George W. Bush Presidential Library - Part 2

This is the second part, sharing with you about our visit to the Presidential Library of George W. Bush.  In this posting, I will share with you the human side of our 43rd president.  State events, the personal causes of First Lady, Laura Bush, gifts, hobbies, campaigns, and life in The White House.

Before becoming President, George Bush was part owner of the Texas Rangers.  This display encases his vast autographed baseball collection.  He used his love of baseball to bring the sport to The White House with Tee Ball on the South Lawn. 

Easter Egg Hunts had dated eggs to commemorate each year!  If you look closely at the top of the invitation, you'll find it comes from Barney and Miss Beazley.

Who would have guessed they worked puzzles at Camp David?

Barney and Miss Beazley have their own exhibits telling of their exploits in The White House and reminding us that Barney (who passed in February of 2013) was a star in his own rights with his Barney-Cam Video Series. Barney was gifted with this stainless steel feeding dish which is personalized with his name and has paw print footings.  I loved seeing how Laura Bush incorporated their furry family into their public and private lives.  Like this Valentine she sent the President and this stunning portrait of her and the dogs.

The Bush family didn't take themselves too seriously. In fact, one event is hosted by their twin daughters and tells of their parent's humor. 

The Oval Office exhibit is really special as each person is allowed time to sit behind the desk of the President.  This exact replica (with the exception of the bronze bust which is reordered for being too small and the clock which is set to Central Time rather than Eastern) shows off the decorating skill of First Lady, Laura.  It is the First Lady who usually selects the carpet design, the artwork and furnishings.  The President shares a bit of himself in this office through the selection of a previous President's painting - one who influenced the current office holder.  Want to guess who George W. Bush selected?  Yep, Abraham Lincoln.  When asked why not his father, President G. W. Bush noted that Lincoln would be on the wall because his dad is always in his heart. 

I loved seeing the lovely textiles and jewels offered to The White House family.  These items are property of the United States, as the President and First Lady are in a position which represents us in events which lead to these gifts.  Besides, if they keep it then they have to pay tax on it!  Don't you love the patriotic display quilt sectioning together the headlines of newspapers around the country?

The museum offers insight into what life in the most public house can be like.  It does a great job of offering you a glimpse into the part that our 43rd President's faith played in how he lived out his call to this highest elected post.

Despite the serious nature of the office, this library never loses sight of President George W. Bush's philosophy that this is a position of and for the people of the great and wonderful United States of America. Photos of citizens are in every event, keeping the focus on the office rather than the one elected to hold the office - and that at the end of the term, he is just like us - a citizen of the United States of America.