Presidential records are any records created or received during a Presidential Administration in the conduct of executive branch functions. With very few exceptions, all such materials are kept. At the end of a Presidential administration, those records become the property of the American people. They are preserved by the National Archives and Records Administration for public use. Archivists at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum review materials to determine what can be made accessible under the Presidential Records Act and the Freedom of Information Act. Restrictions are applied to Presidential records by archivists to protect national security, personal privacy, and other information that is exempt from release.

This gallery offers a “sneak peek” of the Presidential records found among the Library’s holdings. Note the red “The President Has Seen” stamp at the top of a few of the documents. If you are interested in Presidential Records, viewing documents for yourself, or finding out more, plan a Research Visit today.