After visiting the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas, we continued on our presidential kick in Texas and visited the George W Bush Presidential Library.
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We have a family membership to the Carter Presidential Library (because it’s the closest one to our house), so our visit was free due to their reciprocity agreement. We were quickly outfitted with iPods for the audio tour and made our way into the museum.
“It is the American story… An unfolding American promise that everyone belongs, that everyone deserves a chance, that no insignificant person was ever born. And this is my solemn pledge: I will work to build a single nation of justice and opportunity.”
-President George W Bush, Inaugural Address, January 20, 2001
It was totally surreal to see the pieces of steel that once made up one of the greatest buildings in the country. I love exhibits like this because they open the door to tough conversations about 9/11. Our kids are very well aware of what happened on 9/11 and the events that followed (as most military kids are), but it still allowed us to revisit the conversation and answer new questions.
The kids thought it was so cool to have iPods for the audio tour and spent a lot of time taking pictures of each other. The Library sends you an email link to all the pictures you took after the tour.
The highlight for the kids was definitely the full-sized replica of the Oval Office, and they each wanted their picture posing as the President. They also asked whether there were any secret compartments in the Resolute Desk (no, there aren’t!).
I really appreciated all the interactive displays and games throughout the George W Bush Presidential Library, as they made it much more enjoyable with the kids, since they could interact with the information rather than just read a sign. And that meant those of us who wanted to read all the signs (the adults!) could do so uninterrupted!
All of the multimedia and interactive displays couldn’t keep Ellie awake, though!
The Decision Points Theater was another highlight- the group of 24 in the theater votes on a disaster or crisis scenario to deal with, and then goes “inside” the President’s decision-making process. After experts weigh in on how to respond, each participant votes on the best course of action.
We faced Hurricane Katrina, listened to presidential advisors and experts, and, ultimately, our group of 24 came to the same decisions as President Bush. It really showed the kids how hard it would be to be the President, because even with all sorts of advisors and experts giving their opinions, it’s ultimately up to one person.
-President George W Bush-
We really enjoyed the George W Bush Presidential Library and would definitely come back again next time we’re in the Dallas area. While the main exhibits are constant, there are special exhibits (including a Bush Family Christmas exhibit that sounds amazing) and events that change throughout the year.
Things to Remember When Visiting the George W Bush Presidential Library
- Allow 1.5-2 hours to tour the museum fully. While no food and drink are allowed inside the museum, there is a full-service restaurant and a cafe on-site.
- If you enjoy Presidential Libraries and are traveling around the US, consider becoming a member at one, as it gives you complimentary admission to the 12 other Presidential Libraries administered by the National Archives.
- Check out CityPASS to save 40% on the 4 best attractions in Dallas, including the GWB Presidential Library and the Sixth Floor Museum.
Have you ever visited a Presidential Library?? If so, which one??