Lyndon Baines Johnson - 37th Vice President of the United States (1961–1963)

Located on the Campus of the University of Texas in Austin the building can be seen from the highway. It is reminiscent of many 1970’s futuristic designs found in movies like “Logans Run”, “Roller Ball”, or “Future World” with its white stone and tall lines.

 On entering I am greeted by a team of friendly volunteers who talk me through the exhibit. It has just recently re-opened, which is great timing. Nearly all of the exhibits have been updated. I told by the greeter, “my (her) generation only thought of LBJ as the person to blame for Vietnam, but there is so much more to know about his presidency”.  She then stated the three things we should remember him for: a) The Great Society b) his commitment to education and the war on poverty c) Civil Rights. He also signed many, many bills into law and was a very smart man. Her comments at the door did not seem odd to me until about an hour later.

 I watch a very well produced movie about this life that started with a life long commitment to education, the war on poverty, and went on to covert the Great Society and the Civil Rights movement. Also on this main level is a time line of his life that also covered points of major historical significance at the same time something occurred in his life. The best part of the main floor is a Disney-esq animatronic robot of LBJ that tells stories and jokes. I thought this was amazing and it captured the attention of all who were able to find it.

On the next level up is a corridor of major achievements during his work. There is a very large area dedicated to the Great Society. There is a large section on Civil Rights. There is an area of importance to highlight Education and the war on Poverty. Then, there is a partial wall and a table about the War in Vietnam. I think there is a specific message that the designers had in mind, down play Vietnam. An interesting limitation considering that there is a huge area of Water Gate at the Nixon, Vietnam at the Ford, and the assassination with JFK.   

The top floor has not been updated. It is a replication of Lady Birds office, her gowns of significance, and gifts donated to the President and First Lady during their time in office.

At the front desk again, I inquire about “the ranch” something I have overheard from others I have walked with, and am strongly encouraged to go.

 The Ranch is well worth the hour drive from Austin. It helps to fill the gaps the museum misses and helps make human the President outside of the three themes. Shared between the state and the federal government, this is a driving tour through part of the 2,100 acres of land the family owns. I guess it pays to work for the government. It is a place of small town Texas folklore and beautiful vistas. There are many buildings on the land and I encourage everyone to purchase the audio CD at the welcome center to drive along with.

Some of the buildings on the property are the Johnson family grandparents and guesthouse. Many cattle roam freely along with deer and birds. There is a working farm. There is a private landing strip, which is still functional and has the abbreviation LBJ. Near the ranch house is the small jet the President would take from Huston or Dallas after changing from the Boeing 707 he called “Air Force one-half”. The ranch has several of the cars he owned and drove through the property over the years. The ranch itself is a nice home. The original building has been added on to several times with a large office, improved kitchen, expanded dining room, study, and the final additions of separate his and hers bedrooms.

Throughout the day you will notice the number of phones in each room and the three television steps away.