Driven to Drive: New Exhibit at George Bush Library

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By Katie Canales

In partnership with the Houston Automobile & Transportation Museum, the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation at Texas A&M University will present the exhibit “Driven to Drive: Defining Our Identity” starting May 16. The exhibit tells the story of the automobile through historical objects, interactive media, and hands-on displays, highlighting cars beginning with the 1950s through the present and into the future.

The automobile transformed the way Americans lived and how they defined their identities. This exhibit explores how the evolution of car designs and functions reflected the progression of twentieth century America.

Additionally, there will be short-termed displays and events that focus on other historically significant and popular cars throughout the run of the exhibit. There will be a speakers series based on the automobile theme and the Education Department will focus on related topics for programs and summer camps.

The exhibit will be on display in the Bush Library’s Ansary Gallery of American History beginning May 16 and ending January 8, 2017. The cars will change throughout the duration of the exhibit with three different groups of cars on display during this timeframe.

The first group will consist of 1950s car makes and models on display from May 16 to July 31. Cars included in the exhibit will be the 1955 Corvette, the 1955 Ford Thunderbird, the 1957 Chevy Bellaire, the 1957 Chevy Nomad wagon, and the 1959 Cadillac Series 62.

The second exhibit will span from August 8 to October 16 and feature cars from the 1960s era, including the 1963 Corvette with a split rear window, the 1965 Ford Mustang, the 1966 Ford Mustang GT-350 Shelby, the 1966 Pontiac GTO, the 1969 Chevy Camaro V8, the 1967 Dodge Charger, and the 1966 Dodge Coronet Hemi.

The third group combines elements of the past, the present, and the future. Current makes and models will be displayed, including the Prius Hybrid and the Ford F-150. A Terrafugia Flying Car will also be on display, as will the electrically run 2016-2017 Nissan Leaf.

Other cars displayed throughout the exhibit duration include the 1915 Model T Touring and a custom Aggie truck. Yellow taxi cabs will make a special appearance on May 19.

For more information, visit www.bush41.org.