The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum at Texas A&M University is a premier destination for visitors from around the world. Included in the museum’s exhibits are items ranging from a 1925 film of Bush’s first steps in Kennebunkport, Maine, to records and memorabilia from his tenure as the 41st president. One of 16 presidential libraries operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum is dedicated to preserving and making available the records and artifacts of George H.W. Bush, promoting civic literacy, increasing historical understanding of the shared national experience, and fostering a community of public service and volunteerism.
Photo courtesy of George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum
The Bush Library & Museum features something for everyone. Highlights include actual film footage of Bush’s submarine rescue after his plane was shot down over the island of Chichi Jima in September 1944, replicas of both the Oval Office and Bush’s office at Camp David, a piece of the Berlin Wall, and much more. Since President Bush held such a variety of positions throughout his career, there are also exhibits on the oil industry, the United Nations, and the Central Intelligence Agency.
President Bush was also known for his belief that faith, family, friendship, and service to others are all key to living a successful life, so the themes of family and public service can be found throughout the museum. It’s impossible to tell the story of George Bush without including Barbara Bush, and you will find her and their children in many of the exhibits as well.
Photo courtesy of George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum
The museum also features temporary exhibits on a variety of topics, providing repeat guests a new experience every time. “The Spirit of the Place” is on exhibit through March 30, 2025. Developed in conjunction with 41@100, this exhibit explores the George H.W. Bush Presidential Center’s place in the community and its impact on the world. President Bush demonstrated throughout his remarkable life that service to others is fundamental to the American character and is something that can unite and uplift our country.
The “Music America: Iconic Objects from America’s Music History” exhibit will open May 5, 2025. Since the founding of the United States, music has run through the nation’s veins. Experience the story of how music has inspired America’s national identity as you journey through iconic objects spanning decades of American music.
Photo courtesy of George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum
The annual Easter Celebration, modeled after the White House Easter Egg Roll, will take place on the library grounds April 12, 2025. Activities at this free event will include an Easter egg hunt, carnival games, face painting, door prizes, balloon animals, complimentary refreshments, and photos with the Easter Bunny. And each month, younger visitors will enjoy captivating book readings, themed crafts, snacks and more at Barbara’s Saturday Storytime. Visit bush41.org for more details.
While at the Bush Library & Museum, many guests take the opportunity to visit the Bush Family Gravesite, the Presidential Pond with the Barbara Bush Rose Gardens, the statue of George Bush, and the statue, “The Day the Wall Came Down,” which honors the fall of the Berlin Wall. Other attractions include the 4141/Marine One Pavilion that contains the 4141 Locomotive and a former Marine One helicopter, along with the cafe Daisy’s Table. More information can be found in the Plan Your Visit tab at bush41.org.
Motorcoach parking is available, and the museum is equipped to accommodate groups of any size, though tours may need to be broken into multiple groups to tour different areas and cycle through to see everything. The Malek Theater, which features a 22-minute introductory film, holds 150 guests. Tours should plan a visit of two to four hours, depending on how in depth visitors choose to immerse themselves in the numerous exhibits.
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George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum
bush41.org
Lead image:
President Bush statue, George Bush Presidential Library & Museum Permanent Collection
Photo courtesy of George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum
