Spring 2026 Newsletter

Spring Lecture

“A Twenty Year Retrospective of the Museum”

Photos by San Marcos Daily Record Reporter Shannon West

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 museum exhibits come from the LBJ Presidential Library. Mihalkanin emphasized the significance of the museum’s programming and its distinguished guest speakers, including historian H.W. Brands and former Belizean Ambassador Oliver del Cid. Despite current financial constraints limiting the showcase of more exhibits, he remains hopeful for increased funding and expects a rise in visitor attendance at the museum and its events. Board President Wayne Kraemer further mentioned the need for replacing the museum’s HVAC units, emphasizing that donations would be greatly appreciated.

Golf Tournament

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Museum of San Marcos celebrated the 23nd Annual Ted Breihan Open Golf Tournament on April 24th at the Kissing Tree Golf Club!

The first place team was sponsored by Linebarger Goggan Blair & Simpson, LLP (LGBS) and included Lupe Carbajal, Billy Rodgers, Vincente Perez and Todd Crosley. In the past five years, the LGBS team has won four times. Coming in second was the team sponsored by Carbajal & Associates and included Jesse Sanchez, Victor Wallace, Pedro Quintero and David Sambrano. Sunset Bowl came in third place with Gary Gilbert, Randal Herzog, John Gates and Joe Register. Other team sponsors included Ted Breihan Electric, Frost Bank, Elliott Electric Supply, Inc., Chuck Nash Automotive, First Lockhart Bank, Injured Texan, Lonestar Electric Supply, Navarrette Knuckleheads and Team Sudela.

Hole sponsors for this year’s tournament included Texas State Political Science Department, Melissa and Aart Millicam, Elliott Electric Supply, Chloe and John Navarrette, HEB, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, Benchmark Insurance, Chuck Nash Auto Group and Injured Texan. to see more photos click HERE

Spring Sprung!

Celebrating San Marcos with Shannon

Thank you to Shannon FitzPatrick for her engaging discussion on the lesser-known history of San Marcos. Her sense of humor made the evening enjoyable, while her extensive research added a fascinating depth to the presentation, making the event truly memorable. The audience was captivated by her storytelling, which brought to life the vibrant past of San Marcos. From tales of early settlers to the unique cultural influences that shaped the town, each anecdote was delivered with passion and insight. Attendees left with a newfound appreciation for the rich tapestry of history that lies beneath the surface of their community, sparking conversations and curiosity that lingered long after the event had concluded.

Lyndon B. Johnson and the Lions Club