Public Tour
The Sam Rayburn House
Capacity: up to 10 people
Timing: 10-45 minutes, Tuesday through Saturday, tours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the hour
Cost: Families $12, adults $6, seniors, veterans, and teachers $5, children $4, ages 5 and under, free
With a house full of original Rayburn furnishings, enjoy seeing how Sam Rayburn, the longest-serving Speaker of the House in U.S. history, lived with his family in this historic two-story home built in 1916. Walk in the steps of Sam Rayburn and the people he loved most, in addition to many visitors over the years including Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson and President Harry Truman. Tours are self-guided, but a staff member will accompany you through the house. The grounds are completely self-guided and are free to tour during operating hours.
School Tours
Mr. Sam and His Farm
Grades: K-3
Capacity: 5-60 students***
Timing: 40 minutes, Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: $1 per person
Sam Rayburn, one of the most powerful and influential politicians in the 20th century, enjoyed life at the farm and home he and his family built in Bonham. Young students will experience this two-story historic home full of items they know, such as a television and oven, in a whole new light once they see how these items looked in the 1950s because of all of the original Rayburn furniture in the house. Traveling down a gravel pathway, students see original outbuildings that hold 1950s vehicles in addition to real chickens and turkeys (that may compete with the vehicles as the highlight of their tour). Due to the age of the students, the tours of the house and grounds will be supplemented with one additional activity.
The Speaker’s House
Grades: 4-12
Capacity: 5-60 students***
Timing: 40 minutes, Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: $1 per person
For almost 50 years, Sam Rayburn helped pass important legislation that continues to help Americans today including the creation of social security, the farm-to-market road system, and spaces such as Bonham State Park. He was also a congressman during a critical period in American history, from World War I to the beginning of the Civil Rights movement. This tour allows students to experience one of the most important places to the longest-serving Speaker of the House in U.S. history— his home and farm. Students will be guided through the two-story home that Rayburn and his family built and lived in from 1916-1969. Original Rayburn furniture shows students a different but relatable perspective on 20th-century life. The tour continues to the farm grounds, where students will find 1950s vehicles, original farm buildings and equipment, and some farm animal friends.
***More students are possible if touring other Bonham historic sites. Additional activities are available if only touring the Sam Rayburn House.
Adult Group Tour
Rayburn’s Residence: At Home with a Legend
Capacity: 10-30 people
Timing: 40 minutes, Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: $4 per person
Sam Rayburn was one of the most powerful and influential politicians in the 20th century, serving in the U.S. Congress for 48 years and holding the position of speaker for 17 years. Throughout his career, Rayburn was known for his fairness, collaboration, and integrity. Visitors to his 1916 home will see original Rayburn furnishings, candid photographs, personal belongings, vehicles, and farm buildings as they learn about his personal life and political achievements and their impact on mid-20th-century history. This fully guided tour will take adult groups through the historic home and outbuildings that the longest-serving Speaker of the House in U.S. history built and enjoyed.
Tour Reservations
Tour reservations should be made at least two days in advance by calling (903) 583-5558, emailing Sam-Rayburn-House@thc.texas.gov, or completing this tour request form.
If your school group is looking for a specialized tour experience, contact the site directly to inquire about customizing your tour.
Visitor Center
Visitors enter and exit the museum grounds through the visitor center, and tours start and end there as well. The visitor center offers free brochures and information about the site and surrounding area, as well as the Texas Historical Commission’s other state historic sites. A museum shop is also located in the visitor center with books, novelty pencils, and postcards for purchase. There is a free gallery where visitors can view the latest exhibit on Rayburn. Visitor parking is available on site at the visitor center.
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible parking and restrooms are available on site. The visitor center is wheelchair accessible, and the front porch and first floor of the house museum are wheelchair accessible but may be limited to smaller wheelchairs. The second floor of the house is not wheelchair accessible. The grounds are well-manicured grass with some gravel and dirt areas; there are no sidewalks. The garage that houses Rayburn’s 1947 Cadillac is wheelchair accessible but must be accessed from the lawn. Virtual tour options are available in the visitor center for those that cannot take the full tour.
Facilities
Food and drinks are not available on site. There is a designated picnic area with picnic tables for visitors who wish to bring food. Food and drink are not allowed inside any of the buildings or on the tour grounds, except for special events. Restrooms are located in the visitor center.
Nearby Attractions
While you're in the area, visit these nearby sites:
For additional travel and history information, see the following resources: