Lasting Legacy of Barbara Bush: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Barbara Bush—a timeline of influence.

Barbara Bush (1925-2018) was First Lady of the United States (1989-1993), wife of President George H.W. Bush, and Second Lady (1981-1989) during his vice presidency. She is one of only two women, along with Abigail Adams, to be both the wife and mother of U.S. presidents (George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush). She was also the mother of Jeb Bush, a former Governor of Florida. As First Lady, she was known for her accessible, grandmotherly image and her dedication to literacy, founding the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1982: Siena College Research Institute surveys begin

Since 1982 Siena College Research Institute has conducted occasional surveys asking historians to assess American first ladies according to a cumulative score on independent criteria.

March 1989: Barbara Bush Establishes Foundation for Family Literacy

In March 1989, Barbara Bush established the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy to promote literacy programs.

1990: Mrs. Bush's Storytime Radio Program and Millie's Book

In 1990, Barbara Bush hosted the Mrs. Bush's Storytime radio program for ABC. She wrote the children's book "Millie's Book" about her dog Millie's new litter of puppies, which became a best-seller. The profits of nearly $800,000 were donated to her literacy foundation.

Millie's Book: As Dictated to Barbara Bush

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1991: National Literacy Act Passed

Barbara Bush's advocacy contributed to the 1989 education summit, and she convinced her husband to end his opposition to the National Literacy Act of 1991, allowing it to be passed into law.

2003: Ranked 5th-highest in public image

In the 2003 survey, Barbara Bush was ranked the 5th-highest in the criteria of public image among first ladies.

October 3, 2008: Opening of the "George and Barbara Bush Center"

On October 3, 2008, Barbara Bush and her husband opened the "George and Barbara Bush Center" at the University of New England in Biddeford. The center houses "The Bush Legacy Collection", securing the Bush legacy in Maine.

2008: Ranked 9th-best of 20th and 21st century First Ladies

In the 2008 Siena Research Institute survey, Barbara Bush was ranked the 9th-best of the twenty 20th and 21st century First Ladies.

2014: Jeb and Dorothy take control of the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation

In 2014, Jeb and Dorothy took control of the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation.

2014: Ranked 21st-highest as a "power couple"

In the 2014 survey, Barbara Bush and her husband were ranked the 21st-highest out of 39 first couples in terms of being a "power couple". Also in 2014, historians ranked Bush 5th among 20th and 21st century American first ladies that they felt "could have done more".

April 21, 2018: Barbara Bush's Funeral

On April 21, 2018, Barbara Bush's funeral was held at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston. She is buried at the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas, beside her daughter Robin. The funeral was 90 minutes long, following her request.

2021: Jill Biden considers Barbara Bush a role model

In 2021, First Lady Jill Biden said she considers Barbara Bush to be one of her role models and a First Lady she hoped to emulate in her own role, while speaking at the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy's National Summit.