The Vision
In the 17 years since the Texas White House Complex was gifted to the National Park Service (NPS), tens of thousands of school children and people from all over the world have visited the park and the 1960s-era home. With time and traffic, the Texas White House and Complex is worn. The house requires extensive work to preserve an era of profound significance. Due to the age of the original home, circa 1880s, structural work is needed to stabilize the building. Furnishings, wallpaper, art, and the technology of the 1950’s and 1960’s require restoration. Additionally, modern conveniences, exhibits, pathways, signage, and technology are needed to bring this era to life.
In June of 2019, the National Park Service engaged the services of EDX, specialists in museum exhibits and interpretive design, to assess the Texas White House complex and provide interpretive content development and exhibit design concepts that enhance the visitor experience for 21st-century visitors.
In partnership with the National Park Services, the Friends of the Lyndon B. Johnson Historical Park intend to achieve the following goals through the restoration and preservation of the Complex and property:
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Provide a contemporary, relevant visitor experience;
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Engage more junior high and high school students by providing interpretive methods to increase understanding and encourage civic participation;
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Reach international and Spanish-speaking visitors;
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Provide more interactive experiences to attract a diversified contemporary audience;
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Develop purpose-built facilities and renovations that facilitate teaching and learning;
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Ensure safe and engaging outdoor and indoor spaces;
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Increase public engagement in the only presidential National Historical Park in Texas and cultural treasure of the Texas Hill Country.
Capital Campaign
NPS has asked for our help to fund many important elements needed to vitalize and improve the visitor experience. As a result, the Friends have agreed to raise $1.9 million for an extensive update of the Texas White House Complex to orient and educate visitors who tour the house. When reopened, visitors will find a completely redesigned Hangar Visitor Center with exhibits that detail the influences of the Texas Hill Country and its people on the future president and Lady Bird Johnson.
The complex will also include a new digital theater in the completely remodeled Klein Shop, and new exhibits throughout that tell the Johson story in the context of the place the family called “Our Heart’s Home.”
The Friends have also been given the honor of funding a historically accurate reproduction of wallpaper that was present in the Texas White House on November 22, 1963, the period of significance for the entire restoration.
Additionally, with the generosity of our donors, we will fund the following historic restorations:
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Retrofit televisions in the President's office to play historical television footage just as the president saw them.
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Produce exact replicas of the 260 Friendship Stones commissioned by President Johnson to capture the signatures of visitors to the ranch, including foreign dignitaries, American politicians, movie and TV stars, athletes, and astronauts.
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Conserve and restage the Secret Service Command Post to highlight the effort required to protect the first U.S. President who worked for significant periods of time outside Washington, D.C.
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Develop and install new exterior exhibits in the Hangar Visitor Center and the Klein Shop, new exterior and interior wayfinding signage, and other restorations and improvements around the complex.
Our mission is to orient, educate, and inspire each visitor to the park. If you believe, as we do, that understanding history and the lives of the people who made history is necessary to advance our culture, lives, and nation, we ask you to join us in this mission and help us meet our financial goal.
The Team
Friends of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
April Sansom, Treasurer
Tina Melcher, Secretary
Carolyn Vogel, Governance Committee Chair
Amy MacDonald, Finance Committee Chair
Delores Castleberry
Laura Fritz
Frank King
Toni Reyes
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
Christine Jacobs, Interim Superintendent
Jorge Acevedo, Chief of Interpretation & Education
​Campaign Cabinet
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Honorary Co-Chairs
Luci Johnson
Lynda Johnson Robb
Cabinet Members
​Lyndon Boozer
Rick Cofer
Nicole Nugent Covert
Edwina and Tom Johnson
Catherine Robb
Larry Temple
David Vela
Russ Whitlock
How To Give
1
Friends' Operation Donation
Recurring monthly gifts make an immediate and lasting impact.
2
Capital Campaign Donation
By pledging, you’ll not only be part of something larger than yourself, but you’ll also be helping us achieve our goal of preserving the lasting legacy of President and Mrs. Johnson. Your pledge will directly contribute to the maintenance of current structures and create a foundation for the growth of future exhibits and building projects.
3
Endowments
Invest in the future- ensure the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is around for future generations to experience.
Connect
Get in touch so we can start working together.