Texas Treasure: Inside Our Governor's Mansion

Proudly supported by Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution

In the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Hall of Special Exhibitions at The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin through August 1, 2010.   

The exhibit begins with the tragic fire of June 2008 with an inside look of the damaged home as well as a computer-generated video showing how the fire spread throughout the house.  The exhibit than traces the 154-year history of the Mansion as a home for first families, a place of work for employees and a public landmark for all citizens of Texas.  Visitors can view artifacts from the Mansion including Sam Houston's bed, state china, Governor Miriam Ferguson's hand-written chili recipe and hear some of Governor W. Lee "Pappy" O'Daniel's radio program broadcasted from the house.  They can also experience first-hand accounts from residents and employees offering a behind-the-scenes perspective of life in the Mansion.  The exhibit concludes with an exploration of the restoration project that will return the home to its former grandeur.  Through an interactive kiosk, visitors will be able to see how the Mansion has changed over the decades as well as see building materials that were salvaged from the house that will be used to restore this Texas treasure. 

More details on the exhibit, museum hours and admission prices can be found at www.TheStoryofTexas.com

Texas Treasure: Inside Our Governor's Mansion
Entrance to the exhibit.

Texas Treasure: Inside Our Governor’s Mansion is on display in the

Albert and Ethel Hersztein Hall of Special Exhibitions June 5 – August 1, 2010.

 Photo courtesy of State Preservation Board.

Texas Treasure: Inside Our Governor's Mansion
Pappy O'Daniel's picnic

Visitors throng to Pappy O'Daniel's bbq, 1941.

Image courtesy Archives and Information Services Division,

Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Austin.

Texas Treasure: Inside Our Governor's Mansion
Ann Richards' hog

Governor Ann Richards on her Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Image courtesy Archives and Information Services Division,

Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Austin.

Texas Treasure: Inside Our Governor's Mansion
Sam Houston's vest.

Sam Houston's jaguar vest.

Image courtesy Sam Houston Memorial Museum, Huntsville.