There’s so much to do and see in Southern California, but I think I’ve found my favorite spot! I was inspired by my friend Denton, Kay Cross Copeland. She has visited every presidential library in the United States. Kay challenged me to do it too, and I love the idea!
Challenge accepted!
In Simi Valley, California, the legacy of President Ronald Reagan thrives at the Reagan Library where events and exhibits rediscover his values, actions and spirit of determination. In an incredible career that spanned more than five decades, Ronald Reagan inspired Americans to take action and achieve more than they ever imagined.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is a must-see tourist attraction in Southern California. We were very excited to walk on Air Force One, star in a movie with Ronald Reagan, touch a piece of the Berlin Wall and more.
Perched atop a mountain with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and Pacific Ocean, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum is one of California’s most beautiful and unique destinations. The library’s 300-acre site, approximately 45 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), represents the “shining city on a hill” often referenced by President Reagan and aptly serves as his final resting place. to the country’s 40th president.
As the 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. It is quite impressive and has over 60 million pages of documents, over 1.6 million photographs, half a million feet of motion picture film and tens of thousands of audio and video tapes. Additionally, the library houses personal papers and collections, including papers from Ronald Reagan’s eight years as Governor of California.
It’s a great place to learn a lot about my favorite president and also everything that happened or was used during that time. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn all about this dynamic and intriguing man. Beautifully presented exhibits include a look at Mr. Reagan’s life – from his childhood, to his days as a spokesman for GE, to his acting days and his time in politics – as Governor of California , then later as our nation’s president.
Permanent exhibits include personal artifacts, photographs, documents, and more. There’s also a life-size replica of the Oval Office (as it was decorated when Reagan was president, complete with candy jars), interactive opportunities, as well as artifacts dedicated to First Lady Nancy Reagan. I loved seeing a lot of her fancy clothes. Nancy Reagan was definitely a fashion icon!
Outside, visitors will marvel at a section of the Berlin Wall and gaze quietly at the Mr. and Mrs. Reagan Memorial Site. It was truly a special moment.
Perhaps most exciting for many, including my husband, is the Air Force One site. We were in awe of how they even got that huge plane up that California hill. The Air Force One on display is the same one in which President Reagan (and six other presidents) flew. We were able to board, take a fun photo, see the cockpit and walk the length of this amazing aircraft! It was really fascinating and also surreal to be in this famous plane. Personally, I loved seeing the official presidential porcelain. The Air Force One pavilion is also home to Marine One, where library patrons are also welcome to board. Another surreal moment! I never dreamed of being on board either of these historic aircraft.
So I thought this travel article would be perfect for this month since we honor President’s Day. But what is President’s Day and why do we celebrate it? Well, it is also known as Washington’s birthday and is an annual federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February.
The holiday commemorates the birthday of George Washington, the first president of the United States, born February 22, 1732.
It was celebrated on February 22, Washington’s true birthday, until 1971 when it was officially changed to the third Monday in February.
It has now become a celebration of the birthdays and lives of all presidents who have served the United States.
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