H.W. Brands Visits the LBJ Museum

Photo by: Leah Keyworth
Museum President, Ed Mihalkanin (right)

Dr. H.W. Brands, professor at University of Texas-Austin and best selling author, spoke at the LBJ Museum of San Marcos last night for the museum's 2nd Lecture Series.

The lecture series was titled, "The Johnson Presidency: A 50 Year Retrospective." Many attendees joined to listen to the historian highlight the late President Johnson 50 years later.

My favorite part of Brands' speech was the part about how ,"Johnson knew he could never be president if he was considered a southerner."

Yes, I was born in Texas and have grown-up in Texas and I plan to die in Texas. So why would that be my favorite part?

Because Brands made it so clear to me that Johnson had ambition. And that he wanted power. 

"Yes, Johnson wanted power. But Johnson wanted power for a purpose ... He wanted power because he wanted to change this country," Brands explained. 

At the event the museum provided the attendees with food and wine, sponsored by HEB and Gil's Broiler.

Attendees were encouraged to participate in the silent-auction of a few of Brands' best selling books including:

• "The Man Who Saved the Union"
• "The First American"
• "Traitor to His Class"

All proceeds were a direct donation to the museum.

As a Texas State University student, I was glad to hear this speech and learn what it takes to be not just a good president, but a great president.