Austin Museum Day 2025

On Sunday, September 21, the LBJ Library came alive with color, flavor, and music! Visitors enjoyed free admission, hands-on arts and crafts for all ages, celebrating the beauty of Hispanic cultures, and bilingual (English & Spanish) story time for kids. They started their morning on the Plaza with sweet conchas, refreshing drinks, and the irresistible rhythms of Sofrito y Su Melao.

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President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed the first national Hispanic Heritage celebration and recognition in 1968. In his speech, President Johnson said,

“It is with special pride that I call the attention of my fellow citizens to the great contribution to our national heritage made by our people of Hispanic descent—not only in the fields of culture, business, and science, but also through their valor in battle...

The people of Hispanic descent are the heirs of missionaries, captains, soldiers, and farmers who were motivated by a young spirit of adventure, and a desire to settle freely in a free land. This heritage is ours.”

Proclamation 3896, September 17, 1968

President Reagan would later turn this celebration into a month-long observation, but kept the original September 15th start date. September 15th recognizes the beginning of many independence days and movements of Latin American nations. On the annual city-wide celebration of Austin museums, the LBJ Presidential Library is excited to continue President Johnson’s celebration of the people, culture, and achievements of the American citizens and residents whose culture and ancestry stem from our Latin American neighbors.