The National Archives defines the Presidential Libraries’ unique mission as “archives and museums, bringing together the documents and artifacts of a President and his administration and presenting them to the public for study and discussion without regard for political considerations or affiliations.” The National Archives, in partnership with the Presidential Libraries, has recently mounted Civics for All of US, intended to “build civic literacy and engagement by providing exemplary civic education resources and programs for all ages using the records of the U.S. Government.”
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum
Located in West Branch, Iowa, the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library states that "presidential libraries carry out a mandated program to preserve, process, and make available their archival holdings. As part of providing access, the libraries and museums provide outreach and educational programs.”
Note: While they share the name of President Herbert Hoover, the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library in Iowa are separate entities. The Hoover Institution has its own library and extensive archives. More information can be found here.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum
Located in Hyde Park, New York, the FDR Presidential Library declares its mission in part to be “fostering research and education on the lives and times of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, the Great Depression, and World War II and their continuing impact on contemporary life.”
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
Located in Independence, Missouri, the Truman Presidential Library’s stated mission is" to preserve…and provide…access to President Truman’s historical materials. Through engaging exhibits and programs, the library aspires to reach a broad and diverse audience in a continuous effort to keep President Truman’s life and legacy alive, emphasizing his ideals of citizenship, learning, and service.”
Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
The Eisenhower Presidential Library is located in Abilene, Kansas which houses Eisenhower's boyhood home and extensive archives.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Located in Boston, Massachusetts, the Kennedy Presidential Library “preserves and provides access to historical materials related to President Kennedy and his times -- and engages with citizens of all ages and nationalities through JFK's life story and the ideals he championed.”
Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum
Located in Austin, Texas on the University of Texas campus, the Johnson Presidential Library seeks “to preserve and protect the historical materials in the collections of the library and make them readily accessible; to increase public awareness of the American experience through relevant exhibitions and educational programs; to advance the LBJ Library's standing as a center for intellectual activity and community leadership while meeting the challenges of a changing world.”
Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Located in Yorba Linda, California, the Nixon Presidential Library "serves the public interest by displaying in our permanent and temporary galleries, and preserving and making available for research on-line and through our on-site research operation, the documents and audiovisual materials of President Nixon's life and times."
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
The Gerald Ford Presidential Library is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library is located in Atlanta, Georgia.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Located in Simi Valley, California, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library “offers research support to scholars and students alike, curates many special exhibits, manages the collections, and provides robust educational programming for students of all ages.”
George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Located in College Station, Texas on the Texas A&M campus, the Bush Library seeks “to preserve and make available the records and artifacts of George H.W. Bush, 41st President of the United States. We promote civic literacy and increased historical understanding of our national experience, and foster a community of public service and volunteerism.”
William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum
Located in Little Rock, Arkansas the Clinton Library seeks ”to advance understanding of 20th century United States history, the institution of the Presidency, and the American political system as a whole through the study of the life, career and presidential administration of William J. Clinton."
George W. Bush Presidential Library
The George W. Bush Presidential Library is located in Dallas, Texas on the Southern Methodist University campus.
