$2M donated to LBJ Library renovation

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The LBJ Presidential Library in Austin has received major support and funding as it nears completion of a massive renovation of its public exhibits, it was announced Wednesday.

Ann Butler of Austin and Bill Hobby of Houston, esteemed civic leaders and Johnson family friends, have each donated $1 million to help pay for the construction of innovative, interactive exhibits, giving the library a contemporary look, design and experience.

“We are very grateful to have such great friends in Ann Butler and Bill Hobby,” said Mary Herman, executive director of the LBJ Foundation. “With their support, our capital campaign is more than halfway toward its goal to complete the renovation project, and we know their generosity will inspire others to join this effort.”

Butler has been instrumental in supporting many causes in the city, from the environment to health care to the arts. Working with Lady Bird Johnson, she led the way to build and landscape the hike-and-bike trail in Austin that is now named for her and her late husband, former Mayor Roy Butler.

“I am pleased to support the LBJ Presidential Library,” said Butler. “My friends, Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson, have a legacy that impacts all of us today in so many positive ways. These new exhibits share the stories of their political and personal lives through compelling, state-of-the-art technology.”

Hobby has devoted his life to public service – as a naval officer, journalist, governmental policymaker, university chancellor, and as the longest serving lieutenant governor of Texas. Hobby is one of the state’s most influential political and business leaders and is a member of one of the most historically significant families in Texas. Currently he is on the LBJ Foundation board of directors, chairman of the board of Hobby Communications, and the Radoslav Tsanoff professor at Rice University.

“It is time to show new generations what Lyndon Johnson accomplished, the difficult decisions he faced as President, and his lasting impact,” said Hobby. “Johnson has often been called the ‘Education President’ for the more than 60 education bills he helped pass. Education has been a passion of mine and these new exhibits will educate, inspire, and fascinate visitors. It’s time for a new look at our 36th President.”

For more information about the LBJ Presidential Library and the redesign, visit www.LBJLibrary.org .

Reopening dates

The LBJ LIbrary is expected to open its new exhibits to the public on Dec. 22, in honor of Lady Bird Johnson's 100th birthday.

In dedicating the LBJ Library in May 1971, Lyndon Johnson said, “It is all here: the story of our time - - with the bark off... This Library will show the facts...not just the joy and triumphs, but the sorrow and failures, too.”

In keeping with President and Mrs. Johnson’s commitment to transparency and objectivity, Library staff and designers will showcase materials in the new exhibits from the archives and museum collections thathave never before been seen. To ensure accuracy, independent interpretation, and impartiality in the redesign of the exhibits, the LBJ Library has consulted with esteemed historians in presenting the history of Lyndon Johnson.

The consultants include Michael Beschloss, Robert Dallek, Robert Caro, and Doris Kearns Goodwin, as well as many of those who worked in the Johnson Administration.

Renovation of the LBJ Library is funded by private donations through the Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation.

The design and construction managers of the $12 million project are Gallagher and Associates of Washington, D.C.