“A Twenty Year Retrospective of the Museum”
The LBJ Museum of San Marcos is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and to commemorate this milestone, this year’s Spring Lecture recounted the story of how it all began. Guest speaker Ed S. Mihalkanin, PhD, a founding board member and former president of the museum, as well as a political science professor at Texas State University and a former member of the San Marcos City Council, guided attendees through the museum’s early history during the lecture held on Thursday, March 12.
According to Mihalkanin, the museum was established in 1997 with a modest budget of $50. Key milestones in its development included securing a 30-year lease from Hays County for just $1 per year, raising $525,000 for renovations and receiving substantial contributions from organizations such as the Tanger Corporation, the Texas Pioneer Foundation and the Hobby Foundation. Renovations took place from 1998 to 2006, as funds became available, culminating in the museum’s official opening in 2006.
Many exhibits at the museum have been sourced from the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin. Mihalkanin highlighted the importance of the museum’s programming, noting the distinguished guest speakers who have participated over the years, including renowned historian H.W. Brands, former Belizean Ambassador to Mexico Oliver del Cid and George W.S. Abbey, former director of the Johnson Space Center. Although Mihalkanin acknowledged the financial constraints currently preventing the museum from showcasing more exhibits from other institutions related to Johnson, he expressed hope for increased funding in the future. Additionally, he anticipates an uptick in visitor attendance at the museum and its events.
Kraemer further mentioned the need for replacing the museum’s HVAC units, emphasizing that donations would be greatly appreciated.
The LBJ Museum’s programs are always free and open to the public!
