Artifacts

The George W. Bush Presidential Library is the 13th Presidential Library administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). As the Nation's official record keeper, NARA serves as administrator for records of the U.S. Federal Government. NARA's Presidential Libraries and Museums are repositories for textual, electronic, and audiovisual Presidential records as well as domestic and foreign Presidential gifts.

Gifts to the President

The George W. Bush Presidential Library maintains approximately 43,000 artifacts, primarily foreign and domestic gifts given to the President and Mrs. Laura Bush, and other items obtained throughout the presidency at events and during trips. Most famously, perhaps, the Library has the bullhorn used by President Bush during his visit to the World Trade Center after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. These artifacts document the American experience. 

Browse through the Artifacts Collection to view some of the many important artifacts and gifts given from American citizens and foreign Heads of State.

How are the artifacts preserved? 

Throughout the Administration, Presidential gifts are maintained on courtesy storage at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Washington, D.C. When they arrive, museum staff work carefully to inventory and store the items in special artifact housing readying them for eventual transport to the future Presidential Library. At the end of the Administration, they are transferred to the Presidential Library administered by NARA. The George W. Bush Presidential Library properly preserves, inventories, and exhibits the artifacts and materials from the Administration of President George W. Bush.

Do the artifacts belong to the President? 

When a President accepts a gift from a foreign Head of State, it becomes the property of the American people, as he is working on our behalf.  The President may choose to retain some gifts at the end of his term.  For gifts from foreign Heads of State, the President must purchase the gift at the appraised value if he chooses to keep it.  For domestic gifts or gifts from foreign private citizens under a set dollar amount (currently $415), the President may keep them as they choose.  For domestic gifts or gifts from foreign private citizens over the set amount, the President must declare them on their taxes. If the President does not formally indicate their intent to keep, purchase or declare the gifts, they are automatically transferred to NARA.