Discover Presidential History

VISITING libraries and museums of former U.S. presidents is an excellent way to discover the history of those presidents, and to uncover a wealth of general information about our nation during particular time periods. Even for individuals who do not consider themselves avid history buffs, a trip to a presidential library or museum will most likely be considered time well spent - and, an enjoyable leisure experience.

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Most of us are probably old enough to have lived during the terms of several, or perhaps many, of our presidents. We have been exposed to the news media and have had information sources concerning current events all of our lives. However, just one visit to any presidential library or museum will reveal facts, and the people, places, and events of the past which we somehow missed - or had forgotten.

At present, thirteen presidential libraries and museums are located in eleven states. Details about each one, including open hours and admission prices, are available online. The list below includes the location.

• George H.W. Bush Library & Museum - College Station, TX
• Bill Clinton Library - Little Rock, AR
• Ronald Reagan Library - Simi Valley, CA
• Jimmy Carter Library & Museum - Atlanta, GA
• Gerald R. Ford Library - Ann Arbor, MI (Museum - Grand Rapids, MI)
• Richard Nixon Library - Yorba Linda, CA
• Lyndon B. Johnson Library - Austin, TX
• John F. Kennedy Library - Boston, MA
• Dwight D. Eisenhower Library & Museum - Abilene, KS
• Harry S. Truman Library - Independence, MO
• Franklin D. Roosevelt Library - Hyde Park, NY
• Herbert Hoover Library - West Branch, IA
• Abraham Lincoln Library & Museum - Springfield, IL

Other places which relate to our presidents include the Office of Presidential Libraries in College Park, MD; the Presidential Museum & Leadership Library in Odessa, TX; and America's Presidency Museum & Gallery in Branson, MO. In addition, the homes of many former presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, have been designated as historical sites and are considered national treasures.

Trips to presidential libraries and museums should rise above personal views about politics, political parties, or the presidents themselves. Visits may pay tribute to particular presidents, but more than that, they should honor the office of president. And, more than likely, visitors may find a lump in their throats - and hearts which are proud - as they discover presidential history.

-- The photo above shows the Ford Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.