George H.W. Bush Library 12-18-2014

We enjoy visiting the Presidential Libraries.  So when we were in Austin we took a side trip to College Park, Texas.  Located at the Texas A & M Campus is the George Bush Library.  As it was built prior to his son, George W becoming President it does not have H.W. in the title.

 

 

The museum spans 17,000 square feet documenting President Bush's leadership during times of crisis including the reunification of Germany, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Gulf War.  Its a beautiful building inside and out!

 

Adding to the view on the outside of the building is this beautiful sculpture!

 

First, we enjoyed a video that documented George Bush's distinguished public career as congressman, ambassador to the United Nations, Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in China, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, director of the CIA as well as Vice-President and President of the United States. 

 

Typical of all the Presidential libraries is the display of the Presidential Limo.  But this one had some very interesting information.  Although most of the info on "The Beast" is classified but, they did let us know the car has:

1-bullet proof windows are as thick as phone books. 

2- tires that are bullet proof

3- a remote starter with a bomb detonator

4- a self healing fuel tank

5- a supplemental oxygen supply

6- and layers of Kevlar under the cars sheet metal from top to bottom.

 

 

 Here is a replica of the plane President Bush flew when he served in the Air Force. 

 

Mark and I tested our skills at landing this plane on an aircraft carrier.  I landed it on the 2nd try!

We had some fun mirroring President Bush's pose in front of the United Nations Display.

And, how could we resist yet another opportunity for the "We were there" photo in the replica of the oval office.

 

Family was very important to the Bush's and this Replica of the White House Doll House was the centerpiece of the Family Display.

This is the only time we have ever seen a replica of anything from Camp David.  This is a replica of President Bush's office at Camp David.

Of course there was a slab of the Berlin Wall that came down during President Bush's presidency.

The was also, of course, the ever popular display of a State Dinner.  This one included their attire.

We found these facts about what countries participated in the Gulf War and how much or how little they shared.

There was a great display on Desert Storm with a video presentation inside this replica of tent used during Desert Storm.

These are just some of the highlights of our fascinating visit to the George H.W. Bush Library.  Now, we are on to our next stop, Fredericksburg, Texas.