Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Facts for Kids

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Center for Public Affairs is a special place that serves as a presidential library for Ronald Wilson Reagan. He was the 40th President of the United States. It is also the final resting place for both President Reagan and his wife, Nancy Reagan, who was the First Lady of the United States.

The Seal of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

A larger view of the library building

This important library is located in Simi Valley, California. It is the biggest of the thirteen presidential libraries that are run by the U.S. government. The library's address, 40 Presidential Drive, is a nod to Ronald Reagan being the 40th President.

What is a Presidential Library?
Where is the Reagan Library Located?
Who is Buried at the Library?
What Can You See at the Library?
- Air Force One Pavilion
- Other Exhibits
Images for kids
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What is a Presidential Library?

A presidential library is more than just a place with books. It is a museum and an archive that keeps records, documents, and other items from a former U.S. president's time in office. These libraries help people learn about the president's life and the history of their presidency.

Where is the Reagan Library Located?

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is found in Simi Valley, California. This city is in the southern part of California. The library's location offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Who is Buried at the Library?

The plans for the library included a special tomb where President Reagan and Nancy Reagan would eventually be laid to rest. President Reagan passed away on June 5, 2004. After a sunset service at the library, he was buried in an underground vault on the morning of June 12, 2004. Nancy Reagan passed away on March 6, 2016. She was buried next to her husband at the library on March 11, 2016.

What Can You See at the Library?

The Reagan Library has many interesting exhibits for visitors. You can see a full-size replica of the Oval Office, which is the President's main office in the White House. There is also a large piece of the Berlin Wall on display. This wall once divided East and West Berlin in Germany. Its presence at the library reminds visitors of President Reagan's role in the end of the Cold War.

Air Force One Pavilion

One of the most popular parts of the library is the Air Force One Pavilion. Here, you can walk through the actual Boeing 707 airplane that served as Air Force One for President Reagan. This plane was used by seven presidents from 1973 to 2001. It is a unique chance to see a piece of American history up close.

Other Exhibits

The library also features other exhibits, including a F-14 Tomcat fighter jet. This type of plane was involved in an event during President Reagan's time in office. These displays help tell the story of his presidency and the world during that time.

Images for kids

An aerial view of The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California (2021).
Presidents and First Ladies at the library dedication: Lady Bird Johnson, Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn Carter, Gerald Ford, Betty Ford, Richard Nixon, Pat Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Nancy Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush.
An F-14 Tomcat on display at the Library grounds.
A large piece of the Berlin Wall located in the library grounds.
A collage showing the Air Force One Pavilion.
Reagan's casket lying in repose in the library lobby, June 7, 2004.
The gravesite of Ronald and Nancy Reagan.