Interactive Learning Programs
The Winnick Family Foundation Education Program of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum offers a variety of educational activities for students from pre-K to Grade 12. These programs are designed to reinforce exhibit themes and state curriculum by focusing on the White House, the presidency, U.S. and local government, and U.S. history.
Bush Programs
Mrs. Bush's Story Time
Hear recordings of Mrs. Bush reading several popular children's books, and learn through teaching packages and activities developed by The Malvern School.
Meet Millie at the Museum
For a fun and enriching experience, pupils make a Millie puppet, hear a storybook, discuss the world of museums, and then tour the Ansary Gallery of American History.
White House Wonders
Three programs explore life at the White House!
My Own Room at the White House (1st-3rd grades)
Each student designs a room at the White House and takes home a special scrapbook of memories.
Holidays in the White House (1st-4th grades)
Experience how the White House celebrates winter or spring holidays! Students can create a special ornament and imaginative greeting card.
Dinner at the White House (2nd-4th grades)
Students plan an elegant dinner at the White House, complete with guest list, dinner menu and china.
Citi Presidential Challenge
Three interactive learning programs feature national symbols, U.S. presidents and American history.
The Presidential Quilt (1st-4th grades)
Students create individual quilt squares that represent national symbols of America. Teachers are given quilt backing materials to finish the quilt without sewing.
Tic-Tac America (5th-9th grades)
Students are separated into three teams: "X," "O" and "experts." Teams are dynamically challenged to test their knowledge of presidents and American history.
The American Challenge (7th-12th grades)
Teams of students are challenged to test their knowledge of presidents, American history and culture through competition on a room-sized board game.
Survival Skills: Citizens Act!
Students use critical thinking skills to expand their understanding of responsible citizenship.
City Council (3rd-5th grades)
Students assume functional roles as members of a city council and concerned citizens trying to solve the community problem of an escaped lion!
Congressional Role-Play (4th-6th and 7th-12th grades)
Students become functional members of Congress to learn about the legislative process first hand. Each student is given a character description stating political party preference, identifying issues and voting history.
How We Shall Govern (7th-12th grades)
Shipwrecked on a deserted island, teams form governments and develop laws in order to survive.
Other Programs
High School Days
Annually, the High School Days Program brings all of the Bryan-College Station high school juniors to the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum for a day to be immersed in a wide-variety of enriching educational experiences. This program has continued since 2002 due to the cooperative relationship between the high school faculty and the Education Department of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. The purpose is to offer the high school juniors opportunities unavailable in their daily lives by broadening their horizons through engaging activities. Seminars are presented by outstanding experts in science and history, as well as authors and motivational speakers. Additionally, the interactive museum offers opportunities for students to participate in dynamic decision-making sessions, such as the issues faced by President Bush concerning the first Gulf War. Following in the steps of President George Bush's distinguished career in public service and leadership, the students' appreciation, respect, and understanding of sacrifice for the greater good are enhanced. For more information about High School Days, please contact the Education Department of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.
The Ray C. Fish Foundation Museum in a Treasure Chest Outreach
Replicas of the museum’s artifact collection and archival documents are available with outreach programs to schools. These hands-on resources enhance understanding of historic items. The Ray C. Fish Foundation has generously underwritten this enriching educational experience.
The Strake Reading Literature for Children Program
George W. Strake Jr. of the Strake Foundation has generously provided reading materials to supplement ongoing activities and storytelling at the museum.
America's First Ladies: An Enduring Legacy
Primary sources of first lady Barbara Bush from the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum's Textual Archives as references for the First Ladies Conference Nov. 15, 2011:
- DOC 000 - Letter of encouragement from Mrs. Barbara Bush to a GED graduate. June 9, 1989
- DOC 001 - Handwritten speech by Mrs. Barbara Bush addressing the NYC Public Library Lions. Oct. 12, 1989
- DOC 007 - "The Reader" newsletter featured Mrs. Barbara Bush as an active literacy advocate in May 1983
- DOC 003 - This widely popular story featuring the Bush family dog Millie was dictated to Mrs. Barbara Bush and published in 1990. All proceeds were donated to The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy
- DOC 008 - Mrs. Barbara Bush discusses parenting in an interview with Grit Magazine. April 1989
Read quotes from Mrs. Bush's book "A Memoir"
Click Here to see photos of Mrs. Bush from the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum's Audio-visual Archives
Teachers, Click Here to download a flyer with information about distance education registration and TEKS Curriculum Standards.
For more information about the "America's First Ladies: An Enduring Legacy" conference please go to http://bushlibrary.tamu.edu/firstladies.
To learn more about the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, go to www.barbarabushfoundation.com.
All Museum Interactive Learning Programs are available by reservation only. Reserve your spot now!