Redefining the Speaker's Home: Interpreting the Sam Rayburn House Museum

FAIN: MC-50082-07

Texas Historical Commission (Austin, TX 78711-2276)
Carole Stanton (Project Director: September 2006 to August 2008)

To support consultation with scholars to devise ideas and themes for public interpretation of congressman Sam Rayburn's home, with special attention to its role in his career.

The Sam Rayburn House Museum, the historic home of Congressman Sam Rayburn, seeks funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities for the purposes of enhancing its current interpretation. Four scholars with backgrounds in history, politics, and museum interpretation, and a former aide and friend to Sam Rayburn will meet with the Museum staff for a two day workshop. Consultants and staff members will develop interpretive themes that address Sam Rayburn?s political and social activities at home, how they influenced the success and longevity of his career, and how they influenced his efforts as Congressman to help raise the standard of living for rural Americans. Grant funds will enable Carole Stanton, site coordinator, to visit two historic sites with exemplary interpretive programs to learn from their experience and success.