Hidden Gem in the Hill Country: Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park Visitor Center and Park Headquarters

Courtesy NPS/Cynthia Dormey

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The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park Visitor Center and Park Headquarters offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and legacy of one of the most influential presidents in America. It is between the Johnson Settlement and the Boyhood home, at the intersection of Lady Bird Lane and Avenue G in Johnson City, TX. The LBJ Visitor Center, established in 1994, is the repurposed LBJ Memorial Hospital, initially built in 1968 during the Johnson Administration.

The Visitor Center is open daily, year-round 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Currently, it houses a permanent exhibit gallery highlighting Lyndon's life and legislative achievements, such as the important aspects of his Great Society programs. Among the items on display are campaign memorabilia, gifts given by President Johnson, and two branding irons from the LBJ Ranch.

Also on display is a tribute to Lady Bird Johnson and her commitment to environmental conservation, showcasing her efforts to preserve natural landscapes and promote beautification initiatives. 

The Visitor Center also contains the Johnson City Main Collection Storage, located in what was once the morgue of the old hospital. This space now houses numerous artifacts related to the Johnson family's life. Niki Ryan, an NPS Museum Technician, watches over and cares for these collections. She transferred to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park in 2014 as lead Museum Technician and is supported by curator Rachel Pierson, co-conservator Kristian Enbysk, and intern Mary Orms.

The JC Main Collection Storage is home to important park planning records, which include films and photos, and a holding area with high-tech preservation equipment. The larger storage area holds artifacts from the LBJ family, many previously displayed in the Texas White House before reconstruction efforts began in 2018.

In mid-September, Anne Ennes, a conservator from the National Park Service Harpers Ferry Center Museum Conservation Services, visited the JC Main Collection Storage. During her visit, she examined textiles associated with the Texas White House and provided staff with tutorials on proper wet-wash techniques. The conservation efforts for the museum collections focus on safeguarding its integrity and historic importance.

Below, staff are using their deionized water system and Orvus soap on two curtains previously in an inaccessible window in the TWH Den staircase. Anne showed the team how to gently wash and rinse the two curtains, and then cover them with terry cloth towels to draw out any impurities during the drying process.

Anne Ennes, Kristian Enbysk, Clint Herriman and Niki Ryan

A few other artifacts removed from the Texas White House received conservation treatment.

The HEAD OF STATE GIFT is a Western-style saddle surveyed by NPS conservator Betsy Burr, who transferred the object to the Western Archeological and Conservation Center (WACC) for treatment in June 2022. She returned the piece in February 2023. The saddle was put back on exhibit in the LBJ Visitor Center until the Texas White House reopens.

Before and After Photos

The HEAD OF STATE GIFT 18th chest was transferred to the Tamar Maor Art Conservator in Houston for cleaning and treatment. Removed from the Texas White House in 2020 and now in Johnson City Main Storage Collection until it returns to the house.

Donor: H.E. Gustavo Diaz Ordaz, President, Mexico (November 12, 1964) 

From its origins as the LBJ Memorial Hospital to its current role in preserving Johnson's history, the LBJ National Historical Park Visitor Center and Park Headquarters is a vital resource for visitors seeking to understand his contributions and the impact of his administration. The collections continue to reflect the rich history of the Johnson family's lasting influence. Open year-round, the Visitor Center invites all to explore these stories and discover the historical significance of this remarkable site in Johnson City, Texas.