Presidential Libraries

Exploring the Records of Old Libraries Will Help Your Kids Learn

by Francine Brokaw

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

Here in Southern California we have the fortunate situation of living fairly close to two of the twelve presidential libraries in our country. These buildings are filled with history, fabulous places to take your kids or for teachers to bring their students that make history lessons more than just words in a textbook. Besides official material, the buildings include bits and pieces of the personal lives of the presidents, making learning about them more fun.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum sits atop a hillside overlooking Simi Valley. Ronald Reagan will be remembered as the great communicator and for six historic words: "Mr. Gorbechev, tear down this wall," referring to the Berlin Wall, which eventually was demolished, and, with it, went the cold war. Inside the building, visitors get a thorough look at the man who was our 40th President. There are movies about his life, and several displays show the evolution of Mr. Reagan from the time he was a young boy through his acting years, gubernatorial years, and then the Presidency.

Reagan was a big part of Hollywood when he was president of the Screen Actors Guild. Chasen's restaurant might be gone, but the museum has a booth from that famous eatery. It was a favorite place for both the Reagans. They ate there quite often, and it's where Ronald proposed to Nancy. I had the opportunity to see them dining there after he left the White House!

The library also houses Air Force One. When you walk through this old 707, you will be surprised how small it is compared to the new 747s used today. Have your photo taken as you enter the plane and you'll feel almost as presidential as the Reagans. The Reagan Oval office is duplicated in the library. A helicopter and other Presidential items show the way the President lived and traveled.

Mrs. Reagan played an important part in the President's life, and she is not overlooked in the facility. Along with her gowns and personal items, many of the programs and ideals for which she stood are highlighted.

There are several places to eat and shops to purchase items commemorating the Reagans and the Presidency. And yes, you can buy some jellybeans, a favorite snack of the President that was always present at The White House. Everything at the library and museum is completely wheelchair accessible. I recommend a minimum of 2 hours, but 3 would be better so you can take your time, learn about Ronald Reagan, and enjoy the atmosphere.

The Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace

The Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace in Yorba Linda contains the same house in which he was born and even sits on the exact same location. The tour of the library begins with a short film introducing the man, his life and career. From there, guests visit the museum which encompasses all parts of his political career as a Congressman, Senator, Vice President, 37th President, and statesman.

True, perhaps he is most remembered for Watergate and his resignation, however there is more to the man than that, and the museum is dedicated to his accomplishments, as well as his tragedies.

There is a section dedicated to Mrs. Nixon, including her clothing and personal items, as well as several of the gifts given to the couple from people around the world. Unlike the other libraries, Nixon chose to replicate the Lincoln Sitting room instead of his Oval office, because this was his favorite room in The White House.

An interesting room in the museum has life-size statues of some of the 20th Century's most influential world leaders: Leonid Brezhnev, Nikita Khrushchev, Cho En Lai, Mao Tse-Tung, Shigeru Yoshida, Winston Churchill, Charles De Gaulle, Konrad Adenauer, Golda Meir and Anwar el-Sadat are all represented. Walk up to them (but don't touch) and stand among the leaders of the past. A little more formal in architecture than the Reagan library, the Nixon library feels like a piece of the White House has been transported to Orange County. As a matter of fact, a reproduction of the impressive East Room in the White House takes up a large section of one wing of the building.

The Marine One helicopter which was used by the Nixon's when they left Washington is also on display. Visitors are encouraged to go inside and see how the Presidents travel from the White House to Air Force One. What a way to go! No mater what your political beliefs, whether you are Democrat or Republican, old or young, rich or poor, black or white, the history contained in these "local" presidential libraries is important for all Americans, and non-Americans, to view, study and absorb.