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David Bourland - Governor Jim Thompson Project

Dave Bourland was working in the Winchester Framing Company in 1976 when he first met gubernatorial candidate Jim Thompson . The two quickly forged a friendship based on their mutual passion for art, antiques, and architecture. When Thompson was elected governor later that year, he asked Bourland to appraise the artwork and furnishings in the executive mansion. The two worked closely together over the next fourteen years as Gov. Thompson's fascination for antiques grew. In 1983 Bourland began working in the mansion full time as the mansion curator. He has remained in that post until the present, except for a period when he worked for Secretary of State George Ryan from 1991 through 1998.

Interview Links

Feature Excerpt

A life changing moment

Abstract

Interview Session (Audio)

Photos

Caption

Dave Bourland stands next to a bust of Abraham Lincoln, one of the many artifacts that are housed at the Illinois state Executive Mansion, where Bourland served as curator in 2007.

Where:

Illinois state Executive Mansion

When:

Circa 2007

Ownership:

(May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator. East-Central Illinois News Gazette, Oct 28, 2007

Caption

State of Illinois Executive Mansion in Springfield, Illinois, circa 2010.

Where:

Springfield, Illinois

When:

Circa 2010

Ownership:

This image is considered to be in the public domain.