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Samantha Thompson - Governor Jim Thompson Project
In 1978, in the midst of a gubernatorial campaign, Samantha Jayne Thompson became the first child born to a sitting Illinois governor in seventy-two years. As such, Sam’s birth and childhood drew sustained media attention throughout 'Big' Jim Thompson's long tenure as governor. In this interview, Sam reflects on this attention and her experience growing up in the public eye. She also discusses controversy over her appearance on the campaign trail in the 1978, life in the Executive Mansion, her parents’ decision to enroll her in Chicago public schools, living with a protective detail, protests outside the family home, and meeting a host of famous and influential people.
Interview Links
Feature Excerpt
"My Dad's Personality"
Abstract
Interview Session (Audio)
Transcript
Photos
Caption
Governor Jim Thompson holds his daughter Samantha in the hospital shortly after her birth in 1978. Samantha was the first child born to a sitting governor since Bina Deneen’s birth in 1906.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
1978
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Governor Jim Thompson poses for a photograph with Jayne and a very young Samantha, 1978.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
1978
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Governor Jim Thompson with his wife, Jayne, and daughter Samantha, 1985.
Where:
Unknown
When:
1985
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Samantha Thompson on the campaign trail with her father in his campaign for reelection in 1985. Her sign reads “He lives for Illinois” along the side and includes Jim Thompson’s signature.
Where:
Unknown
When:
1985
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Samantha helping her father campaign in a parade, 1988.
Where:
Unknown
When:
1988
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Governor Jim Thompson with Jayne and Samantha at the bottom of the Giant Slide at the Illinois State Fair, 1990.
Where:
Springfield, Illinois
When:
1990
Ownership:
This image is considered to be in the public domain.
Caption
Current photo of Samantha Thompson, circa 2014.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Circa 2014
Ownership:
Narrator's photo