Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
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The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is the presidential library of Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. Designed by Hugh Stubbins and Associates, the library is located in Simi Valley, California, about 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The library may be accessed by driving to the Olsen Road exit of California State Route 23, which connects to the nearby Ronald Reagan Freeway, California State Route 118. The global coordinates of the Reagan Library are .
When opened on November 4, 1991, it was the largest of all presidential libraries. It held that title until the dedication of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Arkansas on November 18, 2004. Recently the title was reclaimed with the opening of a massive expansion, including the Air Force One used by President Reagan.
As a Presidential library administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the Reagan Library, under the authority of the Presidential Records Act, is the repository of presidential records for President Reagan’s administration. Holdings include 50 million pages of presidential documents, over 1.6 million photographs, a half million feet of motion picture film and tens of thousands of audio and video tapes. Additionally, the Library houses personal papers collections including documents from Reagan’s eight years as governor of California.
The dedication of the Library was the first time in United States history that five United States Presidents gathered together: Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George H. W. Bush. All surviving First Ladies, with the exception of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis also attended: Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, and Barbara Bush.
The museum features continually revolving special exhibits and several permanent exhibits covering President Reagan’s life. This exhibits span from his childhood in Dixon, Illinois, through his film career, terms as governor, presidential campaign, and presidency (including, a full scale replica of the Oval Office). Also featured are exhibits on Nancy Reagan, and the Reagans' beloved retreat, Rancho del Cielo. Conspicuously absent (and formerly part of the permanent exhibit) is any reference to the most serious controversy generated during Reagan's presidency: The Iran-Contra Affair.
The hilltop grounds boast impressive views of the area, and a recreation of the White House Lawn where an authentic piece of the Berlin Wall is on display.
[edit] Air Force One Pavilion
A 90,000 square foot exhibit "hangar" serves as the setting for the permanent display of the Boeing 707 aircraft utilized as Air Force One during Reagan's administration--SAM 27000. This aircraft was also used by six other presidents in its active service life from 1973-2001: Richard Nixon during his second term, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush (It was a backup aircraft for George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush). The jet is part of a comprehensive display of presidential travel that also includes a VH-3 Sikorsky Sea King, call sign Marine One, and a "presidential motorcade" - Ronald Reagan's 1984 presidential parade limousine, a 1982 LAPD police car (as well as two '80's police motorcycles), and a 1986 Secret Service vehicle used in one of President Reagan's motorcades in Los Angeles. The Air Force One Pavilion was opened to the public on October 24, 2005, with Nancy Reagan, President George W. Bush, and First Lady Laura Bush attending the dedication.
[edit] Ronald Reagan's Tomb
A tomb had been previously built for the eventual use of Reagan and his wife. Upon his death on June 5, 2004 the tomb was made ready. On June 11, 2004 President Reagan was laid to rest in the underground vault following a sunset service on the library grounds, after his state funeral in Washington DC..
[edit] External links
- The Official Website of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
- The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Foundation
- U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
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