Skip to main content

Offshore Drilling Exhibit Opens at George Bush Presidential Library

The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M University has a new exhibit that tells the story of offshore drilling and the 41st President’s previous life as an oilman.

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M University has a new exhibit that tells the story of offshore drilling and the 41st President's previous life as an oilman. The Library's web site explains:

George Bush was a successful and pioneering Texas oilman, first on land and then offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. As a tribute to his role in the development and use of the innovative independent leg offshore jack-up rig Scorpion launched by LeTourneau in 1956, the exhibit tells the story of offshore drilling. It focuses on the history, development and future of offshore drilling, with an emphasis on the work of George Bush, emerging technologies and ongoing research at Texas A&M University.

With Shell as title sponsor and supporting sponsorships from Ensco, Schlumberger and Move Resource Group, the exhibit covers all aspects of the search for oil offshore, with a special look at the geology of finding oil, focusing on exploration of the Gulf of Mexico. Industry pioneers recount their personal experiences. Visitors will be taken from start to finish — developing the "play" to platform production — via an interactive display.

Energy - especially oil - is an important part of Texas's story, including its universities. My alma mater, UT Austin, has a prominent exhibit of the Santa Rita #1 drilling rig, which was moved from its well out in the Permian Basin. The Santa Rita well is on university-owned land and contributed land royalties to both UT Austin and Texas A&M until it was plugged in 1990.


On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


The Bush Library offshore exhibit runs through Feb 1, 2015.

Photo credit: George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

David Wogan is an engineer and policy researcher who writes about energy, technology, and policy.

David's academic and professional background includes a unique blend of technology and policy in the field of energy systems. Most recently, David worked at Austin Energy, a Texas municipal utility, implementing a Department of Energy stimulus grant related to energy efficiency. Previously, David was a member of the Energy & Climate Change team at the White House Council on Environmental Quality for the Obama Administration.

David holds two Master's degrees from The University of Texas at Austin in Mechanical Engineering and Public Affairs. While at UT, David was a researcher in the Webber Energy Group, where his research focused on advanced biofuel production to offset petroleum use in the transportation sector. David holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin, where he researched nuclear non-proliferation measurement technology.

David is a 2013 Aspen Institute Journalism Scholar, joining a select group of journalists from Slate, ABC News, and The New York Times.

David lives in Austin, Texas. Follow along on Twitter or email him at david.wogan@me.com.

More by David Wogan