BONHAM, TX -- Fannin county residents celebrated a famous native son's birthday today.

The newly renovated Sam Rayburn Library Museum opened it's doors and served dessert and drinks in honor of the former lawmaker.

Rayburn was from Bonham and served as Speaker of the House for 17 years, the longest tenure in history. His birthday is actually January 6, but they celebrated it a few days early.

"He was a wonderful man, a great statesman. He did a lot for the United States. He did a lot for the world and Fannin County, the whole area. And we just never forget him," Jacqueline White said.

The Sam Rayburn Library Museum exhibits photographs, original letters, political artifacts and personal memorabilia that were important to Rayburn. It's open Tuesday- Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.