The Library and Museum houses the life of young Ronald Reagan on his rise from local hero and college standout to his radio broadcasting career and the glamorous world of Hollywood stardom which led to an acting contract with Warner Bros. Film clips, original costumes and movie posters trace his days in the movies, the Screen Actors Guild and, on TV, as host of GE Theater and Death Valley. Also his swearning in as the 40th President of the United States. In the Oval Office in the White House, history unfolded as President Reagan helped topple the Iron Curtain, ending the Cold War. Yes, in front of the Library and Museum, there is a piece of the Berlin Wall, the symbol of the Iron Curtain that Reagan demanded be torn down.
The Museum also provides a glimpse into Ronald and Nancy Reagan's devoted marriage, a love story straight out of a Hollywood script. There, one could see the actual booth from Chasen's restaurant where he proposed and Nancy's classic wedding suit.
Numerous historical gems mark Pres. Reagan's growing involvement in politics including the 8 years he served as governor of California. A Ford Mustang convertible used during the campaign and other items trace his two terms in Sacramento.
As President for two terms, Reagan was committed to reviving the economy, reducing the size of federal government and ending the threat of a nuclear war.
In his Farewell Address to the nation after his second term, President Reagan said, and we quote: "We have done our part. And as I walk off into the city streets, a final word to the men and women of the Reagan revolution, the men and women across America who for 8 years did the work that brought America back... my friends. We did it. We weren't just making time. We made a difference. We made the city stronger, we made the city freer, and we left her in good hands. All in all, not bad, not at all. Once you begin a great movement, there's no telling where it will end. We meant to change a nation... and instead we changed the world." Beautiful indeed! We hope our very own…can equal, if not do better!