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Exhibit 1
Exhibit 2
Exhibit 3 Presidential Library Museum Attendance FY 2014-23
Good for Texas Tour: Presidential Libraries Edition Statewide Overview
Presidential Library Tour | Snapshot | Print Snapshot (PDF)
Introduction
Texas is the only state with three presidential libraries, offering unique opportunities to showcase American history. The Lyndon B. Johnson, George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush presidential libraries each preserve the historical documents and artifacts that highlight the lives, political careers and public service of three American presidents. These presidential libraries safekeep presidential history, while sharing it with the public and providing employment and other benefits to the Texas economy in a manner that few other establishments can.
History of Presidential Libraries
The U.S. presidential library system was established in 1939 when President Roosevelt announced plans to build a library on his Hyde Park, New York, estate to house the personal and presidential documents he had accumulated during his four terms as president. Congress later passed a joint resolution making the facility part of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), which maintains historical documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, as well as other governmental documents including military, citizenship and land records. Oversight by NARA ensures the preservation of presidential documents — from important governmental papers to private journals detailing the presidents’ lives.
The Roosevelt Library became the model for later presidential libraries. Once plans for a new library are confirmed, a private nonprofit organization is created to raise funds and oversee the construction process. After the library is complete, the nonprofit transfers all operation and maintenance duties to NARA’s Office of Presidential Libraries. This office provides administrative and budgetary oversight for all libraries within the presidential library system and develops and implements policies. It also oversees any additional development, major construction and renovation projects at the libraries. Presidential libraries are distinct from other libraries because their purpose is to preserve and promote the public’s understanding of the presidency and other American experiences.
Presidential Libraries Act of 1955
Following President Roosevelt’s initiative, subsequent presidents also decided to build libraries as a way to preserve the documents of their administration, which prompted the U.S. Congress to pass the Presidential Libraries Act of 1955. This act established a system of libraries that were privately owned but federally maintained and served to encourage other presidents to establish libraries following their terms in office. Congress has since modified the rules regarding both the ownership of documents and the financial requirements of each facility.
Texas Presidential Libraries
The NARA currently oversees 13 presidential libraries, three of which are in Texas (Exhibit 1). These libraries are in different regions of the state and serve as historical, archival and educational bases for the three U.S. presidents rooted in Texas — Lyndon B. Johnson, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.
Source: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum
The Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum is located in Austin on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin. Dedicated in 1971, the library showcases documents and other artifacts highlighting the 36th President’s administration and the legacy of both him and his wife, Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson. The 143,836-square-foot complex holds 45 million pages of textual records, 650,000 photos, 7,500 video tapes, 12,000 hours of audio and more than 53,000 artifacts.
George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
The George H. W. Bush Library and Museum was built to honor the 41st President and offer a place for visitors to learn about his presidency and life in government. The library is in College Station on the campus of Texas A&M University, the first public institution for higher education in Texas. The library is about 81,700 square feet and holds 44 million pages of textual records, 2 million photos, 10,000 video tapes, 800 hours of audio and 61,271 artifacts.
George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Dedicated in 2013, the George W. Bush Presidential Library, which is part of the George W. Bush Center along with the museum and the Bush Institute, is in Dallas on the campus of Southern Methodist University. The 140,941-usable-square-foot center is the only presidential library associated with a private university. The center holds documents and other collections that highlight the life and political career of the 43rd President. Those collections include 70 million pages of textual records, 3.8 million photographs, 30,000 audio-visual recordings, 80 terabytes of electronic records and 43,000 artifacts.
Economic Impact
In 2023, the presidential libraries had total employment — both direct and indirect — of more than 3,000 and contributed $329.1 million to the Texas gross domestic product (Exhibit 2).
| Library | Total employment | Gross domestic product | Output | Disposable personal income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lyndon B. Johnson | 811 | $81,916,000 | $137,107,000 | $48,514,000 |
| George H. W. Bush | 1,102 | $113,182,000 | $196,925,000 | $62,147,000 |
| George W. Bush | 1,249 | $134,009,000 | $223,719,000 | $80,101,000 |
| Total | 3,162 | $329,107,000 | $557,751,000 | $190,762,000 |
Notes: “Total employment” refers to direct and indirect employment; “gross domestic product” refers to the total value of all final goods and services produced in Texas; “output” refers to the total value of all goods and services (final and intermediate) produced in Texas; “disposable personal income” refers to post-tax incomes.
Sources: REMI Model for Texas and Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Attendance
Located in large metropolitan areas or on college campuses, Texas’ presidential libraries receive thousands of visitors from across the country each year (Exhibit 3).
Exhibit 3 data
| Fiscal Year | Johnson | Bush (41) | Bush (43) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 139,026 | 136,101 | 490,887 |
| 2015 | 173,815 | 146,815 | 300,333 |
| 2016 | 154,238 | 149,489 | 210,989 |
| 2017 | 152,583 | 149,614 | 218,879 |
| 2018 | 152,475 | 186,782 | 185,735 |
| 2019 | 145,202 | 232,902 | 174,450 |
| 2020* | 70,225 | 80,714 | 61,656 |
| 2021* | 3,373 | 0 | 22,843 |
| 2022 | 84,354 | 101,920 | 75,838 |
| 2023 | 118,885 | 101,960 | 97,500 |
Note: The federal government’s fiscal year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.
*Closed during most of fiscal year due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Source: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
Conclusion
Through the preservation of history and timely and engaging exhibits, the Texas presidential libraries will continue to attract visitors to the state and benefit the Texas economy for years to come.