Visiting George Bush Presidential Library and Museum: Hours, Tickets, History, and Tips
Date: 24/07/2024
Introduction
Discover the rich history and legacy of the 41st President of the United States at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas. This comprehensive guide provides an overview of what to expect during your visit, including exhibits, architectural highlights, educational programs, and practical information such as visiting hours and ticket prices. Established on November 6, 1997, the library was dedicated in a ceremony attended by four living U.S. presidents, marking a historic event (My Aggie Nation). Situated on a 90-acre site on the west campus of Texas A&M University, the library is an architectural marvel designed by Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum (Wikipedia). This guide aims to provide all the essential details for a fulfilling and informative visit to this iconic museum.
Table of Contents
- History
- Visitor Experience
- Admission and Hours
- Nearby Attractions
- Travel Tips
- Educational and Public Programs
- Volunteer Opportunities
- FAQ
History of the George Bush Presidential Library & Museum
Establishment and Dedication
The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, located on the west campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, was dedicated on November 6, 1997. The dedication ceremony was a significant event, attended by all living U.S. presidents at the time, except Ronald Reagan. This included George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, and Gerald Ford (My Aggie Nation). The library opened to the public the following day, November 7, 1997, and saw an impressive 67,677 visitors in the first two months (My Aggie Nation).
Architectural Design and Location
The library was designed by the architectural firm Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum and is situated on a 90-acre site. It is part of a larger complex that includes the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center and the George Bush School of Government and Public Service (Wikipedia). The library is administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) under the provisions of the Presidential Libraries Act of 1955.
Selection of Texas A&M University
The decision to locate the library at Texas A&M University was influenced by a combined effort from the university and the cities of Bryan and College Station. Michel T. Halbouty, a Texas oil businessman and friend of Bush, initially approached the former president with the idea. The local community showed their support by renaming Jersey Street to George Bush Drive in September 1989. In May 1991, Bush confirmed that Texas A&M would be the site for his presidential library (My Aggie Nation).
Renovations and Updates
To keep the exhibits fresh and engaging, an $8.3 million renovation began in 2007. The museum reopened on the 10th anniversary of its original dedication. This renovation included the addition of an audio guide system, which offers commentary from George or Barbara Bush or their daughter Dorothy Koch. The audio tour is available for download from the Bush Library’s website or iTunes (My Aggie Nation).
Exhibits and Collections
The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from significant women in American history to black history and aviation. Permanent artifacts include family photos over several generations, Bush’s WWII military identification card, excerpts from letters, and his Yale baseball mitt. The museum’s layout follows Bush’s life chronologically, starting with his parents and childhood, through WWII, his marriage to Barbara, his political career, and retirement (My Aggie Nation).
Special Events and Performances
The library grounds have hosted several special events, including parachute jumps by Bush to celebrate his birthdays and raise money for nonprofit organizations in 1999, 2004, and 2007 (My Aggie Nation). The U.S. Army Parachuting Team also performed acrobatic feats during the library’s opening ceremony.
Mission and Goals
The mission of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library is to preserve and make available for research the official records, personal papers, and artifacts of President George H.W. Bush. The library aims to support democracy, promote civic education, and increase historical understanding of the U.S. national experience through the life and times of George H.W. Bush (Wikipedia).
Visitor Experience
Interactive Exhibits
The library offers a variety of visitor experiences, including digital interactive exhibits and replicas of rooms in the White House, such as the Oval Office. The museum also features a fiber-optic map of the United States, representing the Points of Light across America, and an interactive database of the 4000 named Points of Light (Bush41).
Notable Artifacts and Exhibits
Some of the notable artifacts include a large crystal Presidential Seal, a portrait of George Bush painted by Ron Sherr, and a portrait of Barbara Bush painted by Chas Fagan. The museum also features a memorial exhibit highlighting the ways President Bush was remembered after his passing on November 30, 2018, including an exhibit on his service dog, Sully (Bush41).
Admission and Hours
Ticket Prices
Admission fees are $9.00 for adults, $7.00 for senior citizens, $3.00 for youth aged 6-17, and free for children aged 5 and under. Active military personnel and their immediate families (up to 5 members) can visit for free, while retired military personnel pay $7.00. Texas A&M and Blinn College students also have free admission, and other college students with ID pay $3.00. Group rates are available for parties of 20 or more at $6.00 per person (Archives.gov).
Visiting Hours
The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Nearby Attractions
While visiting the George Bush Presidential Library & Museum, consider exploring other historical sites and attractions in College Station. Notable nearby sites include the Texas A&M University campus, the Bonfire Memorial, and the Brazos Valley Natural History Museum.
Travel Tips
Getting There
The museum is located on the west campus of Texas A&M University. Ample parking is available for visitors.
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays are generally less crowded. Special events may affect visitor numbers, so check the library’s event calendar.
Accessibility
The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers accommodations for visitors with disabilities.
Educational and Public Programs
The library offers rich educational and public programs, original museum exhibits, and access to its archival holdings. These programs aim to promote civic literacy and increase historical understanding of the national experience (Bush41).
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers play a crucial role in the library’s operations, reflecting the love of country and service to others that President and Mrs. Bush encouraged. Interested individuals can sign up to become volunteers and contribute to the library’s mission (Bush41).
FAQ
Q: What are the visiting hours for the George Bush Presidential Library?
A: The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Q: How much are tickets for the George Bush Presidential Library?
A: Admission fees are $9.00 for adults, $7.00 for senior citizens, $3.00 for youth aged 6-17, and free for children aged 5 and under. Active military personnel and their immediate families (up to 5 members) can visit for free, while retired military personnel pay $7.00. Texas A&M and Blinn College students also have free admission, and other college students with ID pay $3.00. Group rates are available for parties of 20 or more at $6.00 per person.
Conclusion
The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum offers a comprehensive and engaging experience for visitors, providing insights into the life and legacy of the 41st President of the United States. From its rich collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits to its educational programs and special events, the library serves as a valuable resource for understanding American history and the contributions of George H.W. Bush. Whether you’re interested in exploring the museum’s exhibits, attending educational programs, or simply enjoying the architectural beauty of the facility, there’s something for everyone (Bush41). As you plan your visit, be sure to check the latest information on visiting hours and ticket prices, and consider exploring nearby attractions in College Station and Bryan for a well-rounded experience (Archives.gov).