California Presidential Museums to See on Presidents’ Day, or Any Day
U.S. Presidents – There have been 44 presidents of the United States since April 30, 1789 when George Washington took an oath to serve the new nation as its first president. He is the president that was initially honored on Feb. 20 each year and it was called Washington’s Birthday. However, someone in congress decided that a three day holiday was needed and the transformation has ended up officially as a three-day government and school holiday, but it isn’t written officially on the books as Presidents’ Day holiday. The popular concept is celebrated, anyway, and offers great soundbites.
In California, there are two presidential libraries that celebrate presidents every day of the year. At the Reagan Library in Simi Valley you can see the collections of the 40th U.S. President, Ronald Reagan, who served from 1981-1989. In his early career he was a popular, sought out actor in Hollywood who was known for his handsome looks. At the museum you can see Air Force One, a piece of the Berlin Wall, and other great artifacts and collections. The beautiful facility opened in 1991 and celebrated its 20th year last year. You can visit daily and enjoy a host of special events.
- Address: 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, CA 93065
- Hours: 10 -5 p.m. every day of the week, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
- Admission: Ages 18-61, $15; Ages 62(+), $12; Ages 11-17, $9; Under Age 11, Free
- reaganfoundation.org
Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace in Yorba Linda, Calif. is a museum that honors the 37th U.S. president who served from 1969-1974. Nixon was born in Yorba Linda and returned to California with his and wife, Pat, to their La Casa Pacifica home in San Clemente after resigning in 1974 when he was assured that he would be impeached after a “Watergate” investigation unveiled illegal campaign practices. His library and birthplace includes numerous political papers and archives (including the Watergate tape transcripts), gifts, films and special events throughout the year. Free admission is being offered on March 16, 2012.
- Address: 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, California 92886
- Phone Number: (714) 993-5075
- Admission: Adults: $11.95; Seniors: $8.50; Students: $6.95; Active Military: $6.95; Children (7-11): $4.75; Children (6-under): Free
- Hours: Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ?Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
- nixonfoundation.org
