April 20 - May 21, 2026
See records that shaped the nation, many traveling outside Washington, D.C. for the first time!
Opening the Vault at the Presidential Libraries invites the public to experience the power of original documents, up close and in person. In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is sharing original, history-making records with the public at ten Presidential Libraries across the country. These documents, many of which have never left the National Archives, are a window into America’s past, allowing visitors to engage with records of significant events in our nation’s history.
The George W. Bush Presidential Library invites the public to see a selection of these traveling documents which help tell the story of the nation’s founding, reflecting landmark events across time, ranging from the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War, to the Declaration of War against Germany, from Thomas Edison’s patent for the light bulb to the deed of gift for the Statue of Liberty. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we are proud to bring these records to Dallas as part of the nation’s celebration.
Our “Opening the Vault” exhibit will run for five weeks only, from April 20 to May 21, 2026, in our Research Room. In keeping with the George W. Bush Presidential Library’s mission to preserve, protect, and share the historical records of the United States, admission to see these history-making documents is free of charge.
In addition, we invite visitors to see “Opening the Vault” documents related to the National Parks at the George W. Bush Presidential Museum (regular admission rates apply).
The George W. Bush Presidential Center is open Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
More Celebrations
Attend monthly online book discussions hosted by the Dallas Public Library, George W. Bush Presidential Library and special guests. Check back throughout the year for additional dates and times.
- Crooked by Austin Grossman – Thursday, April 30, 2026, 7-8 p.m.
- The Only Good Indians – Thursday, May 28, 2026, 7-8 p.m.
- Kindred by Octavia Butler – Thursday, June 25, 2026, 7-8 p.m.
President George W. Bush recently reflected on the qualities he most admired in his predecessors - Abraham Lincoln’s resolve; Harry S. Truman’s decisiveness; Ronald Reagan’s optimism; and, especially, George Washington’s humility. "I often say that the office of the president is more important than the occupant; that the institution of the presidency gives ballast to our ship of state," President Bush wrote. "For that stability we are indebted to the wisdom of our founding fathers’ governing charter and the humility of our nation’s first president. It has guided us for 250 years, and it will strengthen us for our next 250 years.”
Would you like to contribute to the National Archives? Visit the George W. Bush Presidential Center where a special memory book for America's 250th birthday will be displayed from April 20 to July 6, 2026. How do you imagine Americans in the future will think of President Bush's time in office and how do you think his leadership has helped shape our nation? Contribute an entry and it will be saved in the Library's Archive.
Follow the George W. Bush Presidential Library's Instagram feed @gwblibrary. "80 For 80" will feature photographs and details about eighty not seen before Artifacts from the Library's collection to celebrate the President and Mrs. Laura Bush's 80th birthdays on July 6 and November 4 respectively.
Check back for information about a special partnering with the New York Botanical Garden for those visiting the Bronx this July!
The National Archives is preparing a series of events, exhibits, and resources to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. Check the website for additional details.