“General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” -          Ronald Reagan, June 12, 1987

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is pleased to announce the opening of its latest temporary exhibit, Fall of the Wall – The 20th Anniversary. Opening October 15, 2009*, Fall of the Wall – The 20th Anniversary tells the story of the Cold War, from the innocent people who sacrified their lives for freedom and democracy, to President Reagan’s role in ending the Cold War and bringing down the Berlin Wall.

Items on display include:

• Original Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (Beginning November 12)
• Pen used by General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev to sign the Treaty
• Original speech cards used by President Reagan to deliver his famous “Tear Down This Wall” speech on June 12, 1987
• Actual suit and cufflinks worn by President Reagan during his June 12, 1987 speech
• Gulag Uniform and map of gulag locations from Father Alfonsas Svarinksas, considered one of the most important and active priests in the Lithuanian Catholic Church (he spent over 20 years of his life in the Gulag and was freed, in part by the policies of President Reagan and his administration)
• A U.S. Flag flown over Checkpoint Charlie, presented to President Reagan “on behalf of the dedicated Americans who have served Berlin since 1945”
• Smuggled note to President Reagan from 10 women in Gulag labor camps, placed there for their human rights activism, congratulating the president on his 1984 election win.

“I’ve talked about the continuing threat of fascism in the postwar world, but there’s another ‘ism,’ Communism, and if I ever find evidence that Communism represents a threat to all that we believe in and stand for, I’ll speak out just as strongly against Communism as I have fascism.” -          Ronald Reagan, 1946

* Portions of this exhibit will not be on display from November 8 through November 12

President Reagan, on the occasion of his 73rd birthday, joked, “Birthdays are special moments. But I must tell you, even though this is the 34th anniversary of my 39th birthday, those numbers don’t faze me at all. I remember something that Thomas Jefferson once said. He said, “We should never judge a President by his age, only by his works.” And ever since he told me that, I’ve stopped worrying.”

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is pleased to announce the opening of its latest temporary exhibit, A Sneak Preview. This fascinating exhibit offers a first glimpse into the stories and artifacts that will be used to tell President Reagan’s life story when the galleries are renovated over the next year in time for President Reagan’s 100th birthday in 2011.

Since The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum’s opening in 1991 so much more has been uncovered about President Reagan’s life and works utilizing research and the President’s handwritten diaries. The Sneak Preview Exhibit provides guests with a fascinating first look into what’s to come as we prepare for these new galleries, bringing the excitement of our planning to our guests today.

Items on display include a saddle given to President Reagan by the United States Secret Service that was often used at Rancho del Cielo, the leather riding boots worn by President Reagan that were also used on the “rider-less” horse in Washington, D.C. during his funeral procession, a Soviet Assault Rifle (AK-47) gifted to President Reagan after it was captured during the Grenada Rescue Mission in 1983, and the actual suit that President Reagan was wearing during the March 1981 assassination attempt on his life.

Regular Museum admission applies to visit the exhibit. For more information on this exhibit, please call 800-410-8354.

The White House has long served not only as our president’s home, but also as the most enduring symbol of our nation’s capital and of American democracy itself. Every year, over one million visitors to Washington, DC tour this stately mansion, marveling at the history contained within its walls and the grandeur displayed in every room. Yet while the White House remains one of the country’s most popular tourist spots, most Americans will never have the opportunity to visit and experience the thrill of history in the making.

On Monday, March 15, The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum brings the White House straight to you through its latest temporary exhibit, Inside the White House: A Special Exhibit. This authentic recreation of the White House measures 50 feet long and 18 feet wide: a one-foot-to-one-inch scale. Taking over 600,000 hours of labor to create, the miniature is an amazing replica, showing visitors an intimate look into the White House - from the Lincoln bedroom to the Oval Office to tiny, working televisions to hand-carved chairs, tables and crystal chandeliers.

Built and updated by John and Jan Zweifel, this exact miniaturized replica is a wonder to behold. Modernized for each presidency and for each White House room renovation, visitors to The Reagan Library will be awed by this marvelous, intimate look into The White House.

Tea is served at 1:00pm to 2:00pm, followed by a docent-led tour from 2:00pm to 3:30pm

Regular Museum admission applies to visit the exhibit.

On March 31, The Ronald Reagan Library is pleased to offer a very special First Lady’s Tea and Tour in conjunction with our new exhibit- Inside the White House: A Special Exhibit. Enjoy a traditional tea, including fresh baked English scones, petite finger sandwiches, a selection of delectable tea cakes and of course, tea! This elegant event is complete with linen and china service, fresh floral centerpieces on your table, and a professional wait staff. By yourself or with a group of friends, our First Lady Tea and Tour is truly an exceptional experience. Following the tea, all guests will receive a docent-led tour of the spectacular Inside the White House: A Special Exhibit exhibit and the Air Force One Pavilion. This all inclusive offer is only $49.95 per person. Tea is served from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by a docent-led tour from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Dine under the wings of Air Force One and dance the night away to the greatest music of all time! Featuring Pat Longo’s Hollywood Big Band, who delivers unparalleled high energy swing sound! Enjoy an incredible gourmet fall vintner’s dinner menu featuring carved roast sirloin, grilled salmon filet and roast chicken breast. Santa Barbara and central coast wines will be available for purchase in addition to special flavored martinis. While at the Library, tour The White House in Miniature exhibit and The Air Force One Pavilion. The event is from 5:30pm to 9:00pm

Click here to view the complete menu.

Reservations are required and seating is limited. Tickets are $54.95 per person, which includes tax and gratuity. For more information, please call 805-577-4057.

Click here to make your reservations.