The special exhibit features rare versions of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, Magna Carta, and other historical documents
DALLAS, TEXAS – The George W. Bush Presidential Center announced today that it will extend its special exhibit, Freedom Matters, through the end of 2024. The extensive exhibit, originally set to close Dec. 31, will continue to showcase a collection of historically significant versions of our nation’s founding documents at the George W. Bush Presidential Museum.
The special exhibit encourages visitors to consider the pursuit of freedom throughout history, how the work of extraordinary and ordinary people has impacted freedom for millions of individuals, and what we all can do in our everyday lives to advocate for the blessings of liberty and a free society.
Freedom Matters features historical documents and artifacts that, during their time, were used to inform citizens in an era before mass media. These include rare versions of the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution of the United States, a 14th-century copy of the Magna Carta, as well as books by philosophers John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. A unique version of the Emancipation Proclamation will remain on display through December 2023.
Visitors to Freedom Matters are immersed in an interactive journey through the experience of freedom itself, including where freedom comes from, what it means, the characteristics of free societies, and the role of the individual in protecting and spreading freedom around the world. The exhibit, made possible, in part, through the generosity of the Harlan Crow Library and David Rubenstein, showcases the evolution, understanding, and pursuit of freedom throughout history.
The exhibit leads visitors through the American Experiment – demonstrating how the United States has sought to live up to the ideals articulated in the Declaration of Independence and other founding documents. Case studies through moments in history – including the establishment of the United States, the Civil War and Reconstruction, women’s suffrage, the Indian Citizenship Act, Japanese-American incarceration during World War II, the Civil and Voting Rights Acts, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and marriage equality — are centered on primary sources, including the documents themselves and narratives and perspectives of people of the time.
Admission to view Freedom Matters is included with the purchase of a ticket to visit the Bush Center’s permanent exhibit in The Boeing Company Exhibition Gallery, which includes steel from the World Trade Center and a full-scale replica of the Oval Office. Tickets are available for purchase here, complimentary admission is given to museum members. Learn more about becoming a member here.
Images of the exhibit are available upon request. For more information, contact Anna Walker at [email protected] or visit the Freedom Matters webpage.
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George W. Bush Presidential Center
Located on the SMU campus in Dallas, Texas, the George W. Bush Presidential Center is a nonpartisan institution advancing the timeless values of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion. The Bush Center comprises the George W. Bush Presidential Museum and the George W. Bush Institute, a solution-oriented policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies through policy solutions and public engagement. The Bush Center also houses the George W. Bush Presidential Library, operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, which provides access to official documents and artifacts from the George W. Bush Administration. Learn more about the Bush Center at bushcenter.org.
George W. Bush Presidential Museum
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. Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the George W. Bush Presidential Museum is a nonpartisan civic institution showcasing the timeless values of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion. Learn more at bushcenter.org.
