A recent work trip to Texas gave me the opportunity to visit the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum in Austin.
I had never before been to a presidential library and always thought of them as archives and not necessarily something I wanted to visit. I found out in Texas that I was wrong on that thought. The LBJ library was not just archives – though there was plenty of that, all stored neatly and expansively in red covered boxes.
In addition to the traditional archives, the building is a storehouse of memorabilia and artifacts, interactive displays, replicas, and presidential telephone recordings – all exquisitely displayed. Quite honestly, regardless of party affiliation or political beliefs, this historical record of Lyndon Baines Johnson, our 36th president, is fascinating!
The Oval Office from 1963 to 1969, when LBJ served as president.
I enjoyed my entire visit, but my favorite part of my tour was the top floor where all the former first lady’s artifacts were on display. Mrs. Johnson – Lady Bird – was an amazing woman.
A portrait of Lady Bird Johnson at the LBJ Library and Museum in Austin, Texas
On Friday field trip today, I am sharing a couple of my favorite photos from my visit to the museum. The trip created a new motivation to try and visit all of the presidential libraries! I even picked up a ‘passport’ that I can use to document my visits to each of the 13 libraries!
Lady Bird’s office during the time she worked on the LBJ Library & Museum.
If you want to learn more about Lady Bird, I highly recommend a great recent nonfiction book (that reads very much like a fiction) titled Lady Bird and Lyndon: The Hidden Story of a Marriage That Made a President by Betty Boyd Caroli.
Another recent title you might also enjoy if former first ladies are of interest to you is First Women: The Grace and Power of America’s Modern First Ladies by Kate Andersen Brower.
The outside of the LBJ Library and Museum on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a marvelous weekend!
Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie