“Let future generations understand the burden and the blessings of freedom.”

The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, located on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, celebrated its 25^th anniversary in April of this year.

“Let future generations understand the burden and the blessings of freedom,” said George H.W. Bush in his State of the Union Address. Visiting the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas is one way to learn about the Bush presidency and his role in the fight for freedom.

Guests have access to a guided audio tour they can connect to through their phone. In doing so, they can learn more information than provided in the museum alone.

Starting in the ‘Symbols of the Presidency’ collection, visitors can see notorious symbols synonymous with the presidency–such as, the presidential limousine, the Presidential Seal, as well as painted portraits of George Bush and first lady Barbara Bush.

Growing up, Bush had a very mundane and typical way of life. This is shown through the family pictures shown in the ‘Family Traditions’ room. Visitors will learn more about Bush’s childhood, as well as the lives of his siblings and parents. Numerous pictures showcase the activities the family did together, such as playing board games and baseball.

Of course, the Bush family is not the only one guests will learn about. First Lady Barbara Bush was an instrumental person in shaping Bush’s presidency. The history of her family is shown in the ‘Pierce Family’ collection. In this section, Barbara Bush’s mother’s glassware is encased on display. You will also learn how the Bush couple met and came to marry.

Bush enlisted in the navy in 1942; hanging from the ceiling is a 1944 TBM Avenger plane restored by Mr. Jack Guy, who was a member of the same squadron as Bush during World War II. Mementos from his time in the navy are encased, such as his pilot’s handbook and navy identification card. Visitors can also use the museum’s pilot simulator to experience what it’s like to fly the plane. A video is also shown of Bush talking about his military service and how it affected him.

After the war, Bush resumed life and went to college, married, and had a family. In the ‘From Flyboy to Goldenboy’ collection, photos from their wedding are hung. Encased is a replica of Barbara’s wedding dress and her broach she wore at her wedding. You will also learn more about Bush’s time at Yale and playing college baseball.

Before becoming involved in politics, Bush became successful in the oil business. Through the ‘Taking Risks’ collection, visitors will learn more about how Bush formed an oil business and later became president of Zapata Offshore. A plaque from Zapata Offshore oil drilling is on display.

Once he successfully created his own business, Bush realized he could do a lot more to help people. To do so, he started out by running for the chairmanship of the Harris County Republican Party and won in 1963. In ‘The Congressman from Texas,’ visitors will also learn more concerning his place in the U.S. House of Representatives and furthermore, his role as a Vice President.

Moving his political career further, Bush soon becomes the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Further ahead, visitors can learn more about his role as Director of the CIA in the ‘A Firm Yes’ exhibit. They are able to experience the CIA by using their handprint to open drawers, revealing spy equipment and artifacts. 

Eventually, visitors enter the ‘Mr. President’ exhibit, where they learn how Bush campaigned and came to be president. On display is First Lady Barbara Bush’s evening gown from their Inaugural Ball. Visitors can also see a replica of the White House and how it was decorated during Bush’s presidency. They are also welcome to sit at the White House desk. Pictures of his and his children’s lives are set up on the bookshelf.

Further down in the ‘Press Room Theater,’ visitors can stand at the president’s podium and experience giving a press conference from a teleprompter. In the room, watch a video of President Bush’s inauguration.

First Lady Barbara Bush had her own impact on the country during her husband’s term. In her exhibit, ‘To Help Every Day,’ visitors learn more on her mission to help someone every day, including visiting children’s hospitals and retirement homes and how she improved literacy rates.

A 12-foot piece of the Berlin Wall stands with a video detailing Bush’s role in the Cold War. As visitors continue, they learn more about the Persian Gulf War, Gulf War, and eco-terrorism.

“A Tough Campaign and a Life of Service’ exhibit details the defeat Bush had when trying to run for re-election against Bill Clinton. On display are Bush’s campaign pins and posters. This defeat, however, did not stop George and Barbara Bush from volunteering and each writing bestselling books.

The museum ends with ways in which the Bush family is remembered. A statue of Sully, George Bush’s service dog, also stands.

In total, The George Bush library contains more than 100,000 artifacts and hosts a number of events throughout the year, including workshops for educators and educational movie series for families.

Construction is underway on the Marine One/4141 Locomotive Pavilion.  The new 29,000 square foot building will feature a retired Marine One helicopter, the Union Pacific 4141 locomotive, and an onsite café.  The locomotive was used for the Bush funeral train in 2018.  The Pavilion is scheduled to open June 2024.

Behind the museum, an iron gate surrounds the graves of George H. W. Bush, his wife Barbara Bush, and their daughter Robin, who died at age three in 1953. This gravesite is open to visitors to pay respects during the museum hours.  

Monday – Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Texas AM University
1000 George Bush Dr W
College Station, TX 77845
(979) 691-4000
bush41.org