Reddick Mansion reopening for tours March 12

The board, volunteers all, has worked very hard to bring the luster back to the jewel of Ottawa.

—  Lorraine McCallister, Reddick Mansion board president and docent

The Reddick Mansion, 100 W. Lafayette St., will reopen for tours March 12.

Tours of the building, listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, will be offered 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday through Monday. Reservations are not required, but visitors will only be allowed into the building 15 minutes before each tour.

Six people will be allowed per tour. Face coverings will be required, and temperatures will be taken with social distancing encouraged. Tour prices will remain $10 for adults and $5 for students kindergarten through 12th grade.

Larger groups should contact the mansion at 815-433-6100 to make special arrangements.

“This is a change to our previous tour offerings,” said Darlene Halm, board member and head docent. ”However, in keeping with the CDC and IDPH guidelines, we felt that these adjustments were necessary for the safety of our visitors and volunteer docents. Eventually, we hope to go back to tours per each day that we’re open.”

The Reddick Mansion has been closed to the public for a year. It received a $1.4 million exterior restoration, and the interior was thoroughly cleaned.

Two bedchambers on the third floor were plastered and painted to prepare for restoration and building tours.

“The past year has been a year like none other in the history of the Mansion,” Board President and docent Lorraine McCallister said. “It is so exciting to reopen to the public and once again share the history of the Reddick Family, the Reddick Mansion/Library, and Ottawa. I hope that local residents will visit us, as well. The board, volunteers all, has worked very hard to bring the luster back to the jewel of Ottawa. I am confident that William and Eliza Reddick would be pleased.”

Visitors can call 815-433-6100 or visit www.reddickmansion.org for more information.