Welcome audience to another presidential blog with Stephen Gaiber: The Autistic Traveler. Today, we are going to explore the life of our 40th president, Ronald Reagan, via the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California. The museum goes into the details of Reagan's life before, during, and after his presidency. This is a great museum to check out if you're a fan or not a fan of Reagan, or if you live nearby in Southern California.
When you drive to the library entrance, you will notice all the past and current presidents being honored for their time served in office. There are secret service agents protecting the building. I am currently a presidential library member, so I get to go to the museums for free. There are also free events on Presidents Day, such as photo opportunities with Lincoln and Washington, as well as reenactments of events of their time in office. When you enter the museum, YOU really get a feel for Reagan's life as president. It begins with an introduction video, then the story of his life as presidency begins.
There is a lot to see at The Ronald Reagan Library. Some of the museum exhibits include Reagan's life as governor of California, his family life, his policies, and life as an actor. For people who are into history about Ronald Reagan, this is the place to go. Other exhibits include Reagan's assassination attempt, his life with Nancy, his "just say no to drugs" campaign, Air Force One, his meeting to improve Russian relations (unlike our current president), and the Berlin Wall.
Whether you like Reagan or not, hopefully the museum can give YOU a perspective of some of his accomplishments as president. One of his major goals was to get government out of your personal life. I have mixed feelings about that. Sometimes I feel we need government to protect us from being taken advantage of by rich corporations or greedy capitalists. Also, rules and regulations can make starting a business and personal life harder. Something I was proud of Reagan for doing was destroying the Berlin Wall between East and West Germany. I actually went to the Berlin Wall in Berlin and saw some of the impact it had on Germany. I felt that his relationship with Nancy is a modern-day presidential love story, like the Obamas'. My hope is if you visit the Reagan library, you will learn some history and accomplishments of his presidency.
The Ronald Reagan Library at times has temporary exhibits, which for members cost extra. The most recent one was Pompeii. The city of Pompeii was destroyed by a giant volcano. Its massive lava destroyed the city faster than you could scream. There also was a major earthquake that caused a lot of damage. Those who complain about the Northridge earthquake, be thankful the whole San Fernando Valley wasn't destroyed. I personally wasn't a fan of this exhibit. I did enjoy other exhibits, such as D23 (interesting fact: Ronald Reagan knew Walt Disney), Titanic, Genghis Khan, and many others. These exhibits are worth checking out if one visits the library.
There is a lot to see for those who love history at the Ronald Reagan Library. From free shows to personal events and parties, the museum is more than another history museum. There's something for everyone to check out. I hope YOU will watch this video at https://youtu.be/shE0bE-Z7UI
