George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum |
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| General information | |
| Location | College Station, Texas, United States |
| Coordinates | 30°35′48″N 96°21′12″W / 30.596622°N 96.353381°W |
| 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 that holds important papers, gifts, and memories from George H. W. Bush. He was the 41st President of the United States from 1989 to 1993. His wife, Barbara Bush, is also remembered here. The library is located on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. It's one of 13 presidential libraries managed by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
Contents
About the Bush Library and Museum
The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library opened on November 6, 1997. It was designed by a company called Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum. This library is managed by NARA, which is a government agency.
What is the Library's Mission?
The main goal of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library is to keep and share official records and personal items from President Bush. It also helps people learn about democracy and U.S. history. The library teaches about George Bush's life and his time as president.
What Can You Find in the Archives?
The library's archives hold more than 44 million pages of papers and documents. These include records from President Bush's time as a Congressman, an Ambassador, and the head of the CIA. All these important papers are stored safely in special boxes to protect them. There are also many photos and videos.
Exploring the Museum Exhibits
The museum has a large area for permanent exhibits. These exhibits show important moments from George Bush's life and his time as president. They also teach about American history during that period. The museum also has changing exhibits that cover different topics.
Learning in the Classroom
The Bush Library and Museum has a special classroom. Student groups can use it as a computer lab or a regular classroom. The museum wants to help people of all ages learn about American history. It also teaches about the role of the president, focusing on George Bush's time in office.
Changes and New Additions
In 2007, the museum's main exhibit closed for a big update. It reopened on November 10, 2007, with a special ceremony. During this event, the former president even arrived by parachute!
The Oval Office Replica
Now, the museum has a copy of the Oval Office. This is the president's main office in the White House. Unlike other presidential libraries, visitors can actually go inside this replica. You can even sit behind the president's desk and take a souvenir photo!
Union Pacific Locomotive 4141
On November 8, 2019, the Union Pacific Railroad gave a special train engine to the library. This engine is called Union Pacific 4141. It was made to honor President Bush. It will be on display permanently at the library. This train was even part of President Bush's funeral procession in 2018.
Other Displays
The Bush Foundation also plans to display other important vehicles. They hope to have a retired Boeing VC-25 (like Air Force One) and a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The Black Hawk helicopter has been confirmed for permanent display.
Sully the Service Dog Statue
On December 2, 2019, a life-size bronze statue of Sully was unveiled. Sully was President Bush's service dog during the last six months of his life.
George Bush Award for Public Service
The Presidential 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 worked hard to help others. They can be recognized for their work locally, nationally, or internationally.
Award Winners
Here are some of the people who have received this special award:
- 2011 Ronald Reagan
- 2007 Robert M. Gates
- 2006 William "Billy" F. Graham
- 2004 Arnold Schwarzenegger
- 2003 Edward M. Kennedy
- 2001 Mikhail Gorbachev
- 2000 Helmut Kohl
Burial Site
The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library is also the final resting place for members of the Bush family.
Pauline Robinson Bush
President Bush's daughter, Pauline Robinson Bush, passed away in 1953. She was re-buried at the library in 2000.
Barbara Bush
Barbara Bush, President Bush's wife, was buried here on April 21, 2018.
George H. W. Bush
George H. W. Bush was buried on December 6, 2018, after his passing on November 30, 2018.
See also
In Spanish: Biblioteca y Museo Presidencial de George H. W. Bush para niños
