Exhibits - 2009
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The Culture of Wine
September 28, 2009 to August 22, 2010
On September 28, a much anticipated exhibit will arrive at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. The Culture of Wine will unravel the mystery, magic, and making of wine.
From the moment you step into the exhibit's vineyard, you begin to learn about viticulture from differences in soil types, vineyard management practices, varietal profiles, and harvest techniques. What sets the exhibit apart, and immerses each visitor in the winegrowing process, are its accurate attention to details and the realism achieved by blending vineyard and winery equipment with stunning photo murals. Every section of the exhibit emphasizes the "art" of winemaking. The dance between the winemaker and Mother Earth, the processes and techniques he can control and what nature provides, is a compelling story.
Visitors begin their viticulture tour with an historical overview of the importance and influence wine has had in Western Civilization. The story of wine in America begins with President Thomas Jefferson. The historical role he played in research, viticulture, and promoting wine as an important cultural ingredient in the early days of the United States was fascinating and visionary. The exhibit includes a partial reproduction of President Jefferson's Monticello dining room, including his famous fireplace that had special hidden dumbwaiters which lead directly to his wine cellar. You will find artifacts, reproductions and historical documents that explore his role as the father of American wine. Jefferson's keen knowledge of European wines also made him the perfect personal wine advisor to Presidents Washington, Madison and Monroe.
From 18th century Monticello to 20th century Napa Valley, visitors will move into a typical small California winery during the period of the historic Paris Tasting of 1976. At this pivotal event, a selection of California wines, in a blind tasting, were judged to be better than their French counterparts. In the words of Robert Mondavi, "the dramatic tasting sent shock waves all around the world." This judgment catapulted American wines onto the world stage. Winning the Paris Tasting strengthened the confidence of American winemakers and the science of viticulture flourished.
The Culture of Wine explores the palatable influences of soil, water, and climate --the root of wine's flavor. Stunning photo murals line the walls and virtual becomes vineyard as visitors follow trellises of vines and move into the crush pad area. A vintage tractor and gondola transport grapes to the winery bladder press. You enter the cellar where genuine French oak barrels, wine pumps, and other tools of the trade add to the important aspects of fermentation, aging, racking and blending of wine. From there, you emerge into a small Champagne cave where you learn about the méthode champenoise production process.
The story of wine in America is uniquely American. The journey includes the huge influence of immigrants, lots of good old American risk-taking, an intense focus on scientific research, neighborly cooperation, determination, and a sense of adventure. Come, join us. The story begins September 28, 2009.
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Beyond the Moon: NASA's Continuing Mission
September 19, 2008 to August 16, 2009
The Museum at the George Bush Presidential Library and the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum, in partnership with NASA's Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston, will tell the story of America's exploration into the final frontier. The LBJ Library will begin with man's fascination with the heavens through the first walk on the moon. The George Bush Presidential Library continues the story with the end of Apollo, Skylab, the Space Shuttle, and the International Space Station. Large scale models, original shuttle equipment, a shuttle simulator, and interactive programs are just a few of the spectacular items to be displayed. The third part of the story, which will explore what's next for the future of NASA, will take place at Space Center Houston. The countdown begins...!