Ronald Reagan
40th President
2 terms
Republican
1911-2004
Worked to lower the inflation rate and and create more jobs in the U.S.
Appointed Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female justice to the Supreme Court
Tried to make the U.S. Millitary stronger
Is considered a model for Republicans
Birthplace: Tampico, IL
Ronald Reagan was born here on February 6th, 1911.
Boyhood Home: Dixon, IL
In 1920, Ronald's family moved here. He also attended South Side School (South Central School).
Library, Museum, and Gravesite: Simi Valley, CA
The Library contains works on Ronald Reagan's life. The Museum contains items on his life. He was buried here in 2004.
The Story
After a seven-year hiatus from major Presidential trips, in 2019 I decided that it was long past time for me to return to the game, and I wanted to do so in a big way! As an avid Jeopardy! fan, I had set my sights on visiting California for a taping following Alex Trebek’s tragic health announcement in March of that year, and I decided it would be a good opportunity to visit the two Presidential graves farthest from my home on the east coast.
On November 18, 2019, my first full day in California, we decided to visit to Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, since he has always been one of my favorite presidents. A short drive from our hotel, we arrived in the early afternoon and realized just how impressive the museum and its grounds are! After perusing the grounds and locating the gravesites for Ronald and Nancy Reagan, we headed into the museum, which turned out to be arguably the best and easily most modern Presidential museum I have ever visited.
On November 18, 2019, my first full day in California, we decided to visit to Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, since he has always been one of my favorite presidents. A short drive from our hotel, we arrived in the early afternoon and realized just how impressive the museum and its grounds are! After perusing the grounds and locating the gravesites for Ronald and Nancy Reagan, we headed into the museum, which turned out to be arguably the best and easily most modern Presidential museum I have ever visited.
The Reagan museum from the outside
The graves of Ronald and Nancy Reagan
Ronald Reagan is the first Presidential grave I have visited of a President who was alive during my lifetime.
The flag that was draped over President Reagan’s casket during his funeral in 2004.
Many important and historic individuals have spoken at the Reagan library, including legendary NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Brokaw.
The Governator! Former California Gov. and Terminator actor Arnold Schwartznegger speaking at the museum.
Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. speaking at the museum after his confirmation.
Reagan’s 1994 letter to the American people revealing his Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Awards received by the Reagans, including Nancy’s 2002 Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor bestowed in the United States.
Ronald Reagan’s 1993 Presidential Medal of Freedom
The Reagans on horseback
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Senator Ted Kennedy and Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice at the museum.
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Political belt buckles
Belt buckle made of Buffalo Nickels (minted in the U.S. from 1913-1938).
Eagle belt buckle
Saddles
Jackets and boots used by Reagan at Camp David
A piece of the World Trade Center located in the museum.
Suit worn by Reagan when he gave his infamous speech in Berlin. “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”
Reagan’s Berlin Wall speech
The Reagans meet Pope St. John Paul II in 1982.
Statue of Liberty statue given to President Reagan in 1986 following the re-opening of the statue.
One of Reagan’s most influential contributions was his fundamental transformation of the Supreme Court into a Conservative juggernaut. During his 8-years in office, Reagan appointed four justices, and his successor George Bush appointed two others. Sandra Day O’Connor, Reagan’s first appointee, was the first woman ever appointed to the high court.
Political cartoons focused on Reagan’s high court appointments.
Reagan’s Court appointees served into the 21st Century, with his last, Anthony Kennedy, retiring in 2018, three decades after he left office, and showing his impact extended far beyond his two-term presidency.
Reagan with Chief Justice Warren Burger in 1986, announcing Burger’s retirement from the Court.
Outgoing Chief Justice Burger administers the oath to his successor, William H. Rehnquist. Rehnquist served as Chief Justice until his death in 2005.
Portrait of Reagan made with his favorite kind of beans-jelly belly jellybeans.
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Cake on board Air Force One replica
China on board Air Force One replica
My dad with a piece of the Berlin Wall
Me next to the Berlin Wall
Statue of Ronald Reagan sculpted by Glenna Goodacre. Goodacre, one of my favorite sculptors, designed the obverse (front) of the Sacagawea Dollar in use since 2000.
The Grave
Me by the gave
My dad by the grave.
