Welcome to the childhood world of our 43rd President, George W. Bush, and his remarkable family.
The mission of the George W. Bush Childhood Home, Inc., is to express and interpret the history of one of America’s great families by telling the story of the Bush Family and the childhood of George W. Bush in Midland, Texas, and celebrating the lives of two presidents, two governors, and two first ladies.
Announcements
Midland Author to hold Book Signing
Posted: Wednesday, August 18, 2010 9:30 am | Updated: 9:29 am, Wed Aug 18, 2010.
Megan Lea Buck
Midland Reporter-Telegram | 0 comments
James Collett spent nine months sorting through photographs of the people and places of Midland.
"I spent a lot of time down at the Midland Historical County Museum and I spent time in the archives of UTPB and of course at the Haley Library," said Collett, editor of the Permian Historical Society Annual and member of the Texas State Historical Association, West Texas Historical Association, Texas Archeological Society, Midland Archeological Society and Iraan Archeological Society.
After being contacted by Arcadia Publishing, Collett began the process of putting together photos and photo captions to tell the story of Midland from its founding as Midway in 1881 to the present.
The final product, a 125-page book titled "Images of America: Midland," was published this month and is one in a series offered by Arcadia Publishing. The publishing house's "Images of America" series aims to present the history of regions, towns and cities throughout the nation.
Collett, a native of Sheffield who attended school in Iraan and taught high school history and government in McCamey before moving to Midland in 2002, is passionate about sharing the history of West Texas.
"I hope this book will provide an inspiring demonstration of how West Texans, especially in the city of Midland, have repeatedly found means to adapt and thrive in a tough and often unforgiving environment, contributing productively to the region, the state, the nation and the world," he said in a press release. "If the people of Midland show the same determination, innovation, and willingness to take risks that their predecessors did, this city on the edge of the Llano Estacado will remain the fascinating and exciting place it has always been."
The most difficult aspect of the "Images of America: Midland" project, he said, was trying not to get sidetracked while looking through the archival photos.
Noting he looked at many photos he did not use in the book, Collett said he searched for illustrations of people and places that are important to the city's history. He also looked at the composition of the photos, choosing more action shots than posed photos.
"I chose pictures that best moved Midland's story through the book," he said. "I looked for what I hoped were just really neat pictures, ones that were better composed or were just interesting."
Collett separates Midland's photographic history into six chapters: "From Midway to Midland," "Windmill City in the Land of the High Sky," "Big Dreams in the Permian Basin," "Tough Times in Depression and War," "Boom and Bust and Boom in the Tall City" and "On the World Stage in the 21st Century."
Each chapter includes photos and captions featuring prominent Midland families and people working and playing in the growing West Texas town.
Early pages display black and white pictures of cowboys and ranchers while photos in the middle of the book show the construction of some landmarks Midlanders still enjoy today.
All of the photo caption text in the book is original to Collett who said he found some of the information attached to the photographs and some of the information through other sources.
Collett will be signing copies of his book from 1-3 p.m. Sept. 18 at the George W. Bush Childhood Home.
"Images of America: Midland" will be available for purchase at scheduled booksignings, Walgreens pharmacy, Haley Memorial Library and History Center, Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, Graham Pharmacy, Barnes and Noble and Hastings Entertainment.
Posted: Sep 4, 2010
Please help us find...
We are looking for the following items to add to this Presidential Site:
1949 Hoffman TV, 1950 Westinghouse Washer & Dryer, and 1955 Calendars. Images of the TV and washer/dryer set are shown below.
Posted: Sep 1, 2010
Laura Bush Literacy Program - FREE BOOKS
F R E E B O O K S F O R K I D S
The Laura Bush Literacy bookshelves are fully stocked and ready for children of all ages to receive a free book. Hundreds of titles available from pre-K to High School level.
Come by during our normal business hours and pick out your book! Limit 1 book per child/day. You can also exchange your old books for new ones.
Parents- we're always looking for donated children's books to keep our bookshelves stocked. If your child has outgrown the old books, please consider donating them to the Laura Bush Literacy Program.
Posted: Sep 1, 2010
Gold Medal Winner!
The George W. Bush Childhood Home was recently voted the Gold Medal Winner in Tourist Attractions by readers of the Midland Reporter Telegram. Thanks to everyone who voted for us!
If you haven't visited the Home, please take some time to visit history in your own back yard.
Posted: Aug 10, 2010
Amazing Museum Race
Join us for the kick-off party at the CAF, 9600 Wright Dr, Midland, Saturday, May 15th 10AM-12.
The Amazing Museum Race features 9 area attractions at which you can pick up a passport, visit the sites and collect passport stamps and redeem your completed passport to win prizes at the wrap-up in September. This program runs from May 15- Sep 25th.
Posted: May 12, 2010
Check out our ads in the MRT
Check out our weekly ads in the "Pulse" section of the Midland Reprter Telegram every Thursday.Posted: Nov 19, 2009
Now on Facebook
Become a fan of the George W. Bush Childhood Home.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Midland-TX/George-W-Bush-Childhood-Home/178838461869?ref=mf
Posted: Nov 15, 2009
Children's Book Donations Needed
Plans are in full swing for the laura Bush Literacy Program. This program will include two aspects:
"Story Night" Staff members will be reading short stories of interest to children. These periodic events will be held in our Visitor Center and attendees will be provided refreshments. These special evening sessions will last from 45-60 minutes and the target age group will be noted in press releases and ads.
"The Laura Bush Bookshelves" Children's books will be available, free of charge, to all area children. Books will be available in our Visitor Center and can be picked up during our normal business hours.
In order to make this a success we are asking for your help. We are asking the public for donations of new or gently used books for children of all ages. Please drop off your donations at our Gift Shop. We can arrange to pick up large volumes of books if you are unable to deliver them. Please call 685-1112 to make arrangements for pick-up.
More details of this program will be available in the next few weeks.
Posted: Jun 2, 2009
Comments about our new website?
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the George W. Bush Childhood Home, I would like to thank Kevin Hickson and Jon Massengale of Upstream Communications, Rod Richburg of RSD Advertising and all their fine, professional staff who helped lauch this new website.
If you have comments about the content of the website or suggestions to improve its value to you, please email Paul St.Hilaire, Executive Director, at gwbhome@bushchildhoodhome.org. Your comments will be addressed within 7 days.
If you would like to have us publish your comments, please indicate your permission in your email. Comments may be selected for publication at the sole discretion of the Executive Director.
Posted: Jan 3, 2009
Museum Hours
Tues–Sat 10 AM – 5 PM, Sun 2–5 PM
Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day
1412 West Ohio Avenue
Midland, Texas 79701
Phone: (432) 685-1112
