Tranter Banter

A few years ago I had the opportunity to visit The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.  I was totally unprepared for the grandeur and offerings of the museum.  Set high on a hill with a spectacular view, is an amazing collection of presidential memorabilia, including Air Force One (that can be walked through) and the President’s limousine as well as an exact replica of the Oval Office.  There are displays, many interactive, of the President’s life and his time as our leader.  There are also many displays featuring the First Lady, even her evening gown collection. 

Even though I well remember his time as President, there were so many things I just didn’t know.  It was an amazing day imagining and seeing all that went on in the life of this great man and the history of our great country during this time.

I recently had the opportunity to check out the website for the Reagan Library and found that it contains a wealth of information.  Just for the heck of it, I began checking out the libraries of other Presidents.  Each site is unique but contains so much history.  From historical writings and pictures to classified documents and podcasts, they are truly worth your time. 

We may not ever have the opportunity to visit Kansas or California, but we can experience the wonder and magic of some of the greatest times in our country’s history.

Here are some links for some of the Presidential Libraries

Abraham Lincoln http://www.alplm.org/

Harry S. Truman http://www.trumanlibrary.org/

Dwight D. Eisenhower http://www.eisenhower.archives.gov/

John F. Kennedy http://www.jfklibrary.org/

Lyndon Johnson http://www.lbjlibrary.org/

Richard Nixon http://www.nixonlibrary.gov/

Gerald Ford http://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/

Jimmy Carter http://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/

Ronald Reagan http://www.reaganfoundation.org/

George HW Bush http://bushlibrary.tamu.edu/

Bill Clinton http://www.clintonlibrary.gov/

George Bush http://www.georgewbushlibrary.smu.edu/

While political views may differ, each President played an integral role in our country.  Each President was unique and offered his personal touch and left a footprint.  Keep an open mind and have fun exploring the times and lives of some very famous individuals.