar (1991–1999), who, along with his wife, First Lady Brenda Edgar, transformed the Executive Mansion into both a welcoming home and a vibrant public space.

During their time in residence, the Mansion was filled with family life and cherished milestones. The Edgars hosted their daughter Elizabeth’s high school graduation party, their son Brad’s wedding reception, and celebrated the baptism of their granddaughter Cali. Their beloved dogs, Emy and Daisy, added warmth and joy to the home.

The Library held special meaning, serving as the setting for their anniversary celebrations and Governor Edgar’s official portrait. They also cherished hosting the annual Fourth of July celebration, where staff and their families gathered to enjoy fireworks over the Capitol to the music of John Philip Sousa.

As dedicated stewards, First Lady Brenda Edgar honored Illinois’ First Ladies by establishing the official portrait gallery and raising private funds to restore the Mansion’s public rooms. In partnership with Pickard China of Antioch, they created the official Edgar China, still used at state functions.

The Mansion later became a place of remembrance, as Governor Edgar’s casket rested there on the day of his funeral, September 20, 2025, before a final family procession to Central Baptist Church as the Lincoln Bell tolled, marking a final tribute to his life.

Governor Thompson Memorial

The Board of Directors of the Illinois Governor’s Mansion Association mourns the loss of our Chairman Emeritus, Governor James R. Thompson. As the longest-serving Governor in Illinois history (1977-1991), Governor Thompson left his mark on the Mansion in many ways. He was well-known for his deep affection for the residence, and was the first governor in decades to raise a child there.

Governor Thompson utilized the Mansion as a public space, holding antique fairs on the grounds, hosting Presidents, world leaders, and staff weddings, and famously inviting thousands of protesting union members to the Mansion lawn for a spontaneous beer party.

He and First Lady Jayne Thompson were tireless champions of the Association, spearheading the acquisition of many of the Mansion’s finest artworks and furniture. In addition, Governor Thompson led the state’s acquisition of the Hayes Home in Du Quoin for use as a downstate residence for the Governor and a keystone of the Du Quoin State Fair.