A Weekly Digest from the George W. Bush Presidential Center

January 16, 2026

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Exhibits & Events

The Catalyst

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As America turns 250, we should remember our history

“We need to look at the past with open eyes and a willingness to learn. As we do, we don’t get to bend history to fit our own ideologies,” writes Bill McKenzie, senior editorial advisor at the Bush Institute.

Read why understanding history matters for today

The U.S. and democracies around the world must stand with the people of Iran

Article by Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, the Bradford M. Freeman managing director of global policy at the Bush Institute

Learn why it's vital for the U.S. and fellow democracies to stand with the people of Iran

George W. Bush Presidential Center welcomes three new members to its Board of Directors

Dan Bartlett, executive vice president of Corporate Affairs for Walmart; Tucker S. Bridwell, president of Mansefeldt Investments and the Dian Graves Owen Foundation; and Ambassador Kristen Silverberg, president & COO at Business Roundtable

Learn more about our team

Dallas Mavericks memorabilia now on display at Bush Museum’s sports special exhibit

For a limited time only, Game Changer: United by Sports, presented by Garry Weber will feature items from legends like Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, and other members of the 2011 NBA championship team

Plan your visit

Supporting the democratic transition of Venezuela

Article by Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, the Kelly and David Pfeil fellow at the Bush Institute

Read why a longer-term collaboration and investment driven partnership with Venezuela is needed

Countdown to America’s 250th Anniversary

Weekly Quotes from figures who have shaped our country

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

– U.S. Bill of Rights, Amendment One, ratified on Dec. 15, 1791

Read previous weeks’ quotes

In Case You Missed It

Further News, Analysis, and more from the Bush Center

Setting the historical record straight on Ukraine and Russia
Article by Igor Khrestin, senior advisor of global policy at the Bush Institute, and David J. Kramer, executive director of the Bush Institute

Housing challenges in the City of Dallas: Headline facts and possible steps forward
Article by Cullum Clark, director of the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, and Ashley Flores, chief of housing at Child Poverty Action Lab

NATO has invoked Article 5 only once in its history
Article by Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, the Bradford M. Freeman managing director of global policy at the Bush Institute

The do’s and don’ts of industrial policy | The Catalyst: A Journal of Ideas from the Bush Institute
Article by Cullum Clark, director of the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative

American civil society relies on diverse organizations
Article by Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, the Kelly and David Pfeil fellow at the Bush Institute

Global health newsletter
Bi-weekly global heath update by Hannah Johnson, deputy director of global policy at the Bush Institute

Russia's strategic corruption: Targeting European politics
Report by Albert Torres, corruption and kleptocracy expert; Ruslan Stefanov, program director at the Center for the Study of Democracy; and Martin Vladimirov, director of the Geoeconomics and Energy Security Program at the Center for the Study of Democracy

Mark your calendars

Upcoming Engage at the Bush Center events
presented by NexPoint

A Nation Begins: A Conversation With Ken Burns and Rick Atkinson (Overflow only)
Feb. 11 | 6:30 p.m. CT

Laura Bush Book Club With Author Allison Pataki
May 14 | 6:30 p.m. CT

Also happening at the Bush Center

Game Changer: United by Sports
Supported by Garry Weber
A special exhibit in which sports make history and our nation takes the field
Open now

Live Strategerist Podcast Recording With Dirk Nowitzki (SOLD OUT)
Jan. 24, 2026 | 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Presidents Day Free Admission to the Bush Museum
Feb. 16, 2026 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT

Situation Room Presentations
Fridays | 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. CT
Saturdays | 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. CT
Sundays | 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. CT
Mondays | 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. CT

About the George W. Bush Presidential Center

Located on the SMU campus in Dallas, Texas, the George W. Bush Presidential Center is a nonpartisan institution advancing the timeless values of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion. The Bush Center comprises the George W. Bush Presidential Museum and the George W. Bush Institute, a solution-oriented policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies through policy solutions and public engagement. The Bush Center also houses the George W. Bush Presidential Library, operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, which provides access to official documents and artifacts from the George W. Bush Administration.

George W. Bush Presidential Center
2943 SMU Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75205