Explore the George H.W. Bush
Presidential Library and Museum!
Article + Photos courtesy of | George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
The museum traces George Bush’s life from a young boy learning the value of public service, to years as a Navy pilot, businessman, Congressman, United Nations Ambassador, Chair of the Republican National Committee, Chief of the Liaison Office in China, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Vice President, and President. Visitors also learn about George Bush as a father, husband, grandfather, sportsman, and humanitarian. Observe photos, documents, videos, and artifacts from the past 100 years as well as a World War II TBM Avenger Torpedo Bomber, 1947 Studebaker, piece of the Berlin Wall, a Presidential Limo, and more.
Certain displays document George Bush’s leadership during the reunification of Germany, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the Gulf War. The museum encapsulates the importance of family, friends, and politics with themes of nobility and public service exemplified by George and Barbara Bush.
44 million pages of documents and donations from George H.W. Bush’s career are cared for in the museum, as well as over 60,000 artifacts. Many are on display and accessible to researchers.
For the exhibit in the Ansary Gallery of American History, the Bush Library and Museum partnered with Texas A&M to celebrate 50 years of the Texas Sea Grant College Program. Texas Sea Grant: 50 Years of Science and Stewardship explores the coast’s history and how A&M supports the shoreland. From maintaining coastal ecosystems to aiding sustainable fisheries and promoting resilience, Texas Sea Grant has helped protect and enhance Texas’ coastal environments. Learn about historic and current Texas Sea Grant programs, realize your own impact on the Texas coast, and even take home recipes to make Gulf Coast seafood!
The Museum proudly features Oceans of Plastic, a strangely beautiful art collection of plastic waste acquired by Shelia Rogers along the Texas Gulf Coast. This exhibit uncovers harsh realities of improperly discarded plastic in a captivating way.
George Bush: An Environmental President outlines President Bush’s environmental initiatives and legislation, including the Clean Air Act Amendment, one of the most significant environmental legislations of the 20th century.
These exhibits are on display until July 5, 2022, read more on Bush41.org/exhibits/current. To see what’s in store after these exhibits leave, check out Bush41.org/exhibits/future
Take advantage of summer and tour the Bush Center grounds! Observe The Day the Wall Came Down, a tribute to the Berlin Wall fall featuring bronze horses galloping over the wall to freedom. You’ll also see the George Bush statue standing in the plaza. On your way to the Presidential Pond, you’ll pass the Quote Wall. Bring barbless hooks for catch-and-release fishing or enjoy the scenery of the Barbara Bush Rose Garden. Through the woods you’ll reach the Bush Family Gravesite honoring the lives of George H.W. Bush, Barbara Bush, and daughter Pauline Robinson “Robin” Bush. For more information read the Plan Your Visit tab at Bush41.org.
After a 2-year hiatus, the Movies by the Pond Summer Film Series will return this year! In conjunction with the Texas Sea Grant and Oceans of Plastic exhibits, followed by the exhibit Mandela: The Official Exhibition, this summer’s movie line up will be: “Shark Tale” on May 27, “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” on June 17, “Invictus” on August 12, and “The Princess and the Frog” on September 23. The games, food, and bounce houses will begin at 7 p.m. and the movies will start just after sundown. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy these movies for FREE under the stars.
Museum admission tickets can now be placed online in advance or upon arrival at the museum for your convenience. There are many discounts in place, including free admission for military personnel and their families.
Located at 1000 George Bush Drive West in College Station, The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is open Monday through Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. For questions, contact info.bush@nara.gov, or call (979) 691-4000. See you soon!