What to watch: The Bush Family Home is bringing back its popular 1950s Summer Movie Series with a fun sci-fi theme. Four classic films will be shown in the backyard of the historic home on Tuesday evenings in June and July.

The big picture: After last year’s successful debut, the Bush Family Home is continuing its free, family-friendly summer movie tradition. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and snacks to enjoy the films under the stars. Each movie night runs from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Bush Family Home, 1412 W. Ohio Ave. Children’s activities, including themed crafts and games, will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night.

Movie Schedule

  • June 9 – War of the Worlds (1953)
  • June 23 – Them! (1954)
  • July 7 – Forbidden Planet (1956)
  • July 21 – Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

Go deeper: The series celebrates the golden age of movie-going in the 1950s, when movie-going became a major social event, with people attending theaters regularly. Because TV ownership rose in the 1950s, theaters enhanced the experience by introducing Cinerama, 3D, and other widescreen technologies to keep people engaged in theater-going. Even George W. Bush would ride his bike to downtown Midland to see cowboy serials and science fiction movies.

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What they’re saying: “Because last year’s inaugural series was a success, we couldn’t wait for the sci-fi series this year,” said Site Educator Chase Kirby.

What’s next: The Bush Family Home is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information, visit visitbushfamilyhome.com, email [email protected], or call (432) 685-1112.