Bush Presidential Library Makes a Great Day Trip

The George W. Bush Presidential Center called our names for a return visit after the pandemic. This museum, which stoked my initial interest in visiting presidential libraries, is a fun and educational way to spend an afternoon. My husband, granddaughter, and I were intrigued by the graphic presentation on the walls surrounding the foyer. The light show begins with scenes from Texas, from the high plains to the Gulf of Mexico then fades into pictures of Texans, from young to old, from fine arts to sports, from medical personnel to construction workers and more.

Upon entering the permanent exhibits, visitors come face-to-face with the most difficult challenge of President Bush’s terms of office—9/11. The videos, the twisted steel beams, and the pictures bring the day to life as the story is retold. The moving exhibit serves to remind those who lived through the day and educate those who were too young to experience the tragedy firsthand.

Docents throughout the exhibits are very helpful and friendly. In the Oval Room, the docent answered questions but also added stories that the Bushes had shared. Visitors can buy a
picture of themselves at the presidential desk or take one of their own.

Another highlight for us was the interactive Decision Point Theater in which visitors have the opportunity to choose between four challenges that Bush faced, listen to input from his various counselors, make a decision based on the information, and then learn what President Bush actually decided. The four possible scenarios—Financial Crisis, Hurricane Katrina, The Surge, and Saddam Hussein—demonstrate how difficult the decisions are that presidents face.

Other rooms have lighter content. Interactive games featuring the White House pets were available for children and adults. Children’s books provided a break for small children. A video about laughter and the Bushes gave them humanity and made us all smile. The video shows the power of laughter and Bush’s ability to laugh at himself. Yet another area showed the power that faith has in President Bush’s life and how it affected his decisions.

Of course, the gifts from world leaders always appeals to us. The glitz, the diamonds, the gaudy gorgeousness–all are astounding.

The center has several exhibits that change. This visit one special exhibit gave examples of laughter throughout Bush’s presidency and, also, the presidency of others. In addition,
President Bush’s cold wax art was on display. The technique is inspiring—even though I am not artistic.

We enjoyed introducing our granddaughter to what, we hope, is the first of many presidential library and museum visits to learn how every president has affected our country’s history.

Candace Ahlfinger has loved traveling since she was little and has always been on the go whenever possible. Now she is retired and gets to do what she loves best… TRAVEL! Whether it’s traveling with her wonderful husband, or our children and grandchildren, traveling is a great experience that enriches her life. Because she always enjoys reading and hearing about others’ travel experiences, she wants to share her travels with the Ellis DownHome readers. 

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