The Bush Family Home State Historic Site will host a family-friendly Earth Day event from 1 to 3 p.m. April 18, featuring activities, art and educational programming centered on horses and their role in the environment.
The event is presented in partnership with Thundering Hooves and will highlight the “Year of the Horse,” tying into former President George W. Bush’s interest in Western culture, horses and cowboy traditions.
Organizers say the program will explore the connection between humans and horses, from their depiction in early cave art to their role in modern culture. Horses will also be highlighted as “ecosystem heroes,” emphasizing their role as natural land managers and their impact on the environment.
Attendees will be able to create horse-themed art, learn about the history of the Native American “Horse Dance,” and watch the short film “Buddy Two Socks.” The film features original music by composer Gareth Laffely, who will join the event virtually to discuss how music contributes to storytelling.
The event will conclude with instructions for a recycling-based art project, encouraging attendees to create “horse art” using found objects. Completed pieces can be entered in a “Horse Art” award ceremony scheduled for May 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the site.
The Bush Family Home State Historic Site is located at 1412 W. Ohio St. in Midland and is operated by the Texas Historical Commission. The site became part of the commission in 2023 and is one of 42 historic sites in Texas.
Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with the last tour beginning at 4:15 p.m. More information is available by calling 432-685-1112 or visiting the site’s website.