As the nation celebrates 250 years of independence, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station invites visitors to reflect on what it means to be American.

The library officially opened its newest temporary exhibit, E Pluribus Unum: Celebrating the American Experience, with a ribbon cutting July 2. 

About E Pluribus Unum: Rather than focusing on a single moment in history, E Pluribus Unum is organized around eight themes representing everyday American life.

Jay Patton, supervisory museum curator, said the exhibit intentionally highlights subjects visitors of all ages can relate to, from films and music to handcrafted art, recreation and the foods that often bring families together.

A long time coming: Planning for the exhibit began nearly two years ago by identifying about 100 potential lenders before narrowing the list to roughly 25 institutions and collectors.

Before you go: The exhibit is on display at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum through May 2027.

• Display opened July 2
• 1000 George Bush Drive W., College Station

Several businesses opened in the Bryan and College Station area in June and several more are expected to open, relocate or expand in July. This list is not comprehensive.

Now open

• Haraz Coffee House: opened June 2

• Brightside Thrift: opened June 3

• Whataburger: grand re-opening hosted June 26

• dd's DISCOUNTS: opened June 27

Coming soon

• g's Southside Italian Cafe: soft opening mid-July

• Curious Collections: relocating mid-July

Need to catch up on news from the past week in the Bryan-College Station area? Check out these five stories.

College Station eyes parking garage, discusses safety for future of Northgate

College Station updates timeline for Texas Independence Park, other major projects

Building a regional health care hub in Bryan-College Station

Triple fusion restaurant Nova Eatery now open in College Station

Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District addresses resident concerns over growth, demand

Former state Sen. Don Huffines was appointed as the Texas comptroller of public accounts, Gov. Greg Abbott announced July 2.

Huffines, a Dallas-area native with a bachelor's degree in business administration in finance from The University of Texas at Austin, will take over as the state's finance and budgeting officer from acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock. Huffines will officially begin his service Aug. 1.

Huffines defeated Hancock, who became acting comptroller one year ago, in the March Republican primary. He'll now face former state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt in the November general election for a four-year term.