On Saturday afternoon, crowds of people lined the streets of Raleigh as they awaited a glimpse into Governor McCrory's new home. ELN visited the open house at the governor's Executive Mansion, which was just one of the many inaugural activities this weekend.
The lower level of McCrory's new home was open for viewing and recently elected officials greeted the public. Joan Staryak, a volunteer, explained the mansion's significance.
"Every state has a mansion for their governor but North Carolina is one of the few states that actually built a home for the governor."
"The rooms are very special," Brenda Pollard, who was on the tour, added. "They're very historic," she continued. "Former governors and families have been here and have governed us. They have lived in this mansion. The history is so rich for us and we must be here. But it belongs to us. It's our home too."
Completed in 1891, the executive mansion has been home to twenty-nine North Carolina governor's, including Pat McCrory, who moved in last week.
ELN asked Alex Pirro, a young man taking part in the tour, his thoughts on the new administration.
"He just brings such a different kind of color to North Carolina," Pirro remarked. "He's someone who is really going to bring jobs to our state and really get the state back to work. It's something we really haven't seen in the past couple years."
Governor McCrory made a few appearances during the afternoon, greeting the crowds lined outside of his home. The open house was certainly a highlight for those who attended.
If you were unable to attend the Inaugural open house this weekend, official tours of the Governor's mansion are available. For information on visiting or touring the Executive Mansion, contact the Capital Area Visitor Center by visiting their website http://ncmuseumofhistory.org/vs/index.html.