Today we went to the George W. Bush Presidential Center. This was our second Presidential Library Center. Nice to revisit a former president and see them as a real person. Everyone has faults, but everyone has strengths and redeeming qualities. This Presidential Center presented information with a nice balance of things to read, videos to watch and interactive exhibits. We didn’t feel exhausted when we finished.
We started in The Freedom Gallery. WOW! So much here pertains to our country today. I think a lot of Americans need to review the following:
The library continues with descriptions of different types of governing that were easy to read and understand. Some pieces were interactive.
Quote from George W. Bush:
President George W Bush signed the Americans Disabilities Act of 1990 into law.
Marriage Equality
President Bush felt it was important to also include the following in his Presidential Center.
13th, 14th and 15th Constitutional Amendments
CHAOS or COMMUNITY??? Important again in 2024!! People need community!
Then we went into the Exhibition Gallery sponsored by the Boeing Company – Get to know the Bushes. I really enjoyed this part of the Center!
George W’s parents at his inauguration–so proud of their son.
The Election of the “hanging chads”.
So many of these books made me smile when I saw them! Great books!
The years of George W. Bush’s Presidency
The moment President Bush was informed about the first terrorist plane hit to the North Tower. President Bush remained calm being in a classroom with young elementary students.
The area dedicated to the horrific terrorist attacks of 9-11 was very well done. Always emotional…as it should be. As most, I remember watching this live on TV on the West Coast as I was getting ready for school.
Hurricane Katrina was a devastating hurricane. President Bush was authentic with his genuine concern when he visited those affected. He didn’t just show up and toss rolls of paper towels to a few people.
And of course there is the model of the Oval Office as it was when George W was the President.
The Presidential Seal is in the middle of the Oval Office both in the ceiling and directly below it in the carpeting.
The last area was full of interactive displays. They were great for school age kids and adults. I did a couple of the ones focusing on the White House itself.
Refurbishing the Lincoln Bedroom
This is cool! The ONLY copy of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address that is written, signed, and dated by Lincoln! It is displayed at the White House in the Lincoln Bedroom.
My favorite part of the center was the presentation narrated by his twin girls. I got to see a side of the President the public didn’t see. The loving dad with a great sense of humor! He was a bit of a prankster. I think too often we are overly critical of the current president, and it helps to see each of them as a real person, each with their own flaws, but who gave us their best dedication. It might be why presidential favorability ratings tend to increase a few years after leaving office. I was not a fan of George W, but time spent here today made me appreciate him more. I appreciated seeing his human side and sense of humor that was reserved for his family and close staff members.
I had no idea how much President Bush likes to paint, and how good he is. Portraits are not easy!
We enjoyed a nice lunch at the Cafe 43. We shared the BBQ pork sandwich.
Then we splurged with an ice cream dessert. We selected Laura Bush’s favorite – homemade banana pecan ice cream – but I thought it too sweet and let Barry have most of it.
Outside seating
The landscaping around the cafe is reminiscent of the wild flowers Laura liked at Camp David and their home in Texas.
Tomorrow we leave Dallas. It’s been a great time.