Reagan Library Treats Visitors to Special Tour

Visitors to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Sunday got a peek at some rooms where the Reagans hold private receptions, work and store 75,000 gifts.

To commemorate the library’s sixth anniversary, guests were treated to free tours, which included a behind-the-scenes look at the building’s research room, photograph archives and second-floor business offices and reception hall.

“Oh, we’ve always wanted to come,” said Cathy Hare, 38, who was celebrating her fourth wedding anniversary with her husband, Bill, 32, of San Diego. “We’re big Reagan fans. We just love him. We were planning on coming anyway, but we didn’t know today was a special tour. The only lucky thing we’re missing is that he [Reagan] is not here today.”

But there were plenty of Reagan images for visitors to admire.

One exhibit was a gift from Africa--a portrait of the former president made of butterfly wings and framed in cola nuts.

Guests also learned tidbits about the Reagans’ personal life.

According to one docent, Reagan, 86, who has Alzheimer’s disease, still works about four hours a day in Century City and often plays golf.

From the basement archives, visitors also saw rare photos of the late Princess Diana. One 1985 photograph shows Diana and Prince Charles dancing--with Reagan laughing in the background--at a state dinner. The museum’s guest book chronicling the Reagans’ parties was opened to the page displaying Diana’s signature.

“The last time we opened up these rooms was before last Christmas,” said docent Elva Cooper. “And the time before that was about three years ago. There’s no set time. It’s usually up to Nancy Reagan or depending on the amount of curiosity we get [from patrons].”

The presidential library system is overseen by the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington.

Most presidential libraries are located where the former commander in chief either was born or raised. Even though the Reagans live in Bel-Air, tour guides said the site near Simi Valley was chosen because the land was donated, it is near several college campuses and its geography is reminiscent of many of the western films Reagan made.

To further mark the library’s sixth year, Diane Sawyer, co-anchor of ABC’s “Prime Time Live” will speak at 6 p.m. today. Call (800) 410-8354 for more information.