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Remembering Barbara Bush: A Celebration of Legacy

On June 10, 2025, a new episode of The White House 1600 Sessions podcast was released by the White House Historical Association. This episode commemorates what would have been the centenary of First Lady Barbara Bush. In a special tribute, the United States Postal Service unveiled a new Forever Stamp featuring Mrs. Bush's official portrait, igniting a wave of nostalgia and admiration for her contributions to society.

During the episode, host Stewart McLaurin is joined by Pierce Bush, the grandson of President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush; Chas Fagan, the talented artist behind Mrs. Bush's portrait; and Andrew Roberts, president of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. Together, they engage in heartfelt conversations about Mrs. Bush's enduring legacy.

“Thousands of people will have improved their reading skills, maybe even learned to read, due to her initiatives,” reflects McLaurin. Barbara Bush's commitment to literacy was a cornerstone of her time as First Lady, and her legacy continues to inspire change in the lives of many Americans.

Pierce Bush fondly shares his experiences visiting his grandparents at the White House, where his grandmother's passion for reading instilled a love of knowledge in her family. “She believed that knowledge is the key to advance yourself and make the world a better place,” he recalls, highlighting her personal dedication to education that has influenced generations.

Chas Fagan shares insights about creating the iconic portrait now featured on the new Forever Stamp. He conveys how Mrs. Bush's warmth and humor inspired his artistic vision. “The absolute joy of this project was spending time with her. That wonderful feeling of warmth and humor was very much a part of her,” Fagan expressed with fondness.

The podcast delves further into the impact of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, which Mrs. Bush established in 1989. Under Roberts's leadership, the foundation has transformed countless lives by providing access to literacy resources and leveling the playing field for early readers. “We have mentoring programs where we pair high school students with struggling early readers,” Roberts explains. “That not only helps those early readers but also provides leadership skills to the high school students.” The ripple effect of Mrs. Bush's work is profound, reaching far beyond mere statistics.

Listeners can enjoy this enriching dialogue available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, as well as in video format on the White House Historical Association's YouTube channel. The robust discussions in this episode capture the essence of Barbara Bush's character and her unwavering dedication to literacy and family values.

In addition to the podcast, the White House Historical Association’s initiative is a testament to the commitment of several generations of Americans to preserving history and acknowledging the significant impact of influential figures like Barbara Bush. Founded by Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961, the Association continues to inspire engagement with American history through education and preservation efforts.

In closing, this special edition of The White House 1600 Sessions podcast invites listeners to reflect on the legacy of Barbara Bush—a First Lady whose impact on literacy and family values resonates to this day. With the release of the Forever Stamp, her memory is destined to inspire future generations, reminding us of the enduring power of knowledge and reading.

For more information, visit WhiteHouseHistory.org.