Reagan Presidential Libray

On Monday, we headed over to Simi Valley to visit the Reagan Presidential library.   We planned to stay a couple of hours and move on.   We spent the entire day there! This was my first visit to Simi Valley.   Wow!   It was beautiful.   The library is perched above the surrounding areas giving you a stunning view.   There is a beautiful courtyard just outside the main entrance.

We went inside and found everything very organized and clean.   Several docents are stationed throughout to guide you along on your journey.   We rented a special itouch that gave information.   This was especially helpful for our son who does not yet read.   My daughter and husband shared one, while my son and I shared one.  My son could listen someone talk about the various exhibits without having one of us read to him all day long. We could also use the device to take pictures and video.   We found that feature very convenient as we toured. 

The library has a path that takes you chronologically through Reagan's life.   It hits the high points of his life.   You see the good and not the bad of Reagan's life.   The artifacts are very interesting.   Many of the exhibits have different multimedia pieces.    This exhibit was replaying his radio addresses.

A movie of Reagan's work in Hollywood, including presiding as president of SAG.

The kids took turns standing behind the presidential podium and looking at the teleprompter.

You walk through Reagan's early life, campaign and governorship of California, campaign for President, and finally the presidency.

We saw a full scale model of the Oval Office as it was decorated during Reagan's Presidency.

  We spent a lot of time in the wing which houses a retired Air Force One and several vehicles. 

This picture does not do the view justice.  Inside the Air Force One wing, you could see an amazing view from the multistory window.

The tribute to the Challenger astronauts was particularly moving.   I remember watching the Challenger disaster live on a TV in my school library. 

I also enjoyed the Berlin Wall exhibit.   There is even a chunk of the wall outside the library.    This picture was taken inside the library, in front of a replica of the wall.   I could not get a good picture of the wall outside because I had to shoot directly into the sun.   

I think I found these exhibits particularly interesting because I remember living through these events. 

The tour ended with artifacts from Reagan's California ranch.   The kids got to "ride" a horse.

 

The tour concludes documenting Reagan's battle with Alzheimer's and death.   His tomb is in the courtyard of the library.

I liked these Reagan quotes.

I would recommend a trip to the Reagan Library if you ever find yourself in the Southern California area.   I am curious to visit other presidential libraries to compare them. 

 

"Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;  a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. "

Psalm 45:6