Standing on the front porch of the Texas White House, Luci Baines Johnson asked Russ Whitlock, superintendent of LBJ National Historic Park (LBJNHP), if a Friends group could be formed. Within a week the wheels were in motion for a Friends of LBJNHP.

Friends groups assist National Parks across America by providing additional educational and interpretive programs, assist with research and conservation planning and improvement projects that benefit the individual park. The Friends of LBJNHP members share a common purpose and desire to support our national historical park as it preserves and shares with the public the historic properties, life and legacy of the 36th President and Mrs. Lyndon B. (“Lady Bird”) Johnson.

Ms. Johnson and her sister, Lynda Johnson Robb, are very pleased with the group and plans for the park. With 2008 being the 100th anniversary of the 36th president’s birth, many activities are planned and new members are invited to join the new Friends group. The initial event of the Friends group was a December book signing with Rebecca Rather.

The LBJ 100 year will include: Luci Baines Johnson leading a bike tour of the LBJ Ranch on March 8; a Book Fair on the Texas White House lawn April 11-12; the LBJ 100 Bicycle Tour April 19; LBJ Ranch Cycling Weekend April 26-27; BBQ on the Pedernales May 17; Memorial Day tribute to Service in Vietnam May 26; Movies under the stars, summer; and a host of additional activities each month during 2008.

Friends members will assist with these activities. The LBJ 100 Bike Tour could draw 700 or more riders from the region. Membership in the Friends, a 501 (c)(3) organization, offers discounts and other benefits for these events and other planned park and Texas White House activities. Details of these events, membership opportunities, a calendar of events and information about the Friends organization may be seen on the web at www.FriendsofLBJNationalPark.org. Annual memberships are $25 and up. Please assist us in the re-development of our area’s National Historical Park, and help make a reality of Lyndon B. Johnson’s dream, “All the world is welcome here.”