“On behalf of the Governor Richard J Oglesby Mansion and Museum board, we are proud to announce a new addition to the legacy of the governor,” says Dave Davis. The board has formed the Edward and Carolyn Ogen Historic Speaker Series at the Oglesby Mansion. Carolyn was the governor’s great granddaughter and because of her personal dedication to his legacy, the Mansion and Museum maintains numerous original Governor Oglesby artifacts.

The Ogens attended events for the mansion as late as ten years ago. He passed away in 2021 and she passed away in late 2023. Board President Dave Davis says “we are forever grateful to the care and diligence the Ogens took to be sure artifacts were here for display. Many of the artifacts were accompanied with Carolyn’s handwritten note explaining the history of the donation.”

The first speaker will be Professor Ed Walker of Millikin University. Mr. Walker has a long-standing relationship with the mansion. In 1997 he was called upon to hand repair some of the original wallpaper in the Governor’s library. He later appraised the artwork maintained in the museum. Ed holds a Master of Fine Arts from Rochester Institute of Technology and a BFA Millikin University.

Professor Walker has been a professional Fine Art and Antiques Appraiser accredited with the International Society of Appraisers since 1998 and specializes in institutional and estate appraisals. He brings to the profession a broad background in research, professional scholarship, and years of experience in the fine art and antiques field.

The presentation by Ed Walker will be on Saturday, July 19 at 2:00 p.m. in the Parlor of the Governor Oglesby Mansion.

The mansion is located at 421 West William Street in Decatur’s historic district. The public is encouraged to attend and listen to the expertise and stories of Professor Walker. There will be time after the presentation for questions and tours of the mansion.