The Reagan Presidential Library | |||
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Type Of Activity | Visiting the Reagan Presidential Library | ||
Location | |||
Location | Simi Valley CA | ||
Date of Activity | May 6 2012 | ||
Coordinates |
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 MUSEUM
Main Entrance |
Entering the Library with the statue of President Reagan at the entrance |
Views of the surrounding area from the Reagan Library |
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 |
My home for five years |
The Camp David Exhibit |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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:
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.
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.
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