George W. Bush Childhood Home | Midland

The Bush Family Home State Historic Site (formerly known as the George W. Bush Childhood Home) is a significant landmark in Midland, Texas, that offers a glimpse into the early life of two U.S. Presidents, George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, and the Bush family’s time in the Permian Basin. The house, located at 1412 W. Ohio Avenue, was home to the Bush family from 1951 to 1955, during which time George W. Bush, Jeb Bush, and their siblings spent their formative years.

Historical Significance

The house was built in 1940 and is a modest 1,400-square-foot structure that blends elements of Tudor and Ranch-style architecture. It became home to the Bush family after George H. W. Bush's father, Prescott Bush, was transferred to Midland due to his oil business.

The home reflects the Bush family's life in the mid-20th century, and much of it has been restored to appear as it did during the time the Bushes lived there.

The house is not just a residence but also an important historical site that provides insight into the personal life of the Bush family. The family experienced both the joy of their children’s childhood and the heartbreak of losing their daughter, Robin, to leukemia at the age of 3, during their time in this home.

Recognition and Preservation

The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, and in 2023, it was transferred to the Texas Historical Commission, which has since expanded educational programs related to the site.

The Bush Family Home reflects the deep historical ties the family has to Midland, as it served as the foundation for their later political careers and public service.

Visiting the Historic Site

Address: 1412 W. Ohio Avenue, Midland, TX 79701

Phone: (432) 685-1112

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Sunday: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day

Admission Fees:

Adults: $5

Seniors, Veterans, Teachers: $3

Children (ages 2–12): $2

Children under 2: Free

Families: $8

Tours and Programs

Public Tours:

The site offers guided tours Tuesday through Saturday, lasting between 30 minutes to an hour. These tours provide visitors with a detailed look at the Bush family’s life in Midland and how their experiences in this home influenced their future.

School Tours:

Specialized tours for K–12 students are available. These tours offer an interactive experience with a focus on the historical context of the 1950s and the Bush family's role in Midland’s community during that time.

Group Tours:

Group tours for 10 to 75 people are also available, offering a more in-depth exploration of the Bush family's time in Midland and their connection to the town.

Bus Tours:

For those interested in a broader view of the Bush family’s influence on Midland, bus tours are available. These tours last about two hours and explore significant locations around Midland related to the Bush family, such as schools, churches, and their offices.

Educational Programs and Events

Youth Programs:

The site offers a Youth Advisory Council and Junior Docent Program to engage young people in historical preservation and public speaking.

Community Events:

The site also hosts a variety of community programs, including Robin’s Children’s Health Fair, Worldwide Day of Play, and activities for Texas Archaeology Month. These programs provide opportunities for the community to learn about the site and its history through fun and educational events.

Additional Information

Architecture and Restoration:

The Bush Family Home has been carefully restored to reflect the look and feel of the 1950s. It retains many original elements, giving visitors a true sense of the Bush family’s life in Midland.

Cultural Impact:

The house is more than just a childhood home; it is a symbol of the Bush family’s deep connection to the Midland community, which shaped their views and public service. Visitors can explore the cultural significance of this time in the family’s history and understand how their Midland roots influenced their political careers.

Parking and Accessibility

Parking:

Visitors can find parking along the street near the house or in a nearby parking lot across from the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

The Bush Family Home State Historic Site offers a rich historical experience, reflecting the personal and political legacy of the Bush family. It is a must-visit for those interested in the lives of the 41st and 43rd U.S. Presidents and their early roots in Midland.