Experience the Ronald W. Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

Visiting the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum was one of the most interesting things that has happened in my life. First of all the setting is magnificent, on a beautiful grassy knoll looking out over Simi Valley in California. The place of rest of President Ronald Reagan, it is both serenely peaceful and quiet while at the same time public and a wonderful monument to this great man.

When President Reagan lay on the operating gurney in the hospital, after the assassination attempt on his life, he looked up at the doctors who were about to operate on him. Even in pain his sense of humor remained and he asked the doctors in the room, "I hope you are all Republicans?" To this comment the lead surgeon replied, "We are today, sir!" That is the same feeling you get when you visit this wonderful place. Rather we are Republicans or Democrats our nation owes this man so much for his part in ending the Cold War.

When you arrive at the facility you can either enter into a courtyard and on to the main entrance or you can proceed over to the Air Force One Pavilion first. There are usually signs guiding you to the main entrance first and that is the direction they prefer you to enter on arrival.

On entry there is the information desk where maps and information on each of the important sections of the facility may be obtained. The museum is divided into galleries that correspond to major times in the life of President Reagan. We found all of the galleries very interesting. You should be aware that it takes much longer to visit the entire museum than you may have planned. Even with no time spent on research of the millions of documents available you can easily spend a full day viewing all the galleries and the Air Force One Pavilion.