George W. Bush Presidential Library, Texas, USA

George W Bush Presidential Library & Museum

2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75205

People are who make history come alive. My husband and I both enjoy history, especially the study of the interesting, intriguing people who make up history – people who are a part of major events in history. People who, through those events, have greatly impacted the world in a positive way. United States President George W. Bush is one of those people.

9/11 Anniversary and President Bush

This post has been created as we recognize the 25th anniversary of the disasters of 9/11/2001 that rocked the world and catapulted President George W. Bush onto the world stage.

George W. Bush served as 43rd President of the United States of America from 2001 to 2009.

The George W. Bush Presidential Library

“Our hope is that this [center] will be a center of excellence not only to benefit SMU but Dallas, the United States, and the rest of the world.” – President George W. Bush

The George W. Bush Presidential Library is located on the campus of Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas. The 207,000-square-foot facility opened in 2013. The Bush presidency, as well as his time as governor of Texas, are featured in historical documents and artifacts.

The facility is comprised of the presidential library and museum, the George W. Bush Policy Institute and the offices of the George W. Bush Foundation. It is also a leadership development that engages communities across the United States and around the world by developing leaders, advancing policy and taking action to solve today’s most pressing challenges.

The Center is operated and maintained by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

President Bush X 2

History was made when George W. Bush became president (2000) after his father George H.W. Bush became president (1988) making a father and son duo as US president for only the second time in history. The first pair was John Adams (1796) and his son John Quincy Adams (1824).

Who is George W. Bush?

George W. Bush grew up in Midland, Texas, the eldest son of Barbara and George H.W. Bush. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University and a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School.

He served as a pilot in the Texas Air National Guard. After business school, he returned to Midland, met and married Laura Welch (1977).

After working in the energy business in West Texas for several years, he moved to Dallas where he joined a group of partners that purchased the Texas Rangers baseball franchise.

He served two terms as the governor of Texas (1995-2001) before becoming president of the United States in 2001.

George and Laura are the parents of twin daughters: Barbara (married to Craig Coyne) and Jenna (married to Henry Hager). The girls are named after their grandmothers, Barbara Bush and Jenna Welch. George and Laura are the proud grandparents of 5 grandchildren: Margaret Laura “Mila”, Poppy Louise, and Henry Harold “Hal” (Hager); and Cora Georgia and Edward Finn (Coyne). The Bush family also includes various cats and dogs over the years.

Who is Laura Bush?

Laura Bush was born in Midland, Texas, to Harold and Jenna Welch. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Southern Methodist University and a master’s degree in library science from the University of Texas. She taught in public schools in Dallas, Houston and Austin and worked as a public school librarian.

Laura served as First Lady of Texas (1995 to 2000) and First Lady of the United States (2001-2009).

As First Lady – and post-White House – Laura has served as an advocate for literacy, education, and women’s rights. She highlighted the importance of preparing children to become lifelong learners, convening in 2001 a White House Summit on Early Childhood Cognitive Development. Since 2003, she has served as the Honorary Ambassador for the United Nations Literacy Decade. Laura visited schools and met with students in nations from Afghanistan to Zambia, with a particular focus on the education of girls and women. Laura worked with the Library of Congress to create the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. in 2001. She continues to be a leading voice for spreading freedom and promoting human rights across the globe. Her partnerships include focus on promoting women’s health through the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and international initiatives on breast cancer awareness and research around the world.

Laura has been active in her post-White House years. She is the author of the bestselling memoir, Spoken From the Heart, and bestselling children’s book, Our Great Big Backyard. She is the founder of conservation nonprofit Texan by Nature, and currently serves on several boards including SMU’s Board of Trustees, the Council for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Board of Directors for the Trinity Park Conservancy, and is a Trustee Emerita of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The Bush Library Exhibits

A major exhibit focuses on the leadership of President George W. Bush through profound domestic and international turning points.

The 9/11 Memorial and Exhibit: A Nation Under Attack

25 years ago on September 11, 2001, was a day that remains firmly fixed in my memory, as well as the memories of all who were alive at the time.

This Bush Library Exhibit highlights the memorial to the most devastating terror attack ever unleashed on American soil. It is both an accurate and time-honoring remembrance as the TV news reports we viewed over and over, in horror and disbelief, played out on the exhibits huge screens.

Artifacts, including a 22-foot piece of steel from the World Trade Center and the bullhorn President Bush used to address the crowd at Ground Zero, are on display at the Bush Library. .

A NATION UNDER ATTACK

The exhibit concludes with the War on Terror and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Interactive displays allow guests to see documents, videos and photographs covering this dark time in history.

President Bush responded to 9/11 with a comprehensive strategy to protect the American people and wage a global war on terror. Global coalitions were built by his administration to remove violent regimes in Afghanistan and Iraq that threatened America. More than 50 million people were liberated from tyranny.

Exhibits at the Bush Library recognize Bush’s belief that liberty and hope are the best alternative to the extremist ideology of the terrorists. He provided unprecedented American support for young democracies and dissidents in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and elsewhere.

President Bush also launched global initiatives that have saved millions of lives, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa in HIV/AIDS and malaria.

Bush Timeline and Legacy

Pre-Presidency & Election

• 1946: Born in New Haven, Connecticut.
• 1994: Elected Governor of Texas; re-elected in 1998.
• December 12, 2000: Named the winner of the contested 2000 presidential election after the U.S. Supreme Court halted the Florida recount in Bush v. Gore. I vividly recall this unprecedented election which made United States Government come alive in classrooms across the nation!
• George W. Bush served as the 46th governor of Texas from January 17, 1995, to December 21, 2000 when he resigned to become President of the United States.

1st Inaugural Address: Compassionate Conservatism

The text of President Bush’s First Inaugural Address is woven/printed into the design on a prominent wall art installation styled like an American flag.

It sets a thematic tone of unity and “compassionate conservatism” that defines his initial platform before the events of 9/11. It is located near the introduction or transitional pathways of the permanent gallery space.

The primary, large-text quote highlighted on the display reads:

“It is an American story… An unfolding American promise that everyone belongs, that everyone deserves a chance, that no insignificant person was every born. And this is my solemn pledge: I will work to build a single nation of justice and opportunity.” President George W. Bush, Inaugural Address, January 20, 2001.

George W. Bush: First Term (2001-2005)

• January 20, 2001: Inaugurated as the 43rd President
• June 7, 2001: Signed the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act, a major $1.35 trillion tax cut
• September 11, 2001: Terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center (NYC) and the Pentagon transform his presidency into a wartime administration
• October 2001: Authorized Operation Enduring Freedom, launching the war in Afghanistan
• January 8, 2002: Signed the bipartisan No Child Left Behind Act into law
• March 2003: Ordered the invasion of Iraq, citing intelligence regarding weapons of mass destruction.

George W. Bush: Second Term (2005-2009)

• 2004 Election: Republicans George W. Bush / Dick Cheney defeat the Democrat ticket of John Kerry / John Edwards
• January 20, 2005: Sworn in for his second presidential term
• August 2005: Faced widespread criticism over the federal response to Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast.
• January 2007: Announced the Iraq War “surge,” deploying over 20,000 additional troops
• September-October 2008: Signed the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to stabilize financial markets during the onset o the Great Recession
• January 20, 2009: Completed his second term and returned to Texas.

President Bush is the author of four bestselling books: Decision Points (2010), 41: A Portrait of My Father (2014), Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors (2017), and Out of Many, One: Portraits of America’s Immigrants (2021).

George W. Bush Oval Office

As with all Oval Offices, while much of the layout and decor remains the same, each President and First Lady have a major input into making their Oval Office personal to them.

An exact, full-sized replica of the White House Oval Office of George W. Bush is available for visitors to explore, experience, take photos and see details.

The Resolute Desk

Visitors can even take a seat behind a reproduction of the infamous Resolute Desk! This desk has been popular among modern presidents (see details and photo of the original Resolute Desk on my blog on President Ronald Reagan’s Library and Museum.)

Oval Office Artwork

The patriotism and faith of Bush can be seen in the works of art he selected for his Oval Office.

A portrait of George Washington (by Rembrandt Peale) hangs over the fireplace mantel.

A bust of Abraham Lincoln (by Augustus Saint-Gaudens) sits on a nearby table.

Visiting on December 26th, we enjoyed the festive Christmas decorations!

“The Bronco Buster” (by famous American artist Frederic Remington,1895) depicts an anonymous cowboy struggling to tame a wild, rearing horse. It spent decades as a fixture in the Oval Office across multiple presidencies, including that of Ronald Reagan, whose library/museum is highlighted in another blog.

Bush proudly showcased his deep personal roots and pride in his home state of Texas. This includes a painting of the “Chili Queens at the Alamo” (by Texas impressionist Julian Onderdonk) of the Alamo (San Antonio, Texas).

“A Charge to Keep”

“A Charge to Keep,” a prominent Western oil painting (by W.H.D. Koerner, 1929) hangs proudly in the Bush Oval Office. It depicts a determined horseman charging up a steep, rugged mountain trail on horseback, followed by others. The painting symbolized Bush’s personal philosophy of public service, duty, and faith.

Next to the painting is a framed verse that Bush prominently displayed as a reminder of his duties as President, his “Charge to Keep.”

The phrase comes from a famous 1762 Charles Wesley hymn (“A Charge to Keep I Have”), which emphasizes serving God and a cause greater than oneself.

Bush also used the exact phrase as the title for his 1999 autobiography

For Bush, the painting served as a daily visual reminder of accountability and humility while holding the presidency.

The painting became so closely associated with his time in office that it was deliberately included in the background of his official White House presidential portrait.

The Oval Office Carpet

Bush often joked that a new president’s very first official decision was choosing the oval office carpet. His own floor covering served as a personal metaphor for optimism, leadership and a fresh start.

The carpet has a Sunburst Pattern and was designed by First Lady Laura Bush. It is cream-colored and features pale gold and brown rays that radiate outward like the morning sun.

At the center of the carpet is a blue rendition of the Presidential Seal, positioned right in front of the historic Resolute desk.

The design was deliberately reminiscent of the warm, optimistic sunbeam rug used during the Reagan administration. (See blog on Reagan Library & Museum for details.)

A touch of Texas is seen in a hidden, lone star, woven into the border near the door leading to the colonnade. It is a subtle nod to the Bush home state.

Life in the White House

A fun exhibit is portrayed in scenes and film footage as seen through the eyes and recorded voices of the Bush First Daughters.

The White House First Daughters, Barbara and Jenna Bush added a youthful spark to the Bush Presidency. They were 19 years old when their father took office in 2001, and 27 years old when he left office in 2009. During this publicly visible time they learned to spread their wings as well as be a supportive part of the family.

During this same time, I was also the mother of two young adult women. I could only imagine the drama of life in the limelight for attractive, intelligent and spunky twenty-year olds!

Visitors are given an insider’s look at what life was like behind closed doors for the First Family. This exhibit includes things such as what it took to host a state dinner – and some family down time at a retreat to Camp David. We also got a glimpse of the fun-filled adventures of the infamous White House First Dogs: Barney and Miss Beazley.

Barbara and Jenna lived much of their lives in the spotlight. When their grandfather, George H.W. Bush, was inaugurated as the 41st president, they were only 7 years old. After being Texas governor during their teen years, their father followed in their grandfather’s footsteps and became president when they were 20. As Bush later told Newsweek, his daughters weren’t entirely thrilled with his decision to run for the highest office!

Decision Points Theater

The Decision Points Theater at the Bush library includes an interactive simulation experience. Visitors have the opportunity to step into the role of the president and navigate major crisis, high-stakes historical events and complex policy dilemmas.

In this exhibit visitors are given four minutes to review breaking news footage, look at real-time data, consult touch-screen video advice from actors playing key advisers/generals/lawmakers and select an option (A,B,C) to each vote on a course of action. The audience’s collective vote is then tallied. In the end, former President Bush appears on the screen to explain his actual decision and why it was chosen. It gave me a new perspective into the intense and difficult decision-making process placed on any world leader.

Faith of George W. Bush

The personal faith of George W. Bush is clearly portrayed at his library and museum as a quiet, foundational pillar that guided both his personal life and his presidency. It was never used as a loud political tool and his faith was integrated into core themes which is seen in museum exhibits and multimedia presentations.

Freedom: A Gift from God

President Bush believed freedom is a “gift from God.” He viewed his policies, especially human freedom and global ad, through guiding principles that were informed by his faith.

Prayer and spiritual resilience offered him personal strength during national crises. This is highlighted in displays covering major events such as the aftermath of 9/11.

The Bush administration’s partnerships with religious groups to deliver social services are showcased in the displays and records on the work of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.

Library & Museum

The Bush Library & Museum is goes much deeper than the exhibits open to the public. It is an enormous repository of American history as experienced in the first decade of the 21st century. Thousands of artifacts, millions of pages of textual materials (letters, reports, and speeches, emails and audiovisual recordings etc. are included. President’s Daily Diary, the official day-to-day record of Bush’s time in the White House, is on file. 8 million photographs which cover everything from the 9/11 attacks to tee ball games at the White House are included in its storage files.

Rotating Special Exhibits

Temporary displays change with frequency. They explore broader historical, cultural and policy topics and keep the library fresh for returning visitors. An exhibit during our visit was the original portrait paintings by Bush during his recent years! Some were quite good!

Grounds and Outdoor Space

Native Texas Park

The facility grounds surrounding the center feature a 15-acre urban park featuring one-mile network of walking trails, native trees, seasonal wildflowers and habitats for local wildlife. Due to the weather during our December visit, I unfortunately did not explore this area but I would allow time to do so during future visits! See layout on site map below.

LEED Platinum Design

The Eco-friendly building incorporates sustainable features such as extensive solar panels and large rainwater collection cisterns.

Visit

Visit the official George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum website to plan your trip; bushcenter.org. The website suggests that tickets must be reserved or purchased in advance.

Address: 2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75205 is in Dallas at the campus of SMU (Southern Methodist University) .

Paid parking is available on site and nearby SMU campus.

The website strongly encourages visitors to utilize the Dallas Area Rapid Transit System (DART). Both the Lovers Lane and Mockingbird DART stations are located within one mile of the Bush Center. More info on the website.

Allow several hours to get the most out of your visit. Consult bushcenter.org for information on hours, directions, exhibits, history, bios, shopping and more.

Map

Sources

• Personal visit, site guides, brochures and Placards viewed on and in preparation for visit on 30 December 2022 by Cher B & Skip B.
• All photos taken by Cher B and/or Skip B
• visitdallas.com/blog/first-timers-guide-george-w-bush-library is a good site to incorporate the Bush Library with other Dallas visitor opportunities.
• whitehousehistory.org

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