Wednesday, April 11, 2018 - 8:00am
By Anne Ruppert, Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site
A week of lovely spring weather made for a great week of spring break activities at the Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site on March 13-16. Spring Break at “Mr. Sam’s” house included fun activities for both children and adults.
On Tuesday, the theme for the day was “String Us Along.” We made kites and were...
Thursday, March 15, 2018 - 8:00am
By Margo McCutcheon, Intern, Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site
To honor Women’s History Month in March, we are excited to reveal a recently conserved dress that likely belonged to one of the Rayburn women who lived in the Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site. Although we cannot determine the owner of the dress, we can use the dress itself and our knowledge of who...
Wednesday, February 28, 2018 - 1:28pm
By Anne Ruppert, Sam Rayburn House State Historic
In honor of the African American community members who lived and worked on the Rayburn farm, the Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site hosted an open house on Saturday, February 10 to recognize their contributions to the Rayburn story.
Charlie Phillips was hired by Sam Rayburn’s brother, Tom Rayburn, to be the caretaker...
Thursday, February 8, 2018 - 9:10am
By Anne Ruppert, Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site
The Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site will host a reception on Saturday, February 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in honor of the African American men, women, and children who lived and worked on the Rayburn farm. Join us for free, themed tours of the historic house, refreshments, and a display of objects from our collection in honor...
Friday, January 26, 2018 - 9:07am
By Anne Ruppert, Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site Curator
Sam Rayburn was born in Roane County, Tennessee on January 6, 1882. In honor of “Mr. Sam’s” birthday, the Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site hosted a birthday party for the late Speaker of the House on Saturday, January 6 and everyone was invited.
The theme for Sam Rayburn Day was events that took place during...
Wednesday, July 26, 2017 - 7:45am
By John Haynes, Intern, Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site
The quilting work on this piece is one of considerably high quality. It was probably a display piece or the cover on a bed—most likely the latter due to the extremely thick batting for warmth. This quilt shows classic complex “Nine Block” and irregular Baptist Fan stitching patterns. The Nine Block pattern employs nine half...
Tuesday, June 27, 2017 - 8:00am
By Anne Ruppert, Curator, Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site
Medibel Rayburn Bartley was born on December 18, 1879. She, along with her parents, seven brothers, and two sisters, moved from their home in Roane County, Tenn. in 1887 to Flag Springs, Texas. In 1902 at age 23, Medibel married Samuel Edward Bartley of Ladonia, who was 22 at the time.
The Bartleys made their home...
Thursday, June 15, 2017 - 7:39am
By Anne Ruppert, Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site
On April 1, staff and visitors of the Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site had two great reasons to celebrate.
The date marked the 42nd anniversary of the site, which originally opened to the public on April 1, 1975. Lady Bird Johnson and former Speaker of the House John McCormack, who were both friends with Sam Rayburn,...
Wednesday, April 26, 2017 - 8:00am
By Anne Ruppert, Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site
2017 marks the centennial of the U.S. entry into World War I. Like many other historic sites, museums, and organizations across Texas, Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site will honor those who served in the war over the next two years.
The Rayburn family is intrinsically linked to World War I through Sam Rayburn, who was...
Friday, January 20, 2017 - 8:00am
By Anne Ruppert, Curator, Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site
On “Mr. Sam’s” ranch, the cattle weren’t just cattle, they were “Pride and Joy,” “Pretty Boy,” “Miss Agnes,” and “Mr. Boots.” These names identified some of Sam Rayburn’s registered Polled Hereford cattle.
Raising Herefords wasn’t initially part of Rayburn’s 1916 farm. He and his family actually raised Jersey...
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