What We Do
National Parks depend on the involvement and support of the public. The Friends of the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park work in partnership with the National Park Service to support the park in three key areas: education, preservation, and restoration.
We support educational and interpretive programs.
We serve as advocates for the park promoting care, research, and conservation.
We support improvement projects.
We support programs and activities that will broaden the public's knowledge of the park, fostering partnerships locally and nationally.
Achievements
Over a span of more than a decade, the Friends have supported these projects and many others, including:
- The preservation of President Johnson’s beloved Hereford cattle. Descendants of the original herd can be seen at the Show Barn at the LBJ Ranch.
- The restoration of the porch at the Johnson ancestral cabin in Johnson City. The Friends funded historic techniques to restore the porch, which dates back to an era when Blanco County was part of the Texas frontier.
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The restoration of the Johnson Settlement landscape to its 1860s appearance with the assistance of volunteers in celebration of Earth Day and National Public Lands Day.
- A new foundation for the Secret Service Command Post at the LBJ Ranch.
- Securing Pedernales Electric Cooperative funding for Dark-Sky-friendly lighting at the Visitors’ Parking Lot in Johnson City.
- Funding for the Texas White House film shown at the Hangar Visitors’ Center at the LBJ Ranch.
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Returned one of President Johnson's JetStar aircraft to the park.
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Funded wallpaper replacement in President Johnson's boyhood home.
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Funded construction of accessibility ramp to the President's office at the Texas White House.
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Sponsored Youth Presidential Leadership Council enabling high school students to learn about President Johnson, the National Park Service and the Texas Hill Country.
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Provided educational materials for the park's distance learning programs.
2024 Ride Update
As many of you know, the entire Texas White House Complex at the LBJ Ranch closed at the beginning of the year as the National Park Service began extensive work on the restoration of the buildings and grounds. This, coupled with the arrival of thousands of visitors to the Hill Country in early April to view the total solar eclipse around the same time as the LBJ100 is traditionally held, has led the Friends board to make the tough decision to postpone the ride this year. We understand that this may disappoint the many cycling enthusiasts and park supporters who have attended the ride in past years.
The Friends board has started working on plans for a 2025 ride, which will require some accommodations for the restoration work that will still be underway. We will update you on plans for the next ride later this year. For the latest information, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
We know you share our appreciation of the LBJ Ranch and our mission to support the park in the areas of education, preservation, and restoration. Cyclists are always welcome at the LBJ Ranch during operating hours. Reconnect with this historic and beautiful property if you can! We appreciate your continued support of the Friends of LBJ National Historical Park!
