One of the highlights of my trip to the States this year was visiting the RONALD REAGAN Presidential Library and Museum at Simi Valley, California. There was so much to see and capture on my camera that I decided to make 2 blogs on the Reagan Presidential Library.... Come and join me as I wander around this 100 acre site which also houses the Air Force One ( the presidential plane ) and final resting place of President Reagan.
This library is one of California's most beautiful and unique destinations. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is about 50 minutes away from downtown Los Angeles --- perched on a mountaintop with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains, Simi Valley and the Pacific Ocean. I would advise you to allot at least 3 - 4 hours just walking around the whole place. The museum is opened daily from 10am till 5pm. There is an entrance fee ( $ 12 - for visitors , $ 9 - for senior residents and FREE for all children below 10 years old ) you pay before entering the library. Guides will greet you at the reception desk to show you where to start your tour around the Library and where you can rent an audio phone to help you as you go on your tour. There are 18 galleries that pay tribute to Reagan. You can act in a movie with Reagan, deliver his inaugural address with a teleprompter ( this is fun), set the table for a state dinner, learn about Reagan's economic policies in interactive games, read his handwritten diary, ride a horse alongside Reagan at Rancho del Cielo, and much, much more. There is also a full-scale Oval Office replica of when Reagan was president and a 9 1/2 foot section of the Berlin Wall on display in the garden.
Before entering the Main Hall --- you will be greeted by a life size statue of Reagan.. and a big photo which Reagan used as his official photo during his presidency.
As you enter the gallery...... you will be greeted by another life size statue of President Reagan and his wife Nancy..
Here are some of the things you should not miss while visiting the Library...
Reagan's family crest-
Old family photos of the Reagan Family
Reagan as a baby...
Reagan's days as an actor..
some costumes he used while he was an actor..
Election paraphernalia..
The Oval Office - it is an exact replica of the one being used by all the presidents in Washington, D.C.
Some souvenir gifts from visiting dignitaries..
and the formal dinnerware set used when Princess Diana visited at the White House
His life at Rancho del Cielo... a collection of his saddles and belt buckles..
yes, you can have a photo taken riding alongside with President Reagan.....
The most recent acquisition of the Library was this steel beam that survived the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
After taking a lot of photos -- I decided to take a breather before I take you to our next part of the tour.... the Berlin Wall, the much talked about AIR FORCE ONE.... and his final resting place...
There is a small coffee shop inside the Library --- where you can sit down, have something to eat and rest before you continue your tour....called Reagan's Country Cafe. The Cafe serves homemade sandwiches, hamburgers, soup, salads, daily specials and desserts.
RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY and MUSEUM
40 Presidential Drive
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Admission:
ADULT -- $12.00
SENIOR -- $9.00
YOUTH -- $6.00
CHILD – Under the age of 11 years: Free
The Reagan Library is opened everyday of the week from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The only days closed are Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Parking is FREE
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