USPS Dedicates Barbara Bush Postal Stamp
Bush: ‘Mother would put her stamp of approval on it.’
Friends and family members of former First Lady Barbara Bush gathered in Kennebunkport, Maine, Tuesday where the United States Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp honoring the wife of the 41st president, George H. W. Bush, two days after what would have been her 100th birthday.
From the podium, George W. Bush, the 43rd president, gazed at his mother’s portrait during the first-day-of-issue ceremony held at Ganny's Garden on the Green, a garden dedicated to Mrs. Bush in 2011 near the family's vacation home.
“This is a beautiful job,” the former president said. “I would say that mother would put her stamp of approval on it.”
The former president went to talk about how much family meant to his mother, who was first lady from 1989 to 1993.
“Family is really important to her. I don’t know if you know but she was a disciplinarian and was not afraid to speak her mind but nevertheless made it clear she loved us in the end, but she really adored Dad. She loved us. She adored Dad,” he said.
The stamp was designed by Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, using a detail from the official 2005 White House portrait by artist Chas Fagan. The portrait is part of the White House Collection and appears courtesy of the White House Historical Association. The oil-on-canvas portrait shows Mrs. Bush wearing a purple top, black jacket and one of her signature multi-strand pearl necklaces. “Barbara Bush” is written in white across the bottom of the stamp, with the word “Forever” positioned at the lower-left side and “USA” at the upper-right side.
In addition to Mrs. Bush’s focus on family, the former first lady was a sharp wit and plainspoken, a style that drew admiration from her fellow Americans. The former first lady’s legacy includes pivotal moments like when she joined the fight against AIDS. Drawing from her experience with her daughter Robin's battle against leukemia, the first lady visited a hospice for children where she cradled a child with AIDS. This act of compassion, at a time when even touching someone with the incurable illness was greatly feared, helped destigmatize AIDS. Mrs. Bush went on to encourage her husband's support of federal funding in the fight against the disease.
Believing that illiteracy was the root of many problems faced by the country, she also established the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. In 1990, Mrs. Bush published a second children's story, Millie’s Book, which was a story told from the perspective of her beloved English springer spaniel. She also began “Mrs. Bush’s Story Time,” a national radio broadcast encouraging adults to read aloud to children. The following year, she encouraged her husband to pass the National Literacy Act, which provided millions of adults with a second chance to earn their high school diploma.
One of her most vivid moments was during her 1990 Wellesley College commencement speech, where she advised graduates of the mostly female class to follow their careers, but remember that human connections are more important. She went on to say that someone in the audience may “follow my footsteps and preside over the White House as the president's spouse. I wish him well!” The speech was lauded as one of the 20th century’s best by American Rhetoric, an online database of public discourse and speeches.
The stamp was dedicated by Doug Tulino, the Postal Service's acting postmaster general.
“At this special occasion, we are reminded of the values Mrs. Bush embodied—values we at the U.S. Postal Service also hold dear,” said Tulino in a statement. “She knew that each piece of mail is more than paper and postage. It was a bridge between one American and another—a personal connection with the public she served all her life.”
Also attending the event were former First Lady Laura Bush; Mrs. Bush’s son, Neil Bush; and daughter, Dorothy “Doro” Bush Koch. Alice Yates, CEO of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation, was the master of ceremonies.
The Postal Service produced this story of the Barbara Bush stamp.
The stamp is being issued in panes of 20. As a Forever stamp, it will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.
Calendar
June 10, 2025
The Tradition of First Lady Forever Stamps: Barbara Bush
In a new 1600 Sessions podcast episode, Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, talks about the life and legacy of Mrs. Bush with three special guests: Pierce Bush, grandson of President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, and the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star; Chas Fagan, the artist who painted the Official White House Portrait of Mrs. Bush, which is featured on the new Forever Stamp; and Andrew Roberts, President of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. View here
June 12, 2025
Eleanor Roosevelt: Censorship, Past & Present
The Eleanor Roosevelt Center presents the in-person panel discussion “Eleanor Roosevelt and Censorship, Past and Present” from 6 to 7 p.m. on June 12 at Vassar College. This panel, moderated by Vassar Professor Emerita of History Miriam Cohen, will explore the legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt’s fight for free expression, the past and present of intellectual freedom, global censorship trends, and what Roosevelt’s legacy can teach us in this moment.
The panelists featured are Blanche Wiesen Cook, distinguished professor of history and women’s studies at John Jay College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York and author of her definitive biography of Eleanor Roosevelt, Vol I The Early Years 1884–1933; Vol II The Defining Years 1933- 1938; Vol III The War Years and After 1939-1962; Daniel Shank Cruz, the Special Assistant for U.S. Free Expression Programs at PEN America; Yana Gorokhovskaia, research director for strategy and design at Freedom House; and Lee Rowland, executive director of the National Coalition Against Censorship. All ticket proceeds benefit our 2nd Annual Bravery in Literature “Banned Book Awards” Ceremony on October 11th, which honors authors whose books are challenged or banned. Read more
June 12, 2025
Arts and Mental Health: Promotion and Recovery in Youth
A recent UK government study shows that consuming arts and music demonstrably improves health and well-being across all ages, genders, geography, and socioeconomic groups. The study found that even only occasionally, such as every few months, participation in the arts confers an array of “significant” benefits that can include alleviating pain, frailty, depression and dependence on medication. The Carter Center presents WABE’s Rose Scott who will moderate a panel of fascinating influencers with diverse perspectives of youth mental health and the role of the arts.
Join “Conversations at The Carter Center” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. local time on June 12 (in person or virtually) for an event with panelists Meredith O’Connor (artist, singer, model, youth mental health activist) and Mark Kendall (Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer, CoolCoolCool Productions, comedian, host of podcast “What’s Good Atlanta?”). The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.
June 13, 2025
Legacy Lecture: Tea Time Tales of Widowed First Ladies
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents Los Angeles-based comedian Lauren Howard Hayes, a first lady enthusiast, in the one-woman show: Tea Time Tales of Widowed First Ladies. The event will be presented virtually from noon to 1 p.m. ET.
In this performative yet informative multimedia event, Hayes brings to life the stories, secrets, and personalities of former First Ladies Mary Lincoln, Ida McKinley, Lucretia Garfield, and Jackie Kennedy in a hilarious and insightful blend of character comedy and historical storytelling. Read more
June 19, 2025
Third Thursday Wine & Cheese: Mary Lincoln’s Fashion Legacy
To honor Juneteenth, for one night only, the National First Ladies Library & Museum will unveil a breathtaking Civil War-era capelet designed by former First Lady Mary Lincoln’s dressmaker and confidante, Elizabeth Keckley—a talented Black designer who left a lasting mark on fashion and history. This exclusive, in-person showcase at 6:30 p.m EST will transport visitors to an era where style and politics intertwined, offering a rare glimpse into the first lady’s wardrobe and her remarkable relationship with Keckley. Read more
June 23, 2025
Cooking with the First Ladies with Sarah Morgan
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents “Cooking with the First Ladies With Sarah Morgan,” a virtual program exploring the life and legacy of Barbara Bush—the beloved first lady known for her grace, compassion, and commitment to literacy. This virtual program brings history and cooking together and will guide participants through a recipe that Barbara Bush herself loved while sharing fascinating stories from Barbara’s time in the White House. Read more
June 25, 2025
People’s House Party: 1970s Prom Night
The People’s House is ready to boogie by celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first and only White House prom with a party at The People’s House: A White House Experience!
Your ticket includes two drink tickets and light 70s-themed snacks, as well as pop-up activities, prom bouquet making, and after-hours access to the galleries. And, 1970s disco or prom attire is strongly encouraged.
This event is in celebration of Civic Season, which takes place between Juneteenth and July 4, uniting our oldest federal holiday with our newest. This nationwide initiative, organized by Made By Us, connects Gen Z to history and civic engagement. Tickets can be purchased here.
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