No visit to Austin would be complete without a stop by the LBJ Library and Museum at 2313 Red River. Located on the campus of the University of Texas, it stands as a reminder of this Texan and the turbulent and changing era of his administration.

The eight-story library, constructed inside and out of Travertine marble, is the repository for all 35 million documents produced during the LBJ administration. The files, all housed in red, acid-free boxes stamped with the gold presidential seal, are open to scholars and researchers.

But a wealth of exhibits and displays are open to the public on three floors of the library. The museum, located on floors 1, 2, and 8, contains over 35,000 historical objects ranging from a ship's passport signed by Thomas Jefferson to a moon rock.

Your look at the LBJ Library begins with a 20-minute orientation presentation on the President's early years in the Hill Country, political life in the House and Senate, and finally the White House years. After the film, stroll through the first floor exhibits on the Johnson family, foreign affairs, gifts from other countries, and LBJ's special humor.

A walk up the wide marble staircase take you to the second floor. Here you'll find exhibits on social and education reform during the LBJ administration, American political memorabilia, a special area for changing exhibits, and the First Lady Theater, where you can take a look at the many contributions made by Lady Bird Johnson.

From this floor it's a short elevator ride up to the Oval Office, or at least a replica of the office as used by LBJ. On this floor, color transparencies give you a peek into some of the public and private rooms of the White House as well.

The LBJ Library and Museum is open, free of charge, seven days a week from 9 - 5. It is closed only on Christmas Day.

For More Information: visit http://www.lbjlib.utexas.edu

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