Virtual Walk-through: LBJ Gifts & Giveaways

Join Ruth Goerger, associate curator of digital interpretation, for a virtual walk-through of "Gifts & Giveaways," a temporary exhibition on view in the LBJ Presidential Library's Great Hall.

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Lyndon Johnson frequently gave gifts throughout his political career: campaign giveaways, presents for White House staffers, gifts for guests at the LBJ Ranch, and formal exchanges with heads of state. Johnson saw gifts and giveaways as an opportunity for "engraving [his] spirit on the minds of and hearts of [his] people."

Pens, matches, cufflinks, hats, electric razors, and even electric toothbrush sets were all given as gifts. Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin once asked President Johnson why he gave away toothbrushes. Johnson replied, "Because I want people to think of me when they get up in the morning and when they go to bed at night."

Gift exchanges weren't always equal. After visiting troops in Vietnam during his 1967 trip around the world, President Johnson flew to Rome to confer with Pope Paul VI. The visit was spontaneous and a formal head of state gift had not been arranged. When the two leaders met, the Pope presented President Johnson with a 13th century painting of the Nativity, while Johnson presented a 12-inch plaster bust of himself to the Pope.

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