Trained docents will lead small groups through the more than four acres of flower and vegetable gardens. No reservations are required for the April 16 event.

The Victorian-style mansion, home to North Carolina governors since 1891, was once described by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt as having “the most beautiful governor’s residence interior in America.” Built from native materials, the Executive Mansion has been occupied by 28 governors’ families.

The North Carolina Executive Mansion is located at 201 N. Blount St. in downtown Raleigh. Gov. Perdue is the 28th governor to live in the mansion. She is the 68th person to hold this office in North Carolina since the end of the American Revolution.

North Carolina’s Executive Mansion is not only home to the Governor, it is the “people’s house.” The building serves as a meeting space, historic site and an elegant event location. In addition, thousands of visitors visit during public tour season and during the holiday open house.

For group tour schedules on other dates, for 10 people or less call Pat Brock at (919) 807-7948. For schools or groups larger than 10 people call Jackie Parrish at (919) 807-7950. Tour reservations must be made a minimum of seven working days in advance; tour hours are limited and vary seasonally.

The N.C. Department of Cultural Resources is the state agency with the mission to enrich lives and communities, and the vision to harness the state’s cultural resources to build North Carolina’s social, cultural and economic future. For more information on Cultural Resources programs, visit www.ncculture.com or call (919) 807-7385.