Permanent Exhibits

A restored 1947 Studebaker (identical to the one Bush drove to Texas in 1948) welcomes you into the life of the family as they began a new journey in West Texas. It is here that George W. was joined by siblings Pauline Robinson (Robin), John (Jeb), Neil, Marvin, and Dorothy (Doro) Bush. Included in this area is the tragic story of Robin's fatal battle with Leukemia.

George's success in the oil business and the creation of the Zapata Offshore Company, which ushered in a new era in the oil drilling industry, is detailed here. Vintage video included in this area shows the launching of revolutionary new drilling technology used by Zapata.

Beneath the towering presence of this 30-foot tall replica of our nation's Capitol dome, follow in George's footsteps as he begins his new career as a United States Congressman. There are also many pictures, articles and political advertisements from George's first successful campaign.

After serving as a Congressman, President Nixon selected George Bush to be the Ambassador to the United Nations. The amazing murals and recreation of a portion of the U.N. create the feeling that you are at U.N. Headquarters during the turbulent years of the early 1970s.

In late 1972, Ambassador Bush assumed the role of Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Throughout 1973, Bush worked hard to keep the stain of Watergate from tainting the Republican Party. On exhibit here is a whimsical and elegant display of elephants, the well-known symbol of the Republican Party, from the museum's collection of over twelve hundred.