Tuesday, May 31, 2016 - 8:00am
By Anne Rupert, Sam Rayburn House Curator
Did you know that Sam Rayburn wasn’t the only member of his family to work in the federal government? “Mr. Sam’s” nephew, Robert Taylor Bartley, worked in Washington D.C. for many years. He retired from federal service in 1972 after 41 years on the job.
When constructed in 1916, the occupants of Sam Rayburn’s home in Bonham included...
Wednesday, April 27, 2016 - 8:00am
By Sarah Robinson, Intern, Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site
Sam Rayburn’s nearly 50-year tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives saw eight different presidential administrations, from Woodrow Wilson to John F. Kennedy. As a young Congressman early in his career, “Mr. Sam” did not work closely with the president, but as his career progressed and his influence increased, he and...
Thursday, March 31, 2016 - 12:38pm
By Sarah Robinson, Intern, Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site
In honor of Women’s History Month, our March artifact of the month highlights the fireplace bellows located in the sitting room of the Sam Rayburn House. The bellows were a gift from one of the most important women in Sam Rayburn’s political life: his secretary of 42 years, Alla Clary.
Clary was born on August 26...
Tuesday, February 23, 2016 - 9:25am
By Anne Ruppert, Sam Rayburn House Curator
Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site recently held an open house to celebrate African American History Month and Rayburn employees Charlie and Bobbie Phillips.
Charlie Phillips worked as a caretaker at the Rayburn farm beginning around 1939. Bobbie Erskine began working on the farm as the family’s cook in 1933. They married in 1940...
Friday, January 8, 2016 - 8:00am
By Anne Ruppert, Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site
Silver bells, red bows, a bright and festive tree, holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias were all part of the decorations in “Mr. Sam’s” house during the annual Holiday Open House at Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site. With these decorations, Christmas music, and scents of evergreen, pumpkin pie, and sugar cookies, it was time for...
Friday, November 13, 2015 - 8:00am
By Anne Ruppert, Sam Rayburn House Curator
Every year since 2009, the Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site invites the community to celebrate the history of farming during Farming Heritage Day.
This year’s event included fun and educational hands-on activities for children and adults. Visitors made butter and ice cream, cornhusk dolls, and a woven craft. They also took part in...
Wednesday, March 18, 2015 - 8:00am
By Anne Ruppert, Sam Rayburn House Museum Staff
The year 2015 has already been a busy one at the Sam Rayburn House Museum. The museum recently hosted two open house celebrations—one to commemorate the 133rd birthday of Sam Rayburn and the other to commemorate Black History Month.
During the Sam Rayburn Day celebration, tours of the home focused on how Sam Rayburn celebrated his...
Friday, December 19, 2014 - 8:00am
By Anne Ruppert, Sam Rayburn House Museum
Since 1997, historians, preservationists, archeologists, students, and members of the public have celebrated Texas Archeology Month annually in October. The Texas Historical Commission, in association with the Texas Archeological Society and the Council of Texas Archeologists, have dedicated the month to expanding public awareness and...
Friday, October 31, 2014 - 8:00am
By Anne Ruppert, Sam Rayburn House Museum
Another enjoyable Farming Heritage Day was held at the Sam Rayburn House Museum. The event, which took place on Saturday, September 20, included many agricultural-themed activities for both children and adults.
What is Farming Heritage Day without vintage tractors? The event included vintage John Deere tractors and “hit or miss”...
Friday, May 9, 2014 - 8:00am
By Anne Ruppert, Sam Rayburn House Museum
Sam Rayburn’s farm was home to more than just members of the Rayburn family. Along with Sam, his sister Lucinda, his brother Tom, and other family, the home served as the residence for two employees: Charlie Phillips, his wife Bobbie, and Bobbie’s young granddaughter, Barbara.
Bobbie, an African American woman, began working as the cook...
