A Walk Through the Library: Ruth

The Ruth Bell Graham exhibit of the Library focuses on the woman who has been at Billy Graham's side for more than 60 years. Entering this exhibit, visitors will see two vastly different scenes: one depicting Ruth's childhood overseas, and the other, a living room depicting the Graham's North Carolina home.

A large Korean-style gate, reminiscent of Ruth Bell Graham's school days in what is now North Korea, frames a video screen that shows footage of Ruth as a young girl. Her parents, Dr. Nelson and Virginia Bell, ran a large mission hospital in Huaiyin, China. Ruth attended a private Christian school in Pyongyang because the political situation in China was unstable. The family was eventually forced to flee China in 1941 when Ruth was 18 years old.

Visitors will see where Ruth and Billy met: Wheaton College in Illinois. They will also view pictures of the Graham's home in Montreat, N.C., the couple meeting world leaders, and personal moments with their children. The room features a reproduction of Mr. and Mrs. Graham's living room in Montreat, including a mantle with an engraved inscription in German that translates, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God."

A brief video provides guests with a glimpse into the role Ruth played in raising five children in a Christian home. Many household responsibilities belonged to Ruth while her husband was traveling. The video includes a scene where Barbara Bush describes Ruth as "a kind, humorous woman with a generous spirit, and endless patience."

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