Tuesday, October 7, 2014

NUMBER FORTY-THREE


Former President George W. and former First Lady Laura Bush
About 7 years ago when we started full timing in our RV, we decided we would try to visit all the presidential libraries in the country.  When we planned our trip to Texas we immediately knew we could check three presidential libraries and museums off our bucket list.  When our trip was cut short due to our leveling jack issue we immediately made reservations to see the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, located on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, before our departure.
George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Dallas, TX
At 226,560 square feet and a cost of $250,000,000, the Bush Presidential Center is the biggest and most expensive of the 13 presidential libraries.

George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Dallas TX
More than any other Presidential Library we have visited, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum seemed to reflect so much of the personal lives of George and Laura Bush and their family.  We felt a little more informed about his political philosophy, belief in small government, capitalism, as well as his belief in a strong national defense.  The Library and Museum imparts a sense of their love for Texas in so many areas as well as their strong faith.  The landscaping throughout the grounds are from native Texas trees, as well as grasses and flowers located in the 15-acre urban park setting.

Courtyard of George W. Bush Presidential Library

Bronze Statues of 43rd U. S. President George W. Bush ,
and his father, 41st U.S.President George H. W. Bush 
 George W. Bush,  was the 43rd President of the United States.  This presidency took place during a very consequential time in American history.  So many Museum exhibits are made to promote a better understanding of government, public policy and history.  There is an exhibit examining the 9/11 attacks and the response of the President and the country in the aftermath.
Items from Twin Towers 9/11 Terrorist Attack
New York
A full size reproduction of the Oval Office, the Texas Rose Garden, and the "Life in the White House" exhibits allow visitors to experience the public and private areas of the First Family's home.

Map Showing Layout of The White House

Former First Lady Laura Bush Preparing for Inauguration 2001
Place Setting at Inaugural Dinner 2001


Presidential Medal Of Freedom

The Medal Of Honor

The Medal Of Honor
 There is an area of  the Museum designated for temporary exhibits which complement the permanent exhibits and illustrating themes and subjects relevant to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.  When we visited the Library and Museum there was a temporary and very popular exhibit of  Oscar de la Renta, the internationally known designer who was responsible for so many of the beautiful gowns worn by former First Lady Laura Bush on special occasions.

Oscar de la Renta Exhibit at George W. Bush
Presidential Library and Museum

Oscar de la Renta Exhibit
George W. Bush Presidential Library
Oscar de la Renta Exhibit
George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

A special section of archived records holds over 70 million pages of textual materials including Presidential Records from the Executive Office of the President, as well as donated collections and the Bush Gubernatorial records.

According to the staff at the Library the Presidential Museum is a popular tourist attraction in Dallas.  Cost of admission for both of us was $28, which goes toward the cost of supporting the Museum operations and programs.   The day we visited was crowded and we were lucky enough to park in the Museum's limited parking lot for $7.  Additional parking is at the SMU campus, and mass transit is also available.   A  beautiful gift shop as well as a cafe appropriately named "Cafe 43" is on the property.

Cafe 43 at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
All United States Presidential Libraries are archives and museums that record the history of our American presidency and are part of a unique heritage that belongs to us, the American people.  President Franklin D. Roosevelt raised private funds and built a library, which he gave to the U.S. Government for operation through the National Archives.  In 1955, this process became law when the U.S. Congress passed the Presidential Libraries Act.
Presidential Seal of the
United States of America

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