5 Things about the Clinton Library

"Vacation 2006"-First stop: Clinton Library and Museum. Love him or hate him, this library/museum is a great place to stop, to visit, and it was a great reminder of the importance of Independence Day.

“There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.”

“I may not have been the greatest president, but I've had the most fun eight years.”

“If you live long enough, you'll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you'll be a better person. It's how you handle adversity, not how it affects you. The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit.”

1. "Bridge to the twenty-first century"-the idea behind the building, comes from a 1996 re-nomination speech. Sits at the end of Clinton Avenue, open 7 days a week. Be prepared for security checks and Japanese tourists. I'm not sure why, but there they were.



2. Twenty-first century interior-the displays here are very interactive, video screens and scrolling text. Glass and shiny metal, very hi-tech. Seemed to clash a smidge with the age of the average visitor that day, but I enjoyed it.



3. Timeline-second floor is a timeline of the years in office, including news events from every year (like the Oklahoma City bombing, O.J. Simpson trial). I enjoyed the timeline because it's history I lived...and I still remember it! This floor also has alcoves dedicated to specific policy items-health care, the economy, foreign trade, education.



4. Life in the White House-the third floor is a more personal look at life in the Clinton White House, showing gifts given to the first family, Buddy and Socks, letters written to the President, and his daily schedules. Right now the changing exhibit is called "Happy Trails." It's all about cowboys, showing famous cowboys and pictures of little Bill, age 3.



5. Words everywhere-I loved the quotes, very inspiring and they reminded me of why we have so much to celebrate on Independence Day. Clinton or Bush or Reagan or Bush, the office of the President is very inspiring, central to the Democracy.