This week, I had the distinct pleasure of speaking at the Reagan Presidential Library on my book, Rage and the Republic. I was able to spend time with the outstanding staff of the library and the foundation, who were kind enough to give me a tour of this unique and inspiring place. I hope that sharing some pictures from the visit might lead some of you to plan a visit to the library in Simi Valley. It is truly extraordinary in the breadth of its collection and its presentation of historical artifacts. Give yourself a few hours because you will want to explore every corner of this amazing place.

The Reagans originally hoped to build the library and museum at Stanford University, but they were rebuffed due to the politics of the former president and the presence of the Hoover Institution (a conservative think tank) on campus. While the board approved the site, faculty and other protesters objected, and it was eventually abandoned.

After Stanford’s disgraceful opposition, a donor stepped forward to offer some land in Simi Valley, roughly 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles. When Reagan visited, he fell in love with the site.  It is gorgeous. The foundation has now purchased another 300 acres, bringing the total to 400 acres, to preserve the beautiful view from the library.

Opened in 1991, it is now the repository of presidential records from the Reagan administration. However, it is far more than that and the museum is truly a thing to behold. The designers created a truly unique space that features Air Force One and period cars, including the presidential limousine.

Reagan and the First Lady are buried in a lovely spot facing West, as stipulated by the President.

The site clearly reminded Reagan of his beloved ranch, and architect Hugh Stubbins created the space in the Spanish Mission style that Reagan favored. When it was opened, four presidents stood shoulder to shoulder with Reagan: Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and George H.W. Bush. Six first ladies attended: Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, and Barbara Bush. It harkens back to a more civil time in our politics.

In addition to the wonderful vistas, the site’s exterior features an F-14 Tomcat, a Stealth fighter, and an M1 Abrams tank.

The museum itself is not just brilliantly laid out but a heck of a lot of fun, from horses (shortened for better images) that you can sit on to look like you are riding with Reagan.

It contains items from Reagan’s youth in Illinois, including his college sweater.

For those who can remember the Reagan Administration, there are special items like Reagan’s microphone from his famous “I paid for this mike” moment in the presidential debate as well as Nancy Reagan’s Gridiron Dinner dress (that she wore after being criticized for looking too elegant in an earlier appearance at the White House).

 

 

 

 

 

There is also Reagan’s suit from the assassination attempt showing the entry hole. The suit was cut off Reagan, who was upset because it was his favorite suit.  He then ordered the exact suit to be made and wore it for his famous “tear down this wall” speech. (That suit is also on display).

There are also the notes that Reagan wrote to nurses since he could not talk due to the breathing tube. They are charming and funny asides about how he felt spoiled by their attention.

One fun item is Reagan’s award of the Order of the Garter. By tradition, the original medal is used by the Queen and then replaced by a substitute. However, Reagan loved it so much that he asked Queen Elizabeth if he could keep it. Forgetting the tradition, the Queen said, “Of course.” Only later did her staff raise the problem and the Queen decided that Reagan could keep the original for his life and it would then be returned upon his death.

Two weeks after his death, Buckingham Palace showed that they had not forgotten the agreement and asked for the swapping of the medals.  Reagan Library officials, however, sent them the visitor records for the library, showing that millions would see the medal.  Buckingham Palace relented, so this remains the original medal. In the end, Reagan got to keep it.

There are also wonderful curiosities, like a portrait given to Reagan by an African nation, composed entirely of moth wings.

There is also Reagan’s favorite portrait of Nancy in his personal office – and of course plenty of his favorite jellybeans.

The highlight of the visit for many is the ability to walk through Air Force One. Seven presidents used this plane, though it was replaced by the current plane after Reagan. The plane holds original items from the typewriter used for Reagan’s speeches to the uniform of the officer who carried the “football” on his flights.

What is most striking about the plane is how small and spartan it was. It is quite modest and the President and First Lady did not even have a bed. I was frankly shocked by how drab and basic the interior was.

One curious item was a birthday cake. Reagan wanted a cake on every flight in case it was the birthday of any crew, staff, or press member.

Marine One is even more Spartan.  This was not Reagan’s helicopter. It was the Sikorsky VH-3 Sea King used by Lyndon Baines Johnson, including the one that was used for part of the trip to take him back to Washington after the Kennedy assassination.

Near Marine One is a particular delight in the museum. Some of us can remember when Reagan visited Ireland and went into O’Farrell’s pub in Ballyporeen, where Reagan had a beer in 1984. The museum later learned that the pub was going to close, so they took it apart and rebuilt it inside the museum. It is all original and they actually still serve food and drinks from the bar during some events.

 

Here are a few more pictures from the presidential exhibits from the recreated Oval Office (with original furniture and art) to the motorcade vehicles to the sweater that Reagan wore in the hospital:

Another delight of the museum is its rotating special exhibit. I was fortunate to make it before the end of its cowboy exhibit, a subject that is perfect for a Reagan museum. As a Western movie fan, I was in pig’s heaven.

 

The exhibit includes an interesting use of AI: it took a picture from the 1800s of a cowboy on a roundup and turned it into a moving film to give you a realistic view of the life of a cowboy.

The exhibit includes the actual stuffed dog and horse (Trigger and Bullet) of Roy Rogers, as well as Dale Evans’ horse Buttermilk.

It also includes Teddy Roosevelt’s buffalo coat and gear as well as the outfit of Clint Eastwood from Unforgiven and Pale Rider. There is stuff from Gunsmoke and even Kevin Costner’s gun from Tombstone. They even have the mask of the Lone Ranger.

I truly hope that you can find your way to the museum. It is a joy to behold. You will remember much and learn even more. Many of the staff have been there for over a decade and truly love this place. They are unbelievably knowledgeable and universally eager to answer any questions. I am a history nut, but came away with a load of new stories and facts about the Reagans.

Trust me on this one. Get yourself to the Reagan Library and Museum.