During my Booking It Through History: First Ladies month of studying Barbara Bush, I just happened to be taking my son on a college visit to Texas A&M where the Bush presidential library is located. I loved visiting her artifacts at this beautiful and expansive library.
History
George H.W. Bush was America’s 41st president, serving from 1989-1993. He was vice president from 1981-1989 under President Ronald Reagan. Born and raised in Connecticut, President Bush was a Texas transplant who made the Lone Star State his forever home. He and Barbara spent their lives living in various places in the state from the dusty west Texas oil town of Midland to the skyscrapers of Houston.
His presidential library and museum is located on the campus of Texas A&M beside the Bush School of Government and Public Service.
Visit
The library and museum is located on the southern end of Texas A&M’s huge campus. There is plenty of parking at the site, and there is no need to buy tickets in advance.
Enter into the main lobby and view the few exhibits here while waiting for the next showing of the 24 minute movie about the Bushes. It’s a must-see and is very emotional (I found myself crying at the end!). The movie is appropriate for children of all ages.
You’ll head out of the theater and into the museum.
The first artifact that is so cool to see is the Bush limousine.
The museum takes you through both George and Barbara’s lives. I loved learning more about their early life, especially as I was studying Barbara’s life in my project.
One of my favorite artifacts was her strand of pearls.
Kids will especially love seeing the items from George’s service in WWII. Learning about his harrowing story of bravery was really interesting and made me admire him even more!
Their wedding took place while he was on leave on January 6, 1945. This is a replica of her dress and is just beautiful!
The next section of the museum is about their early life in Texas. Soon after the war ended, the Bushes packed up their baby George (W.) and headed to Texas for a job in the oil industry. They also spent time in California, eventually settling in Midland and adding a daughter, Robin, and a son, Jeb, to their family.
Robin’s death from childhood leukemia at the age of three in 1953 changed George and Barbara for the rest of their lives. Barbara said, “Because of Robin, George and I love every living human more.”
The museum then focuses on George’s rise to political power from his run for a Republican county chairman to Congress.
Barbara kept her hands busy during the campaign by making items such as these baskets!
George’s time at the UN is covered. I loved learning about their apartments in the Waldorf! Kids will love sitting beside George!
The Bushes were then sent to China which is so interesting. What a time to be there!
The most extensive part of the library is the White House section. I loved reliving a part of history I remember! George was elected president in 1988, and these campaign items are a blast from the past!
While Barbara’s original inauguration dress is in the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, you can see an exact replica here.
I also loved the dress from one of the State dinners.
A big hit is sitting in the replica Oval Office!
Of course, my favorite part was the section dedicated to Barbara. To learn more about her extraordinary life, be sure to read my post.
The replica of the office at Camp David is unique.
It is always special to see a part of the Berlin Wall which came down during George’s presidency.
Kids can try their hands at a briefing in the White House bunker.
My son’s favorite part of the museum is the Gulf War section.
The Gate of Kuwait is a memorial to those who died in this fight for freedom.
The 1992 campaign, which was ultimately unsuccessful, is highlighted. This is the first real presidential election I remember, especially when President Bush came through my hometown on a train!
On your way out, you’ll see President Bush’s beloved boat.
The exit hallway talks about the Bushes’ work after the White House. They were active well into their nineties!
They were so proud when their son, George W., was elected president in 2000.
After visiting the awesome gift shop where you can purchase a signed copy of Mrs. Bush’s memoir, visit the poignant gravesite. It’s just down at the lake behind the museum. Little Robin is laid to rest beside her parents.
Before leaving, be sure to see the Bush train and Marine One helicopter in the Baker pavilion beside the museum. This is also where you’ll find a tasty cafe.
The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is a beautiful place to learn about the importance of public service through the lives of a great American president and his wife. I highly encourage you to visit and take your children to be inspired by their decades of work.
Helpful hints:
- Cost: $12/adults; $3/college students; $5/youth (ages 6-12)
- Recommended: ages 6 and up
- Tour time: 2-3 hours
- Gift shop located on site and online.
- Transportation: Located on the campus of Texas A&M in College Station, the museum is best accessed via car. There is a regional airport in College Station and bus transportation through the university is available.
- Dining options: We enjoyed our meal at a College Station classic, Dixie Chicken. There is also an onsite cafe at the museum called Daisy’s Table.
- Nearby hotels: We didn’t stay in town, but the university recommends this list of hotels. The one nearest to the library is The Stella. Texas A&M is a two hour drive from many hotels in Austin and only 1.5 hours from hotels in Waco.
- Nearby attractions include: Texas A&M
Books to Read:
All links are Amazon affiliate links. You can visit my Bookshop.org shop to support independent bookstores and creators. You can also order books directly from the library here.
Adults/Young Adults:
- All the Best, George Bush: My Life in Letters and Other Writings
- Speaking of Freedom: The Collected Speeches
- 41: A Portrait of My Father
- My Father, My President: A Personal Account of the Life of George H. W. Bush
- Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush
- The Call to Serve: The Life of an American President, George Herbert Walker Bush: A Visual Biography
- Character Matters: And Other Life Lessons from George H. W. Bush
- The Man I Knew: The Amazing Story of George H. W. Bush’s Post-Presidency
- Zenith: In the White House with George H. W. Bush
- Barbara Bush: A Memoir
- Reflections: Life After the White House
- Pearls of Wisdom: Little Pieces of Advice (That Go a Long Way)
- The Matriarch: Barbara Bush and the Making of an American Dynasty
- Grace & Steel: Dorothy, Barbara, Laura, and the Women of the Bush Dynasty
- Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H.W. and Barbara Bush
- George & Barbara Bush: A Great American Love Story
Middle Grade:
Picture Books:
