Bush41 Presidential Library/Museum

The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum informs and enriches learning for all ages about U.S. history and the role of the presidency with a particular focus on the administration of George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States, and enhances the learning environment through the support of literacy and education programs.

To see our live scheduled programs and available recordings go to Connect2Texas and choose George H.W. Bush Presidential Library from the program filter.

RECORDINGS: Once you register, you will be sent a link within 1-3 business days. The posted date/time is for registration purposes only.

Grades: 2-8

Join Dr. Jim Pennington as he presents the Texas A&M University Chemistry Road Show.

President and Mrs. Bush have supported and encouraged medical research involving chemistry to find cures for cancer.

Join us! Ignite imaginations and engage students using chemistry demonstrations with fire, explosions, weird polymers, and super cold materials!

Grades: 3-8

The Bush Museum Storytellers Guild proudly hosts historical impressionist Peter M. Small as President George Washington.

Hear from the George Washington impressionist where he will share historical milestones from George Washington’s life, such as the development of the Constitution, checks, and balances through student portrayal of challenges facing President Washington, and Precedents he set to make the new government succeed.

Grades: Prek-12

Hank the Cowdog's exciting new addition is "Ranch Weather." It's impact on cowboys' lives is caused by different weather affecting every aspect of ranching. Cowboys help cattle survive blizzards, droughts and floods!

Legendary Author John Erickson returns with stories and songs to tell us about Hank the Cowdog’s adventures.

Grades: 2-8

Join storyteller Cyndi Owens as she guides you on a safari! You will explore the varied geography and cultures of South Africa. Our virtual safari will also take you through Kruger National Park. This park is famous for having all the “big five” of the South African varieties of animals. Here you will practice identifying and matching the calls of the animals. What are the five?

Grades: 8-12

Join Senior Special Agent Michael Hecht to learn more about the fascinating daily duties of the Secret Service protecting our Presidents. Their unique work is filled with intriguing adventures around fascinating leaders of the world. Wherever our United States Presidents go, the Secret Service also goes.

He has helped to protect seven presidents – CARTER, BUSH 41, CLINTON, BUSH 43, OBAMA, TRUMP, and BIDEN. He was officially assigned to BUSH 41 for his protective assignment.

He will share stories and help understanding of the role of Secret Service Agents as Public Servants. How does someone become a Secret Service Agent? What are some of the most amazing days he has ever had with presidents?

Grades: 1-5

This video runs elementary students through our student-centric Bush News premier program. Students will deepen their knowledge of the Persian Gulf War and the Berlin Wall while analyzing writings, photographs, and quotes from the time period.

Grades 6-12

This video runs secondary students through our student-centric Bush News premier program. Students will deepen their knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Nutrition Labeling and Education Act, and the Clean Air Act while analyzing writings, photographs, and quotes from the time period.

Grades: 3-8

Dennis Boggs presents an enlightening, informative, and educational look at the life of the 16th president as it might have been told by Abraham Lincoln himself. This program expresses laughter, love, forgiveness, character, determination, morals, leadership, and patriotism. Join us for this unforgettable experience!

Grades: K-12

Join us to ignite imaginations and inspire students using chemistry demonstrations! Some of these will have weird polymers, super cold materials and even some surprising loud reactions! Dr. Jim Pennington presents the Texas A&M University Chemistry Road Show. He greatly enjoys teaching students.

Chemistry is fundamental to medical education, acting as the foundation on which the human body functions. Chemistry is the key to life and underpins the search for a cure for cancer. The late President Bush and Barbara Bush became advocates supporting and encouraging medical research to find cures for cancer following the death of their daughter Robin. One day, with the power of chemistry, cancer may be cured.

Grades 3-5

Students will explore the idea of community, hone their primary source analysis skills by examining records from the National Archives, and connect the Constitution to their lives.

Grades: 1-5 or 6-12

This video runs elementary students through our student-centric Constitution Connections premier program. Students will review their knowledge of President George H.W. Bush, the United States Constitution, and the three branches of government while playing along with the Constitution Connections board game.

Grades: 3-5 or 6-12

This interactive video engages students through a student-centric immersion experience. Students investigate maps and discover amazing historic photographs about the Fall of the Berlin Wall and the first Persian Gulf War. These major international events happened during President George H.W. Bush's leadership.

Grades: Prek-12

Come join us in learning about:

-Service dogs and the ADA that protects them

-The difference between a service animal and a support animal

-What it takes to train these animals

-The legacy of George H.W. Bush and the ADA

Grades: 4-8

Please join us as constitutional law expert Thomas Borcher emphasizes and discusses the specific role of the three branches of the U.S. Government: Executive, Judicial, and the Legislative branch. We will discuss how the Constitution has guidelines and established precedents for the president to follow. Examples of these roles will be given in this program.

Mr. Borcher will cover how George Washington, using the Constitution as his guide, established the Executive Branch during the first presidency. This creation of the Executive Branch set the bar that President George H.W. Bush met throughout his presidency.

Mr. Borcher will discuss George H.W. Bush’s decisions as Commander in Chief of the Military in the Gulf War as well as his integral role in the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Working side by side with Congress, President George H.W. Bush exemplified the cooperative relationship between the different branches of government, just as President Washington intended.

Grades: K-5

This video runs elementary students through our student-centric Gifts of State Premier Program. During his presidency, President George H.W. Bush received many gifts of state on behalf of the American people. We look at some of the gifts he received and where they came from. At the end, students are challenged to design and make their own gift of state for a country of their choice.

Grades: 2-6

Join us as Hank the Cowdog, the Head of Ranch Security, teaches in a fun way about cowboys and horses in a new ranch life book. Saddle up for some fun as everyone's favorite head of Ranch Security gives readers a glimpse into the world of horses, ranch wildlife and the life of a working cowboy. Hank’s vibrant author John Erickson will sing songs accompanying himself on the banjo and read from various books using the voices of the characters. Reading is exciting with Hank the Cowdog stories! Join us on this ranching life adventure!

Grades: K-12

The air we breathe is often taken for granted. In a rapidly changing economy, it is important for government to seek the best possible outcome for everyone. President George H.W. Bush’s Clean Air Act of 1990 contributed to saving 160,000 live by forcing the reduction in carbon emissions from cars and factories.

Come join us as we explore the Clean Air Act with a lesson, an activity about wing-spans, and a guided craft focusing on clouds. This video is S.T.E.A.M. based and student-centric.

This is the first of our Environmental Awareness Series. Upcoming topics include: The N.A. Wetlands Conservation Act, Wildlife Refuges, and the Antarctic Protection Act.

Grades: K-12

Celebrate Juneteenth with us! Our theme is "Freedom's Legacy: Moving Forward." Reflecting on the African-American ties, we see the Eagle as a symbol of knowing your self-worth and valuing the concept of Know Thyself and Believe.

Poet-Storyteller Oba William King returns to share insights, to uplift us and remind us of the history of Juneteenth. We will sing with him, learn from him, love his drum beats, and be inspired by him. He says, "In the process of learning we lose fear." Together in a family and community, we learn that we are stronger. By choosing pillars or goals of life to follow, we thrive and help each other together. Let the celebration begin!

Grades: 9-12

Join us for a fascinating presentation by world renowned World War II expert Dr. Arnold Krammer. Dr. Krammer delivers fantastic insight about Nazi POW camps in America. Listen as he describes how the United States government detained nearly half a million Nazi Prisoners of War from 1942 through 1945. Krammer describes how, with no precedence upon which to form policy, America's handling of these foreign prisoners led to the hasty conversion of CCC camps, high school gyms, local fairgrounds, and race tracks to serve as holding areas.

Grades: K-12

This video overviews our Passport for Learning and provides student-centric activity ideas. The passport is used with all of our Premier Programs. The Passport deepens student understanding of the United States Constitution. It gives a strong example of civic leadership by looking at the life, actions, and legislation of President George H.W. Bush.

Grades: 9-12

General John B. Sylvester is retired from the United States Army. He is a graduate of Texas A&M and the United States Army War College. He served in the first Gulf War and is remembered for his command of the famous Tiger Brigade of the 2nd Armored Division. He has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, The Defense Superior Service Medal, two Bronze Stars and one Silver Star.

Grades: 1-12

Join us as Journalist and Author Susan Berfield speaks about her new book “The Hour of Fate.” Selected by Amazon editors as one of the best of 2020, Berfield’s book takes us back to when President Theodore Roosevelt and Banker J.P. Morgan battled in the courts. Link to purchase the book: https://www.museumstore.com/cproduct/7177/the-hour-of-fate

Susan Berfield is an award-winning feature writer and investigative reporter for Bloomberg Businessweek and Bloomberg News.

Dr. H.W. Brands holds the Jack S. Blanton Sr. Chair in History at the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned his Ph.D. in history in 1985. He has authored 30 books on U.S. history. His works have twice been selected as finalists for the Pulitzer Prize. He has appeared in documentaries, the History channel, and C-Span among other media programs.

Grades: Prek-12

Presented by Author Robert Withers with Dr. Robert Holzweiss, Deputy Director of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, this historical overview by these train historians is a fascinating trip back in time! Watch this celebration honoring Presidents and their trains!

This historical overview begins in 1833 with President Andrew Jackson, the first president to ride in a train. Highlighted will be the unique train stories of President Abraham Lincoln, President Warren Harding, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, President Harry S. Truman, First Lady Lady Bird Johnson’s Special train campaign for President Lyndon Johnson, President Dwight Eisenhower, and President George H.W. Bush. It shows trains continue to make a strong connection for people with their presidents.

Grades: 2-6

Inspired by our collection of President George H.W. Bush’s various transports, this S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) video includes an interview with the museum's deputy director, a lesson, an activity and a guided craft activity focused around the theme of Presidential Transportation.

Grades: K-12

Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth. Even so, it preserves and supports life. It is protected by the Antarctic Protection Act that President George H.W. Bush signed into law.

Come join us as we explore the Antarctic with a lesson, an activity about how animals stay warm, and a guided craft how to make ice paints with food coloring. This video is S.T.E.A.M. based and student-centric.

Grades: Prek-12

Wetlands are an important feature of America’s geographic make-up. They come in many different forms. For example, coastal marshes, act as “cradles of the sea” and buffer inland areas from hurricanes. Wetlands support a wide variety of life and ecosystems.

Come join us as we explore the North American Wetlands Conservation Act with a lesson, a salt-water density activity, and a guided craft on making colorful coffee filter flowers. This video is S.T.E.A.M. based and student-centric.

This is the second of our Environmental Awareness Series. Upcoming topics include: Wildlife Refuges and the Antarctic Protection Act.

Grades: 3-7

Join an exciting global learning experience with First Son Neil Bush, Susan Donius, and Dr. Simon Estes in a Reading Discovery Distance Learning Program. Celebrate the launch of “White House Dinner Dash,” the 2017 free interactive learning game app! Available on Apple (iPhone/iPad), Google Play (Android/tablet), and online at http://whitehousedinnerdash.com/. Learn about the value of personal diplomacy prior to negotiations.

Grades: 4-9

Join Alex Tait (The Geographer of National Geographic) and Tom Putnam (National Archives and Presidential Libraries Special Assistant) with Mike Wright (Award winning KWTX and KBTX broadcaster) as moderator for this exciting global video conference and learning experience! This is a collaboration with the National Geographic Society.

Student reading buddies on stage will read about President Bush building relationships from 1974 -76 as Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in the People's Republic of China. Learn about the U.S. - Chinese relationship exchanges. Explore modern China with Alex Tait!

Grades: 4-9

The Honorable Teta V. Banks, National Chair, United Nations Association of the USA, will speak about the Model UN experience. Ambassador Sichan Siv, former Deputy Assistant to President George H. W. Bush, will speak about his contributions on behalf of The President and as a U.N. Ambassador. Also, President George H.W. Bush’s roles in diplomatic relations when he was the United Nations Ambassador and Vice President will be explained by student readers.

Grades: 2-6

Inspired by our current temporary exhibit, Louder than Words, this S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) video includes an interview with the museum director, a lesson, an activity and a guided craft activity focused around the theme Rock and Roll.

Grades: 9-12

Investigative journalism may lead to “stranger than fiction” stories of true escapades, adventures, and sometimes unimaginable actions undertaken. The focus of this true story uncovered and written by Skip Hollandsworth in his literary nonfiction style, involves two teenagers living in Dallas. Is it possible they should be included among the extremely small number of successful jewelry thieves in the world?

Grades: 9-12

Skip Hollandsworth comes to share his stories of investigative journalism and movie making. Hear his insight on the inner workings of the world of journalism. Since 1989, he has been a staff writer at Texas Monthly Magazine, where he has received several journalism awards, including a National Headliners Award, the National John Hancock Award for Excellence in Business and Financial Journalism, the City and Regional Magazine gold Award for feature writing, and the Texas Institute of Letters O. Henry Award for magazine writing. He has been a finalist four times for a National Magazine Award, the magazine industry's equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize, and in 2010 he won the National Magazine Award in feature writing.

Grades: 2-6

Designed to let children explore different aspects of what makes up a museum collection, this S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) video includes an interview with the supervisory curator of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, a lesson, an activity and a guided craft activity focused around the theme of Museum Collections.

Grades: K-5

This video runs elementary students through our student-centric "Who Done It?" Premier Program. Students will investigate primary sources to match them to the correct President. This program covers George H.W. Bush, Abraham Lincoln, and George Washington.

Grades: 5-12

This video runs students through our student-centric "Who Done It?" Premier Program. Students will investigate primary sources to match them to the correct President. This program covers George H.W. Bush, Abraham Lincoln, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, James Madison, and George Washington.

Grades: 2-6

Inspired by President Bush's lifetime and legacy of public service and his environmental policies during his presidency, this S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) video includes an interview with the supervisory archivist of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, a lesson, an activity and a guided craft activity focused around public service and the environment.

Grades: K-12

Wildlife refuges are an important part of America’s land use make-up. They provide areas for wild plants and animals to live safe and stable lives. Living there full time or making seasonal visits, many animals, such as migratory birds, beavers and red wolves, call wildlife refuges home.

Come join us as we explore wildlife refuges with a lesson, a create-a-creature activity, and a guided craft on designing a wildlife refuge. This video is S.T.E.A.M. based and student-centric.

This is the third of our Environmental Awareness Series. The upcoming topic is the Antarctic Protection Act.

Grades: 9-12

Join retired attorney Tom Borcher as he discusses three landmark Supreme Court cases from the era of the George H.W. Bush administration and explores how they have impacted our daily lives. One major case that he will highlight is Texas v. Johnson of 1990, which dealt with flag burning. This case and others like it have questioned the definitions of complicated issues of civil liberties such as free speech.

Tom Borcher makes you wonder: If you were on the Supreme Court, how would you have decided?

Jennifer Gaona presents for teachers the ins and outs of the "Bush News" Premier Program for elementary and secondary students. "Bush News" challenges students to look deeper at the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Clean Air Act.

Jennifer Gaona presents for teachers the ins and outs of the "Gifts of State" Premier Program. "Gifts of State" challenges students to look at maps and analyze the social, economic, and political implications of state gifts.

Join us for an exciting opportunity to learn about the Premier Education Programs of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Mrs. Gaona is a well-established leader of curriculum.

These programs show a new approach where students and educators begin with the fun Passport for Learning. The passport is a key to understanding the U.S. Constitution with examples from the 41st Administration.

Our student-centric lesson plans, divided into elementary and secondary levels, are beneficial in the teaching and understanding of examples of how the U.S. Constitution has been interpreted.

Jennifer Gaona presents for teachers the ins and outs of the "Who Done It?" Premier Program for elementary and secondary students. "Who Done It?" challenges students to analyze primary source quotes, images and speeches of war-time presidents.

Games can be downloaded from Google Play or App Store.

Presidential Travel Mission: India

The State Department is sending you to India to plan a trip for the U.S. President! Explore India, learn about its history, diverse cultures, geography, economics, and industry. Your virtual trip is based in modern times and includes historic 1980s scrapbook of trips by then Vice President and Mrs. Bush from the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Gather Bush Awards during your trip! Enjoy going to India now!

China, Diplomatic Dragon

Begin your trip to modern China! Who knows? Maybe one day you'll be a diplomat to China! You will make Chinese friends, eat their food, and appreciate their culture. You will meet Chinese officials, business leaders and join Chinese New Year celebrations! You will travel throughout China, learn Chinese phrases, visit the Ming Tombs, and explore the Forbidden City in Beijing, the capital. There are so many places to go! As you play the game, win collectible card awards of George Bush from when he was a top diplomat there. Let's begin playing now!

White House Dinner Dash

Plan and manage fancy State Dinners at the White House! Help President George Bush and the First Lady entertain foreign leaders and guests. Choose the menu and table settings, make a seating chart, then dash to serve a four-course meal. It isn’t easy keeping guests happy, but if you do, you will help build diplomatic relations!

Cold War Dare

The year is 1989. You are President of the United States in transforming times. After 40 years of oppression, the people of Eastern Europe are daring to defy their Communist overlords at home and in the Soviet Union. And as President, you too face daring decisions: how far will you go to encourage democratic reform? How much will you risk a Soviet crackdown on these freedom-seeking peoples? Will your efforts help bring democracy to Eastern Europe, or will you provoke the Soviet Union to bring down its wrath, setting the cause of freedom back by decades?

Online access to National Archives holdings will still be available 24 hours a day via https://www.archives.gov/research.

Content Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed are those of the contributing members of Connect2Texas and do not necessarily represent the views of the Education Service Center Region 11. While some content is deemed appropriate for various curriculum standards used by viewers nationwide, most content providers make an effort to tie their content to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

Connect2Texas is a service of the Education Service Center Region 11.

Email: c2tx@esc11.net
Website: www.connect2texas.net
Location: Fort Worth, TX, United States
Phone: 817-740-7516
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Connect2Texas/178380812237957
Twitter: @connect2texas