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George W. Bush Presidential Center

Field Trips and Information for Teachers

Plan a field trip to the George W. Bush Presidential Center and download TEKS-aligned lesson plans.

Oval Office Replica at the George W. Bush Presidential Center

Free Admission for K-12 Educators

We are pleased to offer free admission to the George W. Bush Presidential Museum for eligible K-12 educators. Please present your school ID at the Box Office on the day of your visit to redeem your free ticket. You will be accommodated to receive the next available admission time, subject to ticket availability. This offer is for a single free ticket to the Bush Museum and does not apply to additional paid programs or parking. Discount does not apply to homeschool educators.

The Bush Center invites students to learn about the United States and its democracy, while considering their own limitless future — even one where they are sitting in the Oval Office as President of the United States.

Field trips include waived admission fees for K-12 students as well as transportation subsidies for qualifying Texas Title 1 schools. Educators with questions are welcome to contact us at [email protected]. Visits are subject to availability.

The George W. Bush Presidential Museum promotes a greater understanding of the American presidency and examines the consequential times during which President and Mrs. Bush served. The museum offers a moving exhibit on September 11, 2001, a replica Oval Office, and an interactive experience in presidential decision-making. The museum is also host to a variety of special exhibitions that delve deeply into unique topics and provide insights that only a presidential center can offer.

 

Request a field trip to the Bush Center

 

Please note that an inquiry into date availability does not constitute a reservation. You will receive a separate confirmation letter via email when your reservation is completed.

“At its most fundamental level, I will continue the story of history and so will you, and so will my students. We will continue the story—what kind of story will we write?” — Brandon Vestal, Social Studies Coordinator at Crandall ISD

Writing history begins with the story that starts within, a narrative made up of knowledge of the past and personal convictions, ideas, and experience. Allow your students to step back into time to experience the history of our nation and ponder deep questions through critical thinking and hands-on activities. Watch this testimonial video and hear the impact that the museum experience has on students and teachers.

From the presidency, to U.S. history, to nature and conservation.

K-12 Students and teachers can explore a variety of nonpartisan subjects with the guidance of our dedicated docent staff.

Potential topics and lessons during a visit to the Bush Center include:

  • The U.S. presidency and the responsibilities of the Office of the President of the United States. Students are invited to sit at the Resolute Desk in our full-sized replica Oval Office.
  • The 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, and the consequential times during which he served, including September 11, 2001.
  • Domestic and global policy during the Bush administration, leadership, and decision making. Older students can experience the difficult situations a president faces through Decision Points interactive scenarios.
  • Specialized topics through our annual temporary exhibits. Learn more about our current special exhibit, Freedom Matters, and download TEKS approved lesson plans.
  • Hands-on nature and conservation in the 15-acre Laura W. Bush Native Texas Park.
  • Downloadable Knowledge Quest for different grade levels based on classroom needs and time in the museum.

Planning Your Field Trip

View Directions to the Bush Center
  • Please request your field trip at least one month in advance. There is a limit of 50 students per 30 minute time slot; larger groups should stagger the arrival of buses to the museum.
  • The safety of our guests, staff, and volunteers is our top priority. No weapons of any type or size, including knives, are allowed inside the Bush Museum. All guests, including students and chaperones, will be screened upon entry.
  • Outside food and drinks are not allowed into the facility. Coolers, water bottles, and sack lunches should be left on the bus. Water fountains are located inside the museum and beverages are available for purchase in our Courtyard Café.
  • Groups should plan to retrieve lunches after visiting the galleries and to eat outdoors. The Laura W. Bush Native Texas Park provides a shaded environment for groups to enjoy lunch and in a natural setting — and even learn lessons on conservation at the same time! In the event of inclement weather, please connect with a staff member upon arrival.

Transportation

The George W. Bush Presidential Center is committed to being a resource for all students in the region. Transportation funding reimbursement is available for eligible school visits.

Buses should stop in the drop-off lane located on the eastbound side of SMU Boulevard. Buses are then asked to park at Mockingbird Station until needed.

Transportation Fund Eligibility

  • The school receiving the funds must be a K-12 school located in a Texas ESC Region and must be a Title I School for the year in which the field trip is completed.
  • Schools may request up to four buses per academic year.
  • Funds are available only as reimbursement for actual costs. Unfortunately, no advances can be given.
  • To maximize benefit to students, we ask that each bus you bring is full.
  • Itemized, paid receipt including the school’s name as well as requested forms are required for reimbursement. Bus fees are not to exceed the estimated amount. Funds will not be reimbursed unless required items are submitted within one month of the visit.

George W. Bush Presidential Museum Special Exhibit

Freedom Matters

Freedom Matters uses historical documents and personal perspectives to examine the concept of freedom: where it comes from, what it means, what free societies look like, and the role of the individual in protecting and spreading freedom around the world. Featuring numerous historical documents, including a 14th century version of the Magna Carta, an 1831 copy of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution as it originally appeared in print in 1787, original editions of abolitionists Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglas, and more.

About Freedom Matters

TEKS-aligned lesson plans

Download printable lesson plans for different grade levels.  Lesson plans include printable versions for students as well as teacher versions.

Lesson Overviews (PDF):

Lesson Plans (PDF):

 

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