The Reagan Presidential Library visit (2012)

The Reagan Presidential Library
Main Entrance to the Reagan Library
Type Of Activity	Visiting the Reagan Presidential Library
Location
Location	Simi Valley CA
Date of Activity	May 6 2012
Coordinates

 In May of 2023 my son (Robert) and I flew to Los Angeles to tour the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, even though I was no longer a member of WHCA, much of the communications used in 1980 had not changed since I left the Agency in 1973. There was a working teleprompter that I checked out, a Camp David exhibit, and Reagan Ranch (Rancho del Cielo) exhibit. It was a real pleasure to tour the museum and the Air Force 1 Pavilion, Where I could once again, see the oval Office, Air Force One (27000), Marine One, and the Presidential Limo.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, is a prominent and well-regarded institution dedicated to the life and legacy of the 40th President of the United States. The Reagan Presidential Library is a must-visit for anyone interested in American politics and history. It offers a comprehensive look at Ronald Reagan's life, presidency, and the significant events that occurred during his time in office.

THE REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

Main Entrance

Entering the Library with the statue of President Reagan at the entrance

The Ronald Reagan Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, documents, and interactive exhibits that provide insights into Ronald Reagan's personal and political life. from his early years to his Hollywood career, his time as Governor of California, and his two terms as President We were able to explore various aspects of his presidency, from his economic policies to his stance on foreign affairs. There are 18 galleries that pay tribute to America’s 40th president and his accomplishments by capturing his patriotic spirit, his respect for individual liberty, his belief in global democracy and his support of economic opportunity.

Views of the surrounding area from the Reagan Library

The Museum is situated on a stunning hilltop location with picturesque views of the surrounding area. The setting alone is worth the visit, as it provides a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The Reagan Library rests on a majestic hill overlooking the breath-taking topography of Southern California.  The 100-acre campus, with picturesque views reaching out to the Pacific Ocean, lush gardens, and a serene setting, pays tribute to one of the nation’s most liked leaders.

Teleprompter, Camp David & Rancho del Cielo Exhibits

I had to try using the Teleprompter 

Bob chose to take a horse ride at Rancho del Cielo

Ronald Reagan always loved the outdoors and made sure to make time for nature during his presidency. Camp David and Rancho del Cielo, his two retreats while in office, allowed for the president to relax and ride his beloved horses. Rancho del Cielo, also known as the Western White House, was the private residence of President and Mrs. Reagan located in the Santa Ynez Mountains of California.

My home for five years

The Camp David Exhibit

Camp David is a presidential retreat, its facilities maintained today by the US Navy Seabee’s. Camp David was built during the Roosevelt administration and allowed for seclusion while still having quick access to the White House in Washington. The President could also host heads of state and other guests in a secluded and peaceful environment.

I was assigned to WHCA at Camp David for five years as a microwave radio technician installing and maintaining the M/W, FM radio and telephone systems necessary for daily operations at the facility, as well as supporting the President and USSS when visiting the site.

The Oval Office

The Reagan Library offers a full-scale replica of the Oval Office during the Reagan presidency. Featuring Ronald Reagan's Oval Office desk, this exhibit allowed us to step into the Oval Office and get a sense of what it was like for the President during the time he occupied the office. 

Ronald Reagan's Oval Office desk

Replica of Ronald Reagans Oval Office

Air Force One Pavilion:  

One of the most popular exhibits at the Reagan Library is the Air Force One Pavilion. Opening in 2005, the Air Force One Pavilion features multiple historic Presidential transportation exhibits and the Annenberg Discovery Learning Center, and it is the highlight of the Library. The Air Force One Pavilion at the Reagan Library is one of Southern California’s “must-see” destinations!

The upper floor of this three-floor exhibit starts with the Mezzanine Gallery. The Museum highlights President Reagan’s face-to-face diplomacy with world leaders on economic relations, strategic relations, and arms control as he travels on Air Force One. The Secret Service and their role in protecting the President while he travels displays on a gallery wall on this level.

Air Force One Pavilion

Telephone Access Panel in the Nose of AF1

There is a small access door in the nose of 27000 where we would plug in the two telephone lines for the aircraft and the ramp phone, a four prong plug, upon all arrivals and unplug at departures.

The second floor of the Pavilion focuses on the history of Air Force One, Explore a 120’ mural which represents all 22 aircraft that has ever flown a U.S. president.  It also showcases the Stan Stokes’ mural, History of the Flying White House, featuring aircraft from FDR’s Dixie Clipper to the current Boeing 747.  

Air Force One Pavilion

We are about to start our tour of AF-1

The Air Force One Pavilion, allowed us to step aboard the actual Air Force One aircraft a Boeing 707 that was used by President Reagan during his time in office. 

 AF-1’s Cockpit

 27000’s (Angel) Radio Room

    The tour gave me a chance to see the Radio Room again, where I had spent so many hours on the ground communicating with 26000 and 27000 from various trip sites around the world, while I was with WHCA It's a unique and immersive experience that gives you a sense of what it was like to travel as the President of the United States and see the many places where he spent time working, meeting with advisors, and relaxing with his family.

The President’s office aboard Air Force One

This Flying White House, tail number 27000, served seven U.S Presidents from 1973 to 2001, including Presidents Nixon, Carter, Ford, Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Clinton, and George W. Bush. For Ronald Reagan, this was the plane in which he hand-wrote many of his speeches, signed important legislation and even officially started the Daytona Beach, Florida NASCAR race via phone.

But the Air Force One Pavilion is about more than just his plane. The lower floor of the Pavilion also has the Marine One Gallery, which showcases President Lyndon Johnson’s Marine One helicopter.

The Cockpit  of Marine One

The interior of Marine One

We were  able to tour the actual Marine One helicopter that flew President Johnson.

Marine One

I am standing near the phone jack on Marine One

 I have a lot of history with this chopper. When I was with WHCA during LBJ’s and Richard Nixon’s presidency, I would plug in the telephone lines at many arrivals and departures including President Nixon’s at the Western White House in San Clemente.

On the Lower Floor It has a presidential motorcade featuring President Reagan’s 1984 parade limousine, and a secret service suburban as part of an exhibit on presidential motorcades, which rounds out the Presidential transportation exhibits. The presidential limousine is always preceded by the lead car, LAPD used a normal police vehicle,  a standard equipped 1982 Chevrolet Impala converted for this purpose. LAPD has also been using two lead Kawasaki  motorcycles to provide additional protection for presidential motorcades since 1976. 

LAPD lead car and lead motorcycles

The USSS’s follow-up Vehicle

The Secret Service motorcade follow-up vehicle, also known as the "Halfback", is a specially outfitted Chevrolet Suburban that follows the President's limousine in the motorcade. It is staffed by Secret Service agents who are responsible for providing additional security to the President and their family.

President Reagan’s parade limousine also known as Stagecoach, was a modified 1984 Cadillac Brougham d'Elegance that is heavily armored, and has a 76 millimeter higher roof, a telephone system, rear bumper platforms and grab bars for security agents as well two special headlights, which were only intended to illuminate the flags waving on the front fender standard holders.

President Reagan’s  parade limousine

We were able to walk around the Limo and could see the vehicle up close, but not close enough to see if the FM radios were installed. The USSS used these radios for the security measures in place for the President's transportation. The limousine did have the phones installed in the rear seat.

President Reagan’s personalized license plate

The Ronald Reagan  Ballyporeen, Irish Pub

The Ronald Reagan Pub is located at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California. It is a popular spot for visitors to the library, and is known for its casual atmosphere and pub fare. Experience the actual Irish pub from Ballyporeen, Ireland when he visited on a diplomatic trip in 1984 which now sits within the Pavilion and serves as the Library’s snack shop. The entire interior was dismantled (bar and all!) and shipped to California to become the Ronald Reagan Pub which sits under the wings of Reagan's retired Air Force One.

Visitors can also enjoy refreshments in the “Ronald Reagan Pub” - an actual Irish pub which was donated to the Library from Reagan’s ancestral Irish village of Ballyporeen, Ireland.

Entrance to the Ronald Reagan Irish Pub

The Ronald Reagan Pub is a great place to relax and have a drink or a meal after visiting the library. The food is good, the drinks are cold, and the service is friendly.

Taking a break at the Ronald Reagan Irish Pub

Time to rest and enjoy a brew

BERLIN WALL

This exhibit showcases a section of the Berlin Wall, a powerful symbol of the Cold War era. Visitors can learn about Reagan's role in bringing about the end of the Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall.

A section of the Berlin Wall 

The Iron Curtain took shape following World War II as a fortified border between the nations of Eastern and Western Europe. But as an idea, the Iron Curtain stood for the profound division between communism and democracy, oppression, and freedom. The Soviet Union dominated life on the eastern side of the border and enforced its brand of communism in its satellite states. Ronald Reagan took on the enormous challenge of bringing down the Iron Curtain.

Since receiving the Wall, President Reagan’s wish has come true many have visited the Wall at the Reagan Library and learned its lesson of freedom and democracy for all.

Reagan's Memorial:

Located on the library's grounds, the memorial site is the final resting place of President Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan. It offers a peaceful and reflective space for visitors to pay their respects.

The Ronald Reagan Memorial at the Reagan Library

Ronald Wilson Reagan passed away on June 5, 2004, at the age of 93. His death induced an outpouring of respect, grief, and honor. Mourners around the world left flowers and trinkets at makeshift memorial sites. The former President laid in repose here at his Presidential Library on June 7-8, 2004. His casket then laid in state in the U.S. Capitol from June 9-11, 2004. Over 200,000 mourners made the journey to say their final goodbye to the former president. Dignitaries from 165 nations attended the public funeral held at the Washington National Cathedral. President Reagan was laid to rest during a private funeral service at sunset on June 11, 2004, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.

 The Memorial Site is on the western portion of the Library Campus and is adjacent to the Library’s piece of the Berlin Wall and the replica of the White House South Lawn.  The Memorial Site looks out toward the Pacific Ocean. Since I visited the grave site in 2012, Nancy Reagan was laid to rest beside President Reagan.

Remembering President Ronald  Reagan and the First Lady Nancy Reagan

Overall, the Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in American history and politics. The museum's exhibits are informative, engaging, and well-presented. Visitors of all ages can learn something new about Reagan and his time in office.