The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library holds documents, artifacts, and records from Reagan's presidency and earlier political career

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is located in Simi Valley, California, about 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles. It opened to the public in 1991 and is operated by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) as part of the presidential library system. The library contains approximately 55 million pages of documents, along with photographs, audio and video recordings, and physical objects related to Reagan's time as California governor, U.S. president, and public figure.

The library serves two separate functions: it is both a museum open to visitors and a research archive where scholars and the public can examine primary source materials. The museum portion displays exhibits about Reagan's life and presidency. The archival portion holds records that researchers can view by visiting in person or, for some materials, by requesting copies through the mail.

Key Takeaways

  • The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is in Simi Valley, California, and is operated by the National Archives and Records Administration.
  • The library contains approximately 55 million pages of documents, photographs, audio recordings, and artifacts from Reagan's political career and presidency.
  • Visitors can tour museum exhibits during regular hours; researchers can access archival materials by visiting in person or requesting copies by mail.
  • The library's research collections include presidential records, gubernatorial papers, and personal correspondence spanning decades.
  • Some materials are restricted by law or donor agreement, and researchers may need to submit formal requests to view certain documents.

What the museum exhibits cover

The museum portion of the library displays exhibits organized around major periods and themes in Reagan's life. Exhibits cover his early career in radio and film, his time as governor of California from 1967 to 1975, and his two terms as president from 1981 to 1989. The museum also includes exhibits on his personal life, his relationship with Nancy Reagan, and his later years after leaving office.

The library houses a replica of the Oval Office as it appeared during Reagan's presidency, along with artifacts such as the desk he used, gifts from foreign leaders, and items related to significant events during his administration. The library also maintains exhibits on Cold War history, the space program, and economic policy during the 1980s. A section of the Berlin Wall is displayed on the grounds outside the main building.

The museum is open to the public during regular business hours, typically 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, though hours vary by season. Admission fees explore; current prices and hours are listed on the library's official website. The library also hosts special exhibitions that change periodically, so materials on display may differ depending on when you visit.

How to access the research archives

The archival collections at the Reagan Library are organized into several categories. Presidential records from Reagan's time in office are held in the Presidential Records Collection. Gubernatorial papers from his years as California governor are in a separate collection. The library also holds personal papers, correspondence, oral history interviews, and materials donated by people who worked with or knew Reagan.

To view archival materials in person, you must visit the library's research room. Researchers typically need to register and may be asked to show identification. Some materials are available when ready; others require advance notice or formal requests. The library's staff can help you locate materials related to your research topic, but you should contact the library in advance to confirm what you are looking for is available and to understand any restrictions.

Many documents can be requested by mail or through the library's website. The process and timeline for receiving copies depend on the volume of your request and the condition of the materials. Some materials are restricted and cannot be copied; these can only be viewed in the research room under library supervision. Restrictions may be in place due to privacy laws, donor agreements, or the condition of the original documents.

What types of records are held here

The library's collections include official presidential records created during Reagan's administration, such as memos, briefing papers, policy documents, and correspondence with foreign leaders and members of Congress. These records cover topics including national security, economic policy, foreign relations, and domestic programs.

The collections also include gubernatorial records from Reagan's time as California governor, personal correspondence and diaries, photographs and negatives spanning his entire public career, audio recordings of speeches and press conferences, and videotapes of significant events. The library holds oral history interviews conducted with Reagan, his staff, family members, and people who worked with him in various capacities.

Additionally, the library maintains collections of materials donated by Reagan's associates, advisors, and members of his administration. These donated papers often contain personal correspondence, notes, and documents that provide perspective on events and decisions during his presidency.

Restrictions on access and what they mean

Not all materials in the library's collections are open to the public. Some records are restricted under the Presidential Records Act, which allows certain categories of documents to remain closed for a specified period. These categories include materials related to national security, personal privacy, and confidential communications between the president and his advisors.

Some materials are also restricted by donor agreement — when individuals or organizations donate papers to the library, they may place conditions on how those materials can be used. For example, a donor might restrict access to personal correspondence for a certain number of years, or limit use to scholarly research only.

If you want to view a restricted document, you can submit a formal request to the library explaining your research purpose. The library staff will review your request and determine whether an exception can be granted. The process can take several weeks or longer, depending on the nature of the restriction and the complexity of the review.

How to plan a visit or submit a research request

To visit the museum, you can arrive during regular business hours without advance notice, though the library recommends checking its website for current hours and any temporary closures. Admission is paid at the entrance. The library's website lists current admission prices, parking information, and details about amenities such as a gift shop and café.

For research visits, contact the library in advance. You can call, email, or visit the library's website to describe what you are looking for and ask whether the materials are available. The library's reference staff can tell you whether your topic is covered in the collections and what the process will be for viewing materials. If you plan to spend a full day or multiple days doing research, you may want to schedule your visit in advance so the library can have materials ready for you.

To request copies of documents by mail, use the library's website or contact the reference department directly. Include a clear description of what you are looking for, the date range if applicable, and how many pages you expect to request. The library will provide an estimate of costs and timeline before processing your request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit the museum and the research archives on the same day?

Yes. The museum is open to the public during regular hours, and you can visit without an appointment. If you also want to access the research archives, contact the library in advance to arrange access to the research room. Some materials may be ready for you when ready, while others may require advance notice.

How much does it cost to visit the museum?

Admission fees explore and vary by age and visitor type. Current prices are listed on the library's official website. Children under a certain age may be admitted free. The library also offers group rates for organized tours.

Can I view materials online without visiting in person?

Some materials are available online through the library's website or through the National Archives' digital collections. However, not all materials have been digitized. For materials not available online, you can request copies by mail, or you can visit the research room in person to view originals.

What if the document I'm looking for is restricted?

You can submit a request to the library explaining your research purpose and asking for access to a restricted document. The library will review your request and determine whether an exception can be granted. The review process typically takes several weeks.

Is there a fee to access the research archives?

There is no fee to use the research room or to view materials in person. Fees explore only if you request copies of documents to be mailed to you; the cost depends on the number of pages and the method of reproduction.