There is good news as well as bad news about living near an important point of interest. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum falls into that category for us. First of all, the good news is it’s located in Southern California. But that’s also the bad news. Because the library is in Southern California we consequently put off visiting. The rationale: it would always be there so, we’ll visit someday. After all, it is fairly close. Just a mere (near?) 120 miles away. One way. Hence, driving time should clock in at about 2.5 hours. One way. However, when you factor in freeway traffic with whatever other variables, all bets are off. But as a result of our first visit we wish we’d made the effort to go much sooner. Bad news: Traffic and the perceived increased distance and added travel time. Good news: We finally went. And we’re glad we did.
Presidential libraries are a lasting legacy to those who have occupied the highest office in the land. And as legacies go this library does a great job in preserving the history of an era. It also goes a long way in honoring the the 40th President of the United States.
This bigger than life statue depicts President Reagan in a setting he felt so comfortable in. He enjoyed horseback riding most of all in the great California outdoors. With breathtaking vistas it’s no wonder this location was chosen to house the library and museum as well as the Reagan Institute. The entire complex is rather impressive.
Visitors are greeted upon entering the main building by attentive docents that are ready, willing and able to assist. Permanent exhibits on display include a portion of the Berlin Wall, Air Force One Pavillion, and Oval Office exhibit.
This fragment of the Berlin Wall is prominently visible in the expansive garden area. Probably even more noteworthy because of the famous line in a speech about tearing down this very wall.
The limousine used by the president during his time in office is on display.
The vehicle is notable because of its high visibility and has the distinction of being a means of protection as well as transportation.
The aircraft used as Air Force One at the time is also on display. It can be toured from one end to the other, inside and out. A staff photographer takes photos of those waiting to board Air Force One that can be purchased later as a souvenir keepsake.
The hangar housing the jet was custom built to accommodate the sheer enormity of its size. Quite an impressive sight. There are displays in the hangar area that provide interesting facts about the destinations flown, number of flight hours logged as well as hundreds of thousands of miles traveled. Fun facts to ponder.
In addition to permanent exhibits there are special events that will enhance the overall experience. Special events include: lecture series, book signings, commemoration services, temporary exhibits and much more. Noteworthy is the upcoming opening on October 22, 2016 of Interactive! The Exhibition – How Pop Culture Reshapes Technology. It’s touted as a hands-on and immersive journey of innovation as well as science and wonder.
Vatican Splendors: A Journey Through Faith and Art, opened March 6, 2016. It will be on display until August 28, 2016. The 10,000 square foot exhibition comprises one of the largest Vatican collections ever to tour the US. Michelangelo, Bernini, Guercinp and many other world renowned artists have their works of art as part of the exhibit. This exhibit is consequently billed as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The priceless works of art are especially relevant because of their religous and historical significance.
The museum staff has displayed the artifacts in ways that accentuate the intricate and delicate artistry involved.
Many of the artifacts are made with precious metals and one of a kind gems and are considered priceless.
The library’s hilltop location showcases the majesty as well as the expansiveness of the state the Reagans called home. President and Mrs. Reagan personally chose the grounds of the library complex for their final resting places. No doubt because of the tranquil setting and beautiful surroundings.
“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.”
– Ronald Wilson Reagan
– February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004
The Facts:
Who: David and Cathi
Why: Southern California Road Trip
Where: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
40 Presidential Drive
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Main Phone: 805-520-9702
Email: info@reaganfoundation.org
Museum Hours: 10am – 5pm, seven days a week, EXCEPT: New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Website: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Debra says
What a beautiful place…we have 3 presidential libraries here in Texas and I need to make it a point to visit all 3…so much history and they are all so beautiful.
David says
You’ll probably very much enjoy visiting each one when you can Debra. They’re treasure troves of history. And beautiful places indeed.
Heather @ Kraus House Mom says
My husband loves places like this. Where I live we have a bunch of highly visited places that I just haven’t been to because it’s just there. My kids keep asking, I should just bring them.
David says
That’s so true, Heather. With places near we think we’ll go some time and end up not going. If the kiddos keep asking that just might work!
Shauna says
Oh my goodness, I would be in heaven. What a fabulous place.. I believe we need libraries like this all over the US… I haven’t been to CA, but when I go, I will totally be visiting
David says
It really is an incredible place, Shauna. You’d probably really like it. More libraries like this in more locations would be great. When you do get to CA try to see it.
patty says
It looks like an interesting place to visit. I know what you mean about your own backyard; I grew up in Philadelphia yet I didn’t visit the Liberty Bell et al until I moved down to the Jersey shore.
David says
Know exatly what you mean, Patty. Sometimes we take things in our own backyard for granted, because they’re always there. Glad you eventually got to see some of the historical sites in your home town. They really are incredible as well.
Meagan says
Sounds like such an amazing museum! I think my mom would love visiting this presidential library museum!
David says
Heather, it’s really is quite amazing. Hopefully your mom will be able to visit one day. And maybe you’ll be able to go with her.
Danielle says
This sounds so like me. We’ve been living in Miami for about 4 years now and keep putting off doing things and going places. But now we’re looking at the possibility of moving out of state and we’re running out of time to visit everywhere we want to. There’s no better time than now, right?
David says
You’re so right, Danielle. There’s no time like the present! Hope you get to see everything you’d like before you might move.
Vera Sweeney says
I did not realize that this is in California!! What a fun museum to get to visit, I love seeing our countries history
David says
A very fun museum, Vera, with so much history from an era in our country. And a California landmark!
Nancy @ whispered inspirations says
Cool museum! I’d love to check it out one day! I love learning about history.
David says
If you enjoy learning about history, Nancy, this museum’s for you. Hope you do have the opportunity to check it out sometime.
Kristi says
My first presidential museum was for President Truman, and I was about 10, but I still remember it. I hope to visit all of them someday. This looks like a great one.
David says
Fond memories, Kristi. I remember seeing the Truman Library also. What a great goal to have to try and visit all the libraries. You’ll no doubt be glad you did.
Kathy says
I would love to visit there sometime. I love to see historical stuff. That sounds like a great museum!
David says
Same here, Kathy. History can be so captivating. Hope you do get to visit this museum one day.
Amanda West says
What a great place to visit and I love your photos! I’ve never been to a museum like this before. Would love to visit one day.
David says
Thanks, Amanda. Cathi and I enjoy taking photos and sharing them. Presidential museums are quite unique. Hope you get to visit this one sometime, or any of the many others in various locations.
Kelly Hutchinson says
That is so cool! What a fun and interesting place to visit. I hope to get to see it one day!
David says
Thanks! Hope you get to see it one day too, Kelly. Lots of interesting things to see and history to review.
Amy says
What an awesome way to honor such an inspirational man. I bet my oldest daughter would love to check this out.
David says
Hopefully your daughter will be able to visit one day, Amy. There’s so much national and worldwide history in addition to personal history behind the man that provides a lot of insight.
kristin says
We visited this library. Very great time we had, as a family and me personally we learned a lot.
David says
So glad you got to visit, too, Kristin. It’s makes for a great family outing. And there is so much to learn and see, as you well know. Thanks!
Sarah B says
Awesome! Last year while visiting California, we drove by the library on the way to Carpinteria. I wish we had time to stop. The area is so beautiful! It is on the top of our list of places to visit next time we are in California. Thank you for the tour. I will show my husband; he has been dying to visit the Library for a long time.