Presidents in Dallas: The Sixth Floor Museum and George W Bush Presidential Library

Dallas--it's a big, political city.  K, in town for a conference, used extra time on her travel days to take in the Presidential sites there.  When looking for something to do right before or after a flight, there are good options--even on weekends!

Every visitor to Dallas should visit the Sixth Floor Museum, an extensive exhibit about the Kennedy assassination in November 1963.   Tastefully done, the museum provides a thought-provoking exploration of the tragic trip to Dallas.  A basic overview of the spirit of the times is provided, and the exhibit presents powerful information about the investigation, communication surrounding the news, the political climate, and the like.  It's fascinating to reflect on how security and journalism have changed over time.  An audio tour is key to guide you through the exhibit (and part of your admission); the exhibit features more photographs, videos, and text than artifacts.  If you are an educator, ask for the admission discount and present ID--the discount on admission nears 50%.

If you go, don't forget to walk out to the grassy knoll.  The X you see on the pavement pictured above is the informal marking of the spot where the fatal shot hit.  You could easily visit the museum in the afternoon and then spend the early evening in the Reunion Tower area nearby.

K was also able to visit the George W Bush Presidential Library and Museum on the Southern Methodist University campus.  SMU is an attractive, open-feeling campus right in the "big D."

The site is a reasonable place to visit of individuals of various political persuasions.  It conveys a fairly objective perspective on the contested 2000 election, followed by the optimism of the initial months of the presidency.  Right after an exhibit on the hope conveyed in the law that was No Child Left Behind (ever how challenging the law was) and a diplomatic visit from high-placed Mexican officials, one rounds the corner right into a display of girders from the Twin Towers.  The layout conveys the shock and tragedy of 9/11 and affords visitors an opportunity to record their memories of that day.  Other challenges are also addressed, including Hurricane Katrina.  The museum also gives attention to the more casual side of the family, describing changes Bush made in his early life, the perspectives of his daughters in the White House, and Bush's desire to have fun.  Overall, he comes across as a very likeable personality--again, irrespective of politics.

If you go, parking is available across the street, but you can also research reasonably-convenient use of public transportation including a shuttle bus that travels near the site.  There are photo ops, and the grounds are well-landscaped.  We know the first picture from this site is dark, but we had to include it--it is K at the Oval Office desk, you see.