Helena's Original Governor's Mansion Wrapped for Porch, Balcony and Balustrade Repairs

Montana’s Original Governor’s Mansion in Helena is currently wrapped in protective plastic sheeting while contractors perform focused exterior repairs to the front porch, upper balcony and the balustrade. Crews have removed the balcony’s wood railing and are working on the front walkway as part of a project officials say responds to decades of weathering and failing 1980s repair materials.

Anthony Schrillo, historical interpreter with the Montana Historical Society, said the work was overdue. “It definitely was in need of repair,” Schrillo said. He pointed to a previously noticeable three-inch deflection in the upper railing: “I kind of jokingly say, when I would walk up the front steps to go into the front door, that upper railing of the balustrade, I kind of would just jokingly duck, because it had a three-inch sag. That sag is gone. And so, again, it's just exciting to see it, for lack of a better term, come back to life.” Schrillo added that the museum welcomes visitors back when the repairs are complete: “We certainly welcome everybody to come back and tour our wonderful residence.”

Funding and administrative details for the current work reflect a mix of legislative and state program support. The 2023 Montana Legislature approved House Bill 5, which included a $600,000 appropriation for repairs at the mansion. State communications describe the restoration as funded through the Governor’s Long-Range Building Program and say the work will address both the mansion and its historic carriage house, repairing and repainting the upper balustrade, main level deck and front porch to ensure the site’s structural integrity.

Touring status has been inconsistent in public reports. One local report states the mansion “has been closed to tours since Nov. 1,” while the State newsroom item specifies a planned temporary closure beginning November 1, 2025. The Halloween trick-or-treat event that preceded the closure was held October 31 and provided a final public opportunity to view carved pumpkins and the decorated carriage house before work began. Education Officer Darby Bramble of the Montana Historical Society noted the building’s prolonged exposure to wear, saying, “While previous maintenance has been performed over the years as funding allowed, the exterior of these buildings has experienced significant wear.” For updates, Bramble can be reached at 406-444-2412 or darby.bramble2@mt.gov.

The Original Governor’s Mansion dates to 1888, built by William Chessman in Queen Anne style. ArchivesWest records list the property as 304 Ewing Street while other local accounts list 304 N. Ewing St.; the mansion served as the governor’s residence until 1959, when Governor Hugo Aronson moved the official residence to 2 Carson Street. That later Executive Residence is also closed and has been reported as needing major systems work.

Local impact is immediate for school groups, tour operators and the Mansion District economy, which rely on seasonal visitation. Museum leaders say crews hope to finish exterior work in the spring and reopen for tours, but timelines remain expectations until contractors provide firm completion dates. Residents seeking the latest reopening information or to arrange group visits should contact the Montana Historical Society through the number above.