Press Release

MEDIA CONTACT:
Denise Bradley, Ph.D., Executive Director Texas State History Museum Foundation
(512) 320-8204 Fax: (512) 320-8205 Email: dbradley-tshmfoundation@hotmail.com

President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush
To Be Honored As History-Making Texans

Austin, TX – September 15, 2009 – The Texas State History Museum Foundation will honor two outstanding Texans—President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush—with the History-Making Texan Award at the Foundation’s Sixth Annual Texas Independence Day Dinner on March 2, 2010, at The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.

The History-Making Texan Award recognizes living Texas legends whose contributions to the state and the nation have been truly historic and exceptional in scope. Previous recipients include Governor Dolph Briscoe; President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush; Governor and Mrs. William P. Clements, Jr.; Mr. Van Cliburn; Mr. Walter Cronkite; Dr. Michael DeBakey; Lieutenant Governor Bill Hobby; Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson; Mr. Herb Kelleher; and Mr. Darrell K Royal.

The Texas State History Museum Foundation’s annual Texas Independence Day Dinner celebrates Texas Independence Day and honors the history of Texas, while promoting awareness of and supporting The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Hundreds of business, political, and community leaders from around the state attend the event each year. The honorary chair of the 2010 gala is Jan Bullock. The Foundation has selected Julie Oles and Molly Sherman to co-chair the event. Proceeds from the evening benefit the many educational programs and special projects of The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, the nation’s premiere institution on Texas history.

The Museum opened in Austin in April 2001 with a formal dedication by President George W. Bush. Since its opening, The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum has shared the inspirational Story of Texas with over 4 million visitors through high-quality exhibits, interactive media experiences, and innovative educational programs. During the past year, over 200,000 students from across Texas have visited the Museum to learn about the history of their state.

Founded in 1999, the Texas State History Museum Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes statewide awareness and raises private funds to support the educational programs of the Museum. It is the only state history museum in the country that does not receive a direct state appropriation for its operations.