In 2018, the Texas Historical Commission unveiled Erin McClelland Museum Services’ latest work: new permanent agricultural and automotive exhibits at the Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site. The bulk of the exhibits focus on the Rayburn Family’s farming heritage and “Mr. Sam’s” desire to help his neighbors and constituents modernize their operations. An interactive spinning milk can question-and-answer feature and bronze bas relief sculptures help bring the content to life, while didactic panels and reader rails let visitors dive deep into the content. Period and environmental details inspired the design, including galvanized metal and vintage advertisements and posters. The automotive exhibits highlight the site’s classic auto collection, including Rayburn’s prize 1947 Cadillac and his sister Lou’s teal 1955 Plymouth Savoy.
