George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum Facts for Kids

This page is about the library of the 41st president (1989–1993). For the library of the 43rd president (2001–2009), see George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Quick facts for kids George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum


General information
Location	College Station, Texas, United States
Coordinates	30°35′48″N 96°21′12″W / 30.596622°N 96.353381°W / 30.596622; -96.353381
Named for	George H. W. Bush
Inaugurated	Dedicated on November 6, 1997 Rededicated on November 10, 2007
Cost	$43 million
Technical details
Size	69,049 square feet (6,400 m²)
Design and construction
Architect	Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum

The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is a special place. It holds important papers and items from George H. W. Bush. He was the 41st president of the United States from 1989 to 1993. His wife, Barbara Bush, is also buried here.

This library is located on the campus of Texas A&M University. It is in College Station, Texas. The library is one of 15 like it across the country. These libraries are managed by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

Discovering the Bush Presidential Library
Exciting Changes and New Displays
- Union Pacific Train 4141 on Display
- Other Displays and a Special Dog Statue
The George Bush Award for Public Service
Burial Site for the Bush Family
See also

Discovering the Bush Presidential Library

Former president George H. W. Bush (left) with his son, then-Texas Governor George W. Bush (right), and daughter-in-law Laura (center) at the library's opening.

The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library opened on November 6, 1997. It was designed by a company called Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum. The library sits next to the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center. It is also near the George Bush School of Government and Public Service.

The library's main goal is to keep President Bush's official records safe. It also preserves his personal papers and other items. This helps people learn about his life and his time as president. It also helps us understand American history better.

The library has more than 44 million pages of documents. These include his personal papers and official records. They cover his time as a Congressman, an Ambassador, and even as head of the CIA. There are also many photos and videos.

The Day the Wall Came Down by Veryl Goodnight. This statue shows horses jumping over parts of the real Berlin Wall. It reminds us of when the wall fell in 1989, during Bush's presidency.

The museum part of the library has many exhibits. These exhibits show important parts of George Bush's life. They also show big events from American history during his presidency. There are also changing exhibits on different topics.

Exciting Changes and New Displays

The museum closed for a big update in 2007. It reopened on November 10, 2007. At the reopening, the former president even arrived by parachute! The updated museum has a cool replica of the Oval Office. This is the president's main office in the White House. You can actually sit at the president's desk and take a photo!

Union Pacific Train 4141 on Display

A special train, Union Pacific 4141, is now on permanent display. The Union Pacific Railroad gave this train to the library in 2019. It was unveiled in 2005 to honor President Bush. The train was even part of his funeral procession in 2018. The exhibit opened in 2024. You can find it between the library and the conference center.

Other Displays and a Special Dog Statue

The Bush Foundation also plans to display other vehicles. A Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is confirmed for permanent display.

On December 2, 2019, a life-size bronze statue was added. It shows Sully, President Bush's service dog. Sully was with the president during his last six months.

The George Bush Award for Public Service

The library foundation also gives out an award. It's called the George Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service. This award honors people or groups who have done great things for their community or country. They receive a beautiful crystal sculpture.

Here are some of the people who have won this award:

Burial Site for the Bush Family

The peaceful burial site at the Bush Library in 2016.

The library grounds are the final resting place for members of the Bush family.

President Bush's daughter, Pauline Robinson Bush, passed away in 1953. She was re-buried at the library in 2000.
Barbara Bush was buried here on April 21, 2018. She passed away on April 17, 2018.
George H. W. Bush was buried on December 6, 2018. He passed away on November 30, 2018.

George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum facts for kids

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