Mansion hosting crafters bee

A Crafters Bee and social will be held at the Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site in Bismarck from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 31.

The mansion will also be open to the general public during this time for anyone interested in touring the site.

Starting at 10 a.m. and continuing until noon, the Bismarck spinning group will demonstrate two types of yarn spinning techniques — spinning wheel and hand spindle — to those interested in learning about them. For more information on the spinning group, contact Lori Ell by e-mail at needles@bis.mid co.net.

At 1 p.m., crafters of all types are invited to spend the afternoon visiting and working on their favorite craft items. The only limitations are that it be a clean project and does not take a large amount of space to work on. Chairs and tables will be available for those who need them. Coffee, tea and treats will be served throughout the afternoon.

Knitters, needle pointers, crocheters, stampers, quilters and even flytiers are encouraged to participate and enjoy an afternoon of socializing and craftmaking.

The Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site is open year-round. Its winter hours, now in place through May 15, are the second Friday and Saturday of each month, from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Groups can schedule a visit to the Former Governors’ Mansion at times other than its regular open hours by calling 701-328-9528 or by e-mail at jcampbell@nd.gov.

The site consists of a large, two and one-half story, restored Victorian house, and the restored 1903 carriage house. Built in 1884, it housed 20 chief executives of North Dakota between 1893 and 1960. Exhibits feature the restoration process, architectural style changes and furniture used by several governors. The grounds feature many examples of the types of flowers typical of the Victorian era.

For schedule information, contact the State Historical Society at 701-328-1476 or visit the agency’s Web site at www.nd.gov /hist.

Tags: crafters, governors, mansion, community