Overheard at the Bush Center

The Bush Center announced its new series, Americans: Against All Odds, presented by The Haidar Family. This series spotlights individuals who embody the American spirit of resilience and grit. The inaugural program featured New York Times bestselling author Allen Levi, who shared his journey from boyhood in Columbus, Georgia, to a career as an attorney, to life as a traveling musician, and ultimately to becoming a bestselling author of Theo of Golden at age 69. Levi’s path has taken many turns, but determination is the thread that binds his story together. Related: Watch the program Purchase "Theo of Golden" 

The Bush Center commemorated the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with an Engage at the Bush Center program presented by NexPoint. The evening opened with a moderated conversation between General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and former Deputy National Security Advisor J.D. Crouch. Their discussion highlighted the courage and accomplishments of the United States military in the Global War on Terror.Following that moderated discussion, 43rd President of the United States, President George W. Bush, and 66th United States Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice shared their reflections on 9/11.The program also featured voices from the post-9/11 generation of veterans, including Jared Lyon and Melissa Stockwell, whose service and continued contributions embody the resilience, courage, and unity that emerged from the tragedy. Together, these conversations offered a thoughtful reflection on a defining moment in American history.

The Bush Center recently hosted The Mission of Air Force One – part of our popular public programming series, Engage at the Bush Center, presented by NexPoint.The conversation featured retired Colonel Mark Tillman — President George W. Bush’s pilot and commander of Air Force One; Reginald “Reggie” Dickson, who served nineteen years as a flight attendant to the nation’s highest leaders, including two Vice Presidents and three Presidents; and Chief Master Sergeant Rick Holley, a veteran Communications Systems Officer who served aboard Air Force One during the administrations of Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Clinton.The discussion, moderated by Ari Fleischer, former White House press secretary for President Bush, offered an inside look at the people and protocols that keep the presidency connected, protected, and moving around the world.Related:Watch the Engage program

United States Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined Shilo Brooks, President and CEO of the Bush Center, to discuss her book, Listening to the Law: Reflections on the Court and Constitution for a special Engage at the Bush Center, presented by NexPoint. During their discussion, she reflected on her journey to the Supreme Court, offering insights into her daily life and the Court’s deliberation process. Related:  Watch the Engage program Celebrate America 250 at the Bush Center    

As part of the Engage at the Bush Center series, presented by NexPoint, the Bush Center hosted highly acclaimed author and biographer Walter Isaacson in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. In reflecting on his latest book, Isaacson discussed the Declaration of Independence’s most defining line and how it has shaped our ideals and continues to guide our ongoing pursuit of liberty and equality. Related:  Watch the Engage program View the Bush Center America 250 events and exhibits

Recently, the Bush Center held the ninth Forum on Leadership focused on the theme The Heart of America.  Forum on Leadership is a landmark gathering which develops, recognizes, and celebrates leadership by bringing together notable voices for in-depth discussions on today’s pressing issues.  In his welcoming remarks, Shilo Brooks, President and CEO of the George W. Bush Center, explored what is at the center of the heart of America.  In this conversation, New York Times opinion columnist David French and the Bush Institute’s Anne Wicks discussed freedom of expression and how robust protection for all viewpoints is essential for a free society.  Related:  Watch the 2026 Forum on Leadership: The Heart of America Read the Bush Institute series, Democracy is a Verb

Recently, the Bush Center held the ninth Forum on Leadership focused on the theme The Heart of America.  Forum on Leadership is a landmark gathering which develops, recognizes, and celebrates leadership by bringing together notable voices for in-depth discussions on today’s pressing issues.  Panelists Mark Updegrove, President and CEO of the LBJ Foundation; Michelle Ferrari, Director and Producer at 42nd Parallel Films; and Richie Butler, Senior Pastor at St. Luke Community United Methodist Church; reflect on hard-fought democratic milestones achieved in our history that have made our country and its people more free.  Also featured is a testimonial from Mark Reilly, President and CEO of The Washington Tattoo and Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program Class of 2025. Related:  Watch the 2026 Forum on Leadership: The Heart of America View the Bush Center's America 250 celebrations

Recently, the Bush Center held the ninth Forum on Leadership focused on the theme The Heart of America. Forum on Leadership is a landmark gathering that develops, recognizes, and celebrates leadership by bringing together notable voices for in-depth discussions on today’s pressing issues. In this panel discussion with Jeff Reinbold, President and CEO of the National Parks Foundation, and Grace Lee, Executive Director of National Park Trust, they shared how our national parks honor our history and inspire the next generation. Related:  Watch the 2026 Forum on Leadership: The Heart of America See special exhibit, Opening the Vault

Ellen and Clayton Kershaw joined the Bush Center for an inspiring conversation on the power of sports to lift communities, drawing on lessons from Clayton’s storied career with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the couple’s deeply rooted commitment to service. In this Engage at the Bush Center, presented by NexPoint discussion, the Kershaws shared stories of baseball, faith, and family, and reflected on how sports can unite, strengthen, and transform lives. Related:  Watch the Engage at the Bush Center event Plan a visit to special exhibit, Game Changer: United by Sports, presented by Garry Weber

As part of the Engage at the Bush Center series presented by NexPoint, the Bush Center, in collaboration with the George W. Bush Presidential Library, hosted acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Rick Atkinson in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Together, they explored how the American Revolution shaped our national identity and considered not just where we came from — but where we’re headed.   Related:  Watch the Engage at the Bush Center program View America250 events at the Bush Center