The Sam Rayburn House Museum will open a new exhibit, “Through the Years: Milestones in Preservation at the Sam Rayburn House Museum” on Saturday, April 27. The event will take place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The Sam Rayburn House Museum will open a new exhibit, “Through the Years: Milestones in Preservation at the Sam Rayburn House Museum” on Saturday, April 27. The event will take place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The new exhibit explores the various milestones throughout the history of Sam Rayburn’s farm home beginning with the1914 purchase of 121 acres of land outside of Bonham. It follows the home’s evolution from cherished family residence to house museum in accordance with Rayburn’s wishes for the home to become a place of learning.

The home initially transferred from Rayburn to the Sam Rayburn Foundation who later transferred it to the Texas Historical Commission. In 1975 his home at last opened as the Sam Rayburn House Museum and became a National Historic Landmark, a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The exhibit follows the further history of restorations and preservation efforts to maintain Rayburn’s home and to tell the real stories of the real places in Texas.

Highlights include a history of Rayburn’s building of the home, his later renovations and additions, and the repurposing of the home from residence to museum. A1997 electrical fire resulted in smoke and structural damage, which closed the museum for six months for repairs and interior restoration. During that time, Texas Governor George W. Bush visited the museum to oversee the progress of the work. A yearlong exterior restoration concluded in March 2012 and additionally restored the historical accuracy of some significant features of the home inadvertently altered after Rayburn’s death.

The “Through the Years” exhibit opening event will include free admission to the site, including free tours of the house and grounds. The event will also feature activities for children, refreshments and a flag raising ceremony. Please join us!

The Sam Rayburn House Museum tells the real story of Sam Rayburn, one of the most powerful and influential politicians of the 20th century, in his authentic 1916 home. Preserved as a period time capsule, the two-story home contains all original Rayburn furnishings. The Sam Rayburn House Museum is one of 20 historic attractions operated by the Texas Historical Commission. For more information visit www.visitsamrayburnhouse.com.