There are only fifteen Presidential Libraries in the Presidential Library system so far. They rare overseen by the office of Presidential libraries, in the National Archives and Records Administration. One of them is the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, just west of the San Fernando Valley.
I had never been to one before but there was an exhibit I wanted to see and it wasn’t far, so I went.
Find more things to do and where to stay near Simi Valley, here.
It preserves American history
It doesn’t matter if you are a fan of a President with a library, or if you are a member of the same party, all are worth visiting because the experience helps you remember or learn about the history of America.
I was greeted at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library by old Ronnie riding his horse.
As I stood in line to go in, I passed by statues of Ronnie and Nancy and a wall inscription directly above their heads.
America’s best days are yet to come. Our proudest moments are yet to be. Our most glorious achievements are just ahead.
Ronald Reagan
Those are good words for any American to take to heart. The guy was the “great communicator” after all.
The library grounds
If you walk outside in the back of the library, you’ll see a graffitied section of the Berlin wall sitting in the sun. Ronald Reagan was President when the wall was taken down on November 9th, 1989.
The graves of the former President and First Lady are also outside the library.
This is a view of the rear lawn of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
This spectacular view of Simi Valley was taken from the rear lawn.
The Oval Office circa the 1980s
Here is what the Oval Office looked like when Ronald Reagan was President from 1981-1989.
De plane boss – de plane!
One of the highlights of the Reagan Presidential Library is Ronald Reagan’s Air Force One. It sits in a huge hangar with a vast windowed wall.
You can walk through it to see what it looked like back then. Jelly beans are everywhere.
Down below the plane is President Reagan’s Marine One helicopter. When you enter Air Force One or the helicopter, a photographer is on hand to snap photos available for sale.
The Motorcade “Beast” President Reagan rode in was also on display.
There’s an Irish pub on the ground floor of the Presidential Library beneath Air Force One called “The Ronald Reagan.”
I love this photo of President Reagan made out of jelly beans.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library hosts compelling permanent and rotating special exhibits regularly as well as speakers. If you’re ever near Simi Valley, make sure to visit and stay awhile.
The Reagan Presidential Library is located at 40 Presidential Dr, Simi Valley, CA 93065-0600
+1 800-410-8354
That’s a blast from the past! I never liked Ronnie that much, actually, but compared to today’s Republicans the guy is a liberal!
I know what you mean. He wasn’t my favorite either but had way more class than the current nominee.
interesting!
Thanks.
In some ways, I think Nancy was the first female president. At least toward the end when he was slipping into dementia.
We took a private tour of the Vatican when we were in Rome and it was fascinating!
b
That’s funny about Nancy. She had control, that’s for sure. We loved our tour of the Vatican as well. There’s so much to see and you can’t
What an interesting tour! After visiting the Vatican (seems so long ago) it was nice to see some of the artifacts on display to view them again.
I forgot about the jelly beans! So funny they made a piece of “art” out of them.
Thanks for taking us along with you.
Thanks Cathy,
Yes, he was a huge fan of jelly beans. They were everywhere. It was fun to see the Vatican pieces. They were rare and hidden away in Rome. It was a treat.
I am so close, too and haven’t been there yet. Now I’m going for sure.
I hope you get a chance to. I can’t believe it took me so long to check it out.