Presidential Museum and Leadership Library

The Presidential Museum and Leadership Library in Odessa is a history museum dedicated to the American presidency with exhibits about various presidents and their times. The collection includes a replica of Harry Truman's Oval Office rug, miniature reproductions of First Lady inaugural gowns, and thousands of rare books about the presidency.

The museum was founded in 1965 shortly after President Kennedy's assassination and began as a room in the basement of Ector County Library. It later expanded into a separate institution and eventually relocated to the campus of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin.

The museum helps visitors understand and experience the history of the American presidency through its collections. Walking through the exhibits allows you to see how life in the White House looked across different eras and the evolving role of First Ladies throughout time.

The museum sits on the university campus in northeast Odessa and is easily reached by car. Visitors should plan to come during daytime hours when the museum is open, and allow about an hour or two to see the exhibits comfortably.

The collection features a special group of handcrafted miniature gowns that represent the inaugural ball dresses of First Ladies from different presidential administrations. These tiny reproductions are intricately made and offer a fascinating look at fashion and history that visitors often pass by without noticing.