National Archives to Mark Day of Mourning for President George H.W. Bush Dec. 5

On Wednesday, December 5, National Archives will mark the National Day of Mourning for the 41st President, George Herbert Walker Bush, who died November 30, 2018.  All public programs and special events planned for that day, at National Archives facilities nationwide, will be rescheduled, and National Archives research facilities will be closed.  

However, the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, and museums at the National Archives Presidential Libraries will be open to the public for normal visitor hours, with the exceptions of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, and the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, which will be closed.

In announcing this observance, Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero said: “Together, we remember President Bush and honor his legacy.  A patriot, a statesman, a leader who worked ceaselessly for a kinder, gentler, America, President Bush promoted the values of democracy that we uphold every day through our work. Please join me in remembering his service to our Nation.”

The National Archives George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas, posted this tribute on www.bush41.org:  “President Bush was intimately involved in the Presidential Library and local community, from attending exhibit openings and forums, to frequently being seen in the museum and surrounding grounds. So many people here have been touched by his life and knowing him personally. Through his Presidential Library and Museum, we will continue to honor his life and legacy with our utmost reverence.”

The President’s obituary and funeral information are online at www.georgehwbush.com.

In his Presidential Proclamation issued on December 1, 2018, President Trump declared December 5, 2018, as a National Day of Mourning: “I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President H.W. Bush.”