A visit to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, is an adventure. Our last visit was in 2010, shortly before the remodeling, so we were intrigued to visit again in 2011 and see what had changed.
Remodel of The Early Years
When entering the lobby and ticket area, the remodel is immediately evident. The entry hall is larger, there is a theater for viewing the introductory film, and a brochure shows the main flow of the library moving through more interactive displays.
The amazing journey of one man’s “date with destiny” begins by documenting his childhood, youth and college years in Illinois. The photos and artifacts on display are the same, but the cases and signage are updated. There are film clips from his acting career, including his World War II service making training movies. In this section, a new interactive station allows visitors to sit before a TV screen, read from a teleprompter and then watch the video played on a nearby monitor while seeing and hearing themselves starring with the famous actor.
In the final section before the presidency, the displays highlight Reagan’s time as president of the screen actors’ guild and then his entry into politics when he served two terms as governor of California from 1967 to 1975. Some items have been removed, such as the convertible he used while campaigning, some rearranged and others added.
The Presidential Years
From the campaign to the inauguration, the optimism and hope that the Reagan’s brought to the country is portrayed in video, photos, and written words. His first 70 days in office are chronicled and then abruptly interrupted with a newly added dramatic rendering of the assassination attempt. Visitors enter a room where life-size film footage makes them eyewitnesses. From there, a re-enactment video of the operating room and his recuperation follow. Reagan’s humor and upbeat remarks, even while fighting for his life are included. His recuperation and renewed belief in the American dream are made evident.
Some major exhibits have not changed. The first is the depiction of the Oval Office. This exact replica has only been cleaned, polished, and restored. Since the dimensions are the same as the original and the furnishings are either copies or the actual pieces, it is timeless. The Air Force One pavilion is also unchanged, except for minor exhibits. The tour of the airplane, which Reagan used on his world travels, is as impressive as on our previous visit.
Leaving the pavilion, the most dramatic changes are in the next section with an enlarged display of the world scene during the Cold War. A large portion of the Berlin Wall, full screen footage of world events as Communism was overtaking countries, background sounds of hostilities, and huge portraits of Communist leaders, remind the visitor that this was a time of world crisis.
However, the next room highlights the Summit Talks of Reagan and Gorbachev, and the increasing thaw of relations between the Soviets and Americans. The video of Reagan’s speech in Berlin challenging “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” concludes this section.
Nancy Reagan's Role as Mrs. Ronald Reagan
Nancy Reagan is shown throughout the museum as a strong partner and the special love interest of Ronald Reagan. No mention is made (this is a change from before the remodel) of his first wife, Jane Wyman, or his children from that marriage. Items from Nancy and Ron’s wedding, her clothes worn throughout the presidency, many photos from their travels and items from their ranch abound. The close relationship which the Reagans shared is shown with frequency in the exhibits. The final speech when Ronald Reagan addresses the nation with an acknowledgement of his dementia is documented as well as their quiet life on the ranch they both loved.
Most Interesting New Exhibits
In addition to the items noted above, a few special additions are worthy of note. Reagan’s daily diary is available on a scrolling computer and visitors can look up any date and find what he had written there. He documents the presidential events and the personal musings of a loving husband. Another exhibit brings to life a White House State Dinner with menus, guests, and place settings displayed by computer graphics. Additionally, there is a “game” which offers choices the player would have to make during the Reagan presidential years. As income increases, the game allows players to choose stock purchases, home buying, vacation choices, and to see what the span of time would bring for the investor. These were years of prosperity for most people.
It certainly is worth a return visit to discover what the Reagan Presidential Library now offers.
Ethel Brodie - Intrigued by the world, encouraged to write my observations, published in newspapers and magazines, and sharing special places.
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