Public Tour

History at Home
Capacity: Up to 20 people per tour
Timing: 30 minutes to 1 hour, available Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Cost: Adults $5, Teachers, veterans, and seniors $3, children $2 

This unassuming home launched the influential careers of two presidents, two governors, a first lady, and more. Walk in the footsteps of the Bush family as you learn about the challenges and triumphs of their time in mid-century Midland. Adults will feel at home paying a visit to George and Barbara, while children will enjoy learning about the games and toys that entertained the young Bush children.

Reservations may be made in advance; walk-ins available as space permits.

School Tour

Presidential Beginnings 
Grades: K-12th Grade
Capacity: 8  to 75 students
Timing: 1.5-2 hours, available Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $1 per student; $3 for teachers and $5 for chaperones. (One teacher or chaperone required for every 10 students).

What was life like in Midland for the young Bush family growing up in the post-World War II era? Nowhere else in Texas have so many prominent political figures lived in one home—two presidents, two governors, a first lady, and much more. Students will learn about life in the 1950s through interactive experiences and the analysis of primary sources, and will develop an understanding of the foundation that this home and community provided for the futures of this American family.

Adult Group Tour

At Home with the Bush Family
Capacity: 8 to 75 people 
Timing: 1 hour, available Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $5 per person 

Pay a visit to the modest home that launched the influential careers of two presidents, two governors, a first lady, and more. Walk in their footsteps as you learn about the challenges and triumphs of the Bush family’s time in mid-century Midland, and how the family and the community helped shape one another.

Bus Tour 

The Bush Family’s Experience in Midcentury Midland
Grades: K-12th Grade; Adults
Capacity:  Up to three buses 
Timing: Two hours (may be adjusted if scheduled in addition to a school or group tour), available Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $40 per bus, plus regular student/adult admission.

Load up your adult or school group for a driving tour of the sites and stories around Midland related to the Bush family. Visit schools, churches, offices, and other significant locations around town that tell the story of the Bush family and their legacy in this community.

Tour Reservations

School, group, and bus tour reservations should be made two weeks in advance by calling 432-685-1112, emailing bushfamilyhome@thc.texas.gov, or completing this tour request form.

If your group is looking for a specialized tour or an on-site visit to your school or organization, please contact the site directly to inquire about a customized experience.

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 4280
Midland, TX 79704 

Parking 

Visitor parking on the street near the house or in the parking lot beside 1406 W. Ohio Ave. across from the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. 

Visitor Center 

Visitors begin their experience across the street at the visitor center where tours start. The visitor center offers free brochures and information about the site and surrounding area, as well as the Texas Historical Commission’s other state historic sites. A museum store is also located in the visitor center with books, novelty pencils, and postcards for purchase. As you step into the home, the journey will educate visitors about the early years of the Bush family and post-World War II America. We recommend allowing 30 minutes to an hour to tour the site completely. 

Group & School Tours 

If you have a group of eight or more people or would like to book a school tour, please make a reservation at least two weeks in advance by submitting a tour reservation form. Guided school tours are offered Tuesday through Friday, and we recommend that you book spring school tours in the fall. 

Accessibility 

Wheelchair-accessible parking and restrooms are available on site. The visitor center is wheelchair accessible, and the Bush House is wheelchair accessible through the side entrance. The grounds are well-manicured grass; there are sidewalks leading to the porch of the home. 

Facilities 

Food and drinks are not available on site. There are benches near the visitor center if you need to rest or eat. Food and drink are not allowed inside the Bush Home, except for special events. A restroom is located in the visitor center. 

Nearby Attractions 

While you're in the area, visit these nearby sites: 

For additional travel and history information, see the following resources: