|
|
|
|
THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
|
|
|
Ronald Reagan Presidential
Library
|
|
|
By Matthew
Martz |
Reagan Presidential Library
and Center for Public Affairs is located just off the
118 freeway in Simi Valley California. The library is
the final resting place of Ronald Reagan, our 40th president.
Situated on a hilltop, the grounds provide a bird’s
eye view of the area.
The layout is a re-creation of the White House Lawn. Grabbing
your attention immediately is a section of the Berlin
Wall and an F-14 Tomcat. Construction on the library started
in 1988, and was dedicated on November 4, 1991.
The dedication set a precedent as it was the first time
in history that five US presidents gathered in one place.
In attendance were Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Gerald
Ford, George H. W. Bush, and of course Ronald Reagan himself.
The group was accompanied by six First Ladies including
Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter,
Nancy Reagan, and Barbara Bush. The Reagan Center is the
largest of the presidential libraries, with over 153,000
square feet and another 90,000-foot building housing Air
Force One.
The library was built entirely with private donations,
and costs of construction are estimated at $60 million.
Contributors included studio executive Lew Wasserman and
newspaper magnate Rupert Murdoch. Each year, over 300,000
visitors come to view the archives, and ranks consistently
as one of the most visited libraries.
The library is administered by the National Archives and
Records Administration under authority of the Presidential
Records Act, and serves as a repository of records from
Reagan’s administration. Over 50 million pages of
presidential documents, 1.6 million photographs, as well
as a half million feet of film, audio, and video tapes
are on hand.
Personal papers and collections from Reagan’s eight
years as Governor of California are housed as well. The
museum displays permanent exhibits, and rotates other
ones on a routine basis to highlight key pieces in the
collection. |
|
|
Ronald Reagan Library and Museum |
Visitors will
start their tour with an exhibit that begins with Reagan's
childhood in Dixon, Illinois and continuing a timeline through
his film career and military service, his marriage to Nancy
Davis Reagan, and onto his brilliant political career. The
montage “Citizen Governor" is a gallery offering
footage of the 1964 "A Time for Choosing" speech
during his years as governor. On display is the 1965 Ford
Mustang used during his first gubernatorial campaign, and
the desk he used as governor.
News footage of the assassination attempt on Reagan by John
Hinckley in 1981 is available, the 1980 and 1984 presidential
campaigns are also highlighted, and his inauguration suit
and a table from the White House Situation Room are available
to view. Information about the proposed Strategic Defense
Initiative and “Star Wars” help us to understand
the tensions our leader faced head-on while bringing down
the Soviet Union and ending the Cold War.
One of the most interesting displays is a full-scale replica
of the Oval Office, giving an average American a chance
to step inside the office of the world’s leader for
a moment. Other offerings focus on Reagan's ranch, the presidential
retreat at Camp David, and his beloved First Lady Nancy
Reagan, who stood by his side until his passing.
A 90,000-square-foot hangar serves is home to the Boeing
707 aircraft known as Air Force One. This particular model
as served its duty for six other presidents from 1973–2001,
including Richard Nixon during his second term, Gerald Ford,
Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George
W. Bush before its retirement from service.
Boeing disassembled the plane and transported it to the
library in pieces as part of an initiative called “Operation
Homeward Bound”. When construction of the pavilion
was completed, the plane was reassembled and restored to
museum quality, then placed on 25-foot pedestals. It was
presented for dedication on October 24, 2005. |
| |
Air Force One Reagan Library |
Wall segment Berlin Wall |
Also housed within the
hangar are the 1984 presidential parade limousine, a 1982
Los Angeles Police Department police car and two 1980s police
motorcycles, and a 1986 Secret Service vehicle. One of the
most interesting displays you will ever see is the original
O'Farrell's pub from the Republic of Ireland where President
and Mrs. Reagan visited in June 1984. A whole pub is on
display!
Regardless of political views, the Ronald Reagan Presidential
Library and Center for Public Affairs is a must see. It
offers a fascinating look into the life of a president and
the amazing responsibilities of the position. There is enough
fun stuff to keep the kids entertained while parents enjoy
the more thought provoking items.
The museum is open 9-5 seven days a week except major holidays.
The Country Cafe onsite offers sandwiches and snacks.
The drive will take you about half an hour from anywhere
in the San Fernando Valley, about 45 minutes out of Los
Angeles, and about an hour and a half from Orange County.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library 40 Presidential Drive,
Simi Valley, California 93065 Phone: 800-410-8354 |
|
|
|
|
|
Nixon
Library surprising
fun place to visit in Yorba Linda. Beautiful gardens
and exhibits. |
|
|
Getty
Center located on a 24-acre hilltop
campus that is part of a larger 110-acre site |
|
|
|
|
