The city of Austin is known for many things. Its scenic Texas Hill Country surroundings offer quite the charm to the city. It is centrally located within the state and, of course, it is the Texas State Capital. Due as much to its political role as its geographic location, Austin is a city steeped in history. That history is celebrated with a number of museums, events and attractions. One of the most significant is the LBJ Library and Museum.
Named in honor of former United States representative, senator, and president Lyndon Baines Johnson, the LBJ Library and Museum is a significant education and historical facility. Located on a 30-acre plot on the University of Texas campus, the LBJ Museum and Library was officially dedicated on May 22, 1971. Since that time, it has served as a educational resource for University of Texas students, as well as a popular attraction for history buffs and other Austin area visitors. As one of only 13 presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration, the LBJ Library and Museum houses millions (literally 45 million pages) of historical documents - most of which are tied to President Lyndon B. Johnson and his political associates. In fact, the primary reason the LBJ Library and Museum was established was to the papers, correspondence and other memorabilia tied to Johnson's life and political career available to researchers and for public viewing. The archival collections held at the LBJ Library and Museum include Johnson's presidential papers as well as pre- and post-presidential papers. Additionally, many personal and organization papers and photographs are included. The collection also includes a number of audio and video resources.
The museum portion of the LBJ Library and Museum houses a number of exhibits pertaining to President Johnson. The overriding title of the permanent exhibit is LBJ's Life and Times. The exhibits are sub-classified as America: 1908-1973; The White House; The First Lady's Gallery; and Presidential Giveaways. America: 1908-1973 is a decade-by-decade look at the life of LBJ as well as American culture during the same corresponding timeline. The White House exhibit features a photo tour of the White House, as well as a 7/8ths scale model of the Oval Office appointed just as it was during LBJ's time as president. The actual desk Johnson used as both a senator and president is included in the Oval Office replica. The First Lady's Gallery is a photographic examination of the life of Johnson's wife, Claudia Taylor Johnson - better known as Lady Bird Johnson during her time as First Lady. The Presidential Giveaways exhibit features various items given as gifts and gestures of hospitality from Johnson's term as president. Dozens of items ranging from cufflinks to bookends to an electric toothbrush - all adorned with the Presidential Seal and/or some sort of Johnson ensignia are represented in the exhibit.
In addition to the permanent exhibits revolving around the life and career of President Johnson, the LBJ Library and Museum often presents traveling exhibits on various aspects of American history. Past exhibits include Cronkite: Eyewitness to a century; School House to White House: The Education of the Presidents; NASA's Mobile Space Exhibit; The Vietnam Experience; and many other historically relevant exhibits.
The Lyndon Baines Johnson Museum and Library is located at 2313 Red River Street in Austin. The Museum is open daily (closed Christmas Day) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Research Archives are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Note: the Research Archives are also closed on federal holidays. Serious researches are advised to schedule an appointment before visiting the Archives.) For more information call 512-721-0200 or visit the LBJ Library and Museum website via the link below. To schedule an appointment to visit the Research Archives, call 512-721-0200 or email: Johnson.Library@nara.gov.
