Garden Party Set for August 2 at the Original Governor’s Mansion

• July 29 2025

The Montana Historical Society will host a summer Garden Party at the Original Governor’s Mansion in Helena on Saturday, August 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This family friendly event invites guests to explore the historic house and grounds through self-guided tours while enjoying live music, lawn games, and light refreshments on the mansion’s picturesque grounds.

 The Original Governor’s Mansion was built in 1888 and served nine of Montana’s governing families from 1913 to 1959. Today, every detail of the mansion has been curated to appear much as it did in 1913. From the grand entryway to the lavish dining room to the third-floor ballroom, the Original Governor’s Mansion is full of historic furnishings, artifacts, and stories that bring Montana’s political and social history to life for visitors of all ages.

The Garden Party will feature live music by local ensembles, traditional lawn games, and cookies and lemonade for all to enjoy. This event presents a unique opportunity for guests to discover the ornate, Queen Anne-style mansion and historic carriage house at their own pace without a traditional tour.  Staff and volunteers will be stationed on each floor of the mansion to answer any questions guests may have.

“This event captures the spirit of the social gatherings that would have taken place here over a hundred years ago,” said Laura Marsh, Community Engagement Specialist with the Montana Historical Society. “We encourage community members of all ages to come experience the Original Governor’s Mansion in this special way.”

Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme of the party by wearing floral attire. The Original Governor’s Mansion is located at 304 No. Ewing St. Visitors are asked to note that the mansion is not ADA compliant, featuring stairs to the front porch and two flights of interior stairs.

For those unable to attend the Garden Party, regular tours of the Original Governor’s Mansion are offered Tuesdays through Saturdays through Sept. 15, with free admission. Tours begin at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m., and are limited to 20 people. Reservations are not accepted, and admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, contact Laura Marsh at 406-444-4789 or laura.marsh@mt.gov.