Presidents Day at the Ronald Reagan Library
Happy Presidents Day friends! Did you know that Presidents Day began in 1885 as a holiday celebrating George Washington’s birthday? President Lincoln was later added to the celebration…and by the 1980s, Presidents Day as we know it was set to be celebrated on the third Monday in February every year. So today it seems fitting to take you to my old neighborhood, and a place where Nate and I have enjoyed many afternoon dates and sunset walks...welcome to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.
Library History
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum opened its doors in 1991 atop the rolling hills in Simi Valley, California. With over 20 different galleries spread across nearly 125,000 ft.² on the property, I’ve enjoyed countless hours here over the years. The museum traces President Reagan’s journey from a young actor to California’s governor, and ultimately the President of the United States of America.
The Grounds
A beautiful fountain welcomes you in front of the museum’s main entrance. Replicas of the White House Rose Garden and the South Lawn are perfectly manicured for a leisurely stroll any day. An F-14 Fighter Jet and an F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter are on display and are both impressive to see up close.
Exhibits
With two dozen unique exhibits, I’d plan at least three hours to see them all. Some highlights include the Victory and Inauguration gallery, where you can deliver President Reagan’s inaugural address on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. The Oval Office exhibit gives the opportunity to see a full sized reproduction of the Oval Office exactly as it was during Reagan’s presidency. It even includes the very pillows Nancy Reagan picked out for the space that sat in the office for eight years.
The Berlin Wall exhibit has its own impressive area inside the library, as well as a 9 foot tall 6000 lb section of the wall permanently on display outside. President Reagan wrote in his diary nearly everyday he was in office and it’s touching to read his handwritten thoughts here...his sweet notes to his wife are my favorite. The assassination attempt exhibit is very moving as well. Here you can see the suit he was wearing and the bullet hole that cut through it. The Ranch and Camp David exhibit really show the president’s love of horses, nature, and the outdoors.
President Reagan received countless gifts during his time in office, and hundreds of them are on display here...everything from dazzling golden bejeweled objects to dozens of cowboy belt buckles. Nate even signed a baseball for President Reagan that was placed on display here after pitching in the Little League World Series US championship winning game. The American heroes gallery is deeply moving, and I always get chills when I lay my hand on a steel beam that was recovered from the World Trade Center after 9/11.
In addition to the permanent collection, the museum has rotating and limited time special exhibits as well. I have seen unique exhibits, everything from the history of baseball to a never before seen Titanic exhibit. Currently Egypt’s Lost Cities, a gallery filled with over 200 authentic artifacts, is on display though April 12, 2020.
Air Force One Pavilion
Of all the exhibits, the Air Force One Pavilion is always a crowd favorite. This 90,000 square foot space is highlighted by a 3 story glass window. The plane is so large it was delivered in pieces, and the pavilion was built around it upon its arrival. Viewing the presidential motorcade and stepping aboard the Marine One helicopter is impressive, but everyone really looks forward to touring inside Air Force One, tail number 27000. This “Flying Whitehouse” flew 7 US presidents, and President Reagan racked up over 660,000 miles to 26 foreign countries during his time in office.
Dining
There are two places to eat at the museum. The first is the Ronald Regan pub located in the Air Force One Pavilion. This pub was named for the President after he visited it in Ireland during the 1980s. When it closed its doors it was dismantled and shipped to the US to be featured in the museum. The second spot is Reagan’s Country Cafe, which features patio and indoor seating with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and Santa Rosa Valley.
Tributes
Before leaving the grounds, take time to visit Gipper’s Grove Garden and President & First Lady Reagan’s Memorial Site. This is a serene spot perfect for reflecting and remembering. The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, a tribute to families and relatives who have sacrificed a loved one for our freedom, is located here too, and makes for a touching end to your time at the museum.
Know Before You Go:
• Museum hours are 10am to 5pm daily
• Parking is free, but the parking lot is small, so you may have to park on the hill and wait for a shuttle to take you to the museum.
• Admission is required for all indoor exhibits, but the outside grounds and Country Cafe do not require admission to enjoy.
• General admission is $30 (as of January 2020) and active military are always admitted free with valid military id.
• A presidential audio tour is available for $7.
• The entire museum and grounds (with the exception of the Air Force One plane interior) are wheelchair accessible.
Additional Things To Do in Simi Valley:
• Corriganville Movie Ranch Park
In Summary & Behind the Blog Video
“I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And there is purpose and worth to each and every life.” I hope these words by our 40th touch your heart as you find adventure and encouragement throughout your week. For more information about the library, see my Behind the Blog video below.
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