Frequently Asked Questions
01. How do I get to the Reagan Library?
02. How long does it take to tour the Library?
03. Can I take a docent-led tour of the Library?
04. Can I become a member of the Library?
05. Is the Library accessible to the disabled/elderly?
06. Is Air Force One open for viewing?
07. Is there a restaurant on site?
08. May I take pictures inside the Library?
09. Does the Library have a mailing list for the Schedule of Coming Events?
10. Can I check out books or other items from the Library?
11. Does the Reagan Library have genealogical records?
12. Was the Reagan Library built with taxpayer money?
13. Why was this location chosen for the Reagan Library?
14. Does Mrs. Reagan still visit the Library?
15. Where is the Reagan Ranch?
16. Can I hold an event at the Reagan Library?
17. Can the Reagan Library tell me the value of my Ronald Reagan letter, photo or other memorabilia?
18. Can I have something autographed by President or Mrs. Reagan?
01. How do I get to the Reagan Library?
Click here for directions to the Ronald Reagan Library.
02. How long does it take to tour the Library?
The average visitor spends approximately 2-4 hours going through the exhibits at the Reagan Library and Air Force One Pavilion. Docents are stationed throughout the experience to answer questions. A stop at the piece of the Berlin Wall, a visit to President Reagan’s Memorial Site, a meal or snack at the full-service café and beautiful outdoor vistas will add to your experience.
03. Can I take a docent-led tour of the Library?
For information about our tour program, please contact our tour desk at 805-577-4066. If your entire group would like to complete your tour with a meal in our Reagan Country Café, please call the Café at least 72 hours in advance to reserve your tables by calling 805-577-8272. Pre-set menu packages are also available. Learn more about our tour program, click here.
04. Can I become a member of the Library?
The Reagan Library offers many different membership packages. To learn more about our membership program, click here.
05. Is the Library accessible to the disabled/elderly?
Yes, the Library is fully accessible. Disabled visitors who have difficulty walking can be dropped off at the Library’s main entrance. Look for direction signs when you arrive. We recommend that visitors who require wheelchairs bring their own. However, a limited number of wheelchairs are available for emergency purposes only. Due to the 16-inch wide passageways onboard Air Force One, wheelchair accessibility is limited. Visitors in wheelchairs will be able to board the plane and look into the aircraft from the plane's front-door entrance.
06. Is Air Force One open for viewing?
The Air Force One Pavilion opened to the public on October 24, 2005. Visitors will not only tour inside the Air Force One that served as the “Flying White House” for President Reagan and six other U.S. presidents from 1973-2001, but will also view a Marine One helicopter and a Presidential Motorcade featuring President Reagan’s 1984 parade limousine. Additional Pavilion exhibits focus on the Cold War, Presidential air travel from FDR’s Dixie Clipper to the current Boeing 747 serving President George W. Bush and a gallery that traces the 8 years of President Reagan’s travel aboard Air Force One. As an added bonus, guests can enjoy a light snack from the “The Ronald Reagan”, the original O’Farrell’s pub from Ballyporeen, Ireland that President and Mrs. Reagan visited in June 1984.
07. Is there a restaurant on site?
The Reagan Library’s Reagan Country Café is a 200 seat indoor
restaurant, located adjacent to the Library’s section of the
Berlin Wall. In addition to delicious food, it also has one
of the most gorgeous vistas in Ventura County. The café
is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., seven days a week (except
Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).
For further information or to make group Café reservations
call (805) 577-8272.
In addition to Reagan's Country Café, The Ronald Reagan pub,
located inside the Air Force One Pavilion, offers pre-packaged salads,
sandwiches, snacks and drinks. Enjoy your food while sitting beneath
the belly of Air Force One!
08. May I take pictures inside the Library?
Photography is permitted, however flash photography is prohibited to help preserve the items in the museum for future generations of visitors to enjoy. Light is harmful to the artifacts and documents on display, and the lighting inside the museum is kept at low levels. Photography is not permitted onboard Air Force One.
09. Does the Library have a mailing list for the Schedule of Coming Events?
The Library’s Schedule of Coming Events can be accessed online at www.reaganlibrary.com/welcome/calendar.asp . The online calendar includes all upcoming speakers, exhibits and events held at the Library. This calendar is updated monthly. The Library Foundation also mails out programs of upcoming speakers. If you would like to add your name to this list, please click here.
10. Can I check out books or other items from the Library?
The Reagan Library is a research facility, housing the original papers, photographs and videotapes created by the Reagan Administration from 1981-1989. Material can only be viewed in our Research Room, and no items are available for loan. The archives staff processes material and makes it available for research. If you have an inquiry regarding research material available, call the Reference Archivist at (800) 410-8354.
11. Does the Reagan Library have genealogical records?
No. To access microfilms of past US Censuses and other genealogical records contact the National Archives and Records Administration Regional Archives location nearest you.
12. Was the Reagan Library built with taxpayer money?
The original buildings which make up the Reagan Library were built entirely with private funds raised by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Foundation. The Air Force One Pavilion is also being built entirely through private funds. The Library’s latest addition, the Presidential Learning Center, was built with an eight million dollar government appropriation.
13. Why was this location chosen for the Reagan Library?
Over a dozen sites were considered for the Reagan Library, including Stanford University. The 100-acre hilltop in Simi Valley was the largest parcel considered and was donated to the Reagan Library Foundation. Additionally, Simi Valley was located midway between the Reagans’ home in Los Angeles and their ranch near Santa Barbara.
14. Does Mrs. Reagan still visit the Library?
Mrs. Reagan visits the Library a handful of times per year.
15. Where is the Reagan Ranch?
The Reagans’ Western White House, “Rancho del Cielo,” is located in the hills near Santa Barbara, California. The ranch is no longer owned by President and Mrs. Reagan.
16. Can I hold an event at the Reagan Library?
The Reagan Library holds Corporate events in its facilities. To learn more about having your Corporate event at the Library, click here.
17. Can the Reagan Library tell me the value of my Ronald Reagan letter, photo or other memorabilia?
The Reagan Library staff does not make appraisals or cite the value of items in our collection. Contact your local appraiser for information on your specific artifact.
18. Can I have something autographed by President or Mrs. Reagan?
The Reagan Library Museum Store offers many items pre-signed with President and Mrs. Reagan’s signature. Click here to view our online store.
