Reagan Library to Show Gifts of 36 Nations

More than 70 gifts given to President Reagan and his wife, Nancy, from 36 countries will be on display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley starting Wednesday.

The exhibit, called “Symbols of Diplomacy,” will run through April 10 and is open to all library visitors at no extra charge.

“It’s a constant goal of ours to show as many of the gifts from our collection as possible,” said library spokeswoman Stefanie Salata. “And we have found that the gifts from the heads of state are by far the most interesting and popular items in the museum.”

Library curator Ann Bethel said the pieces often reflect the culture, heritage and artistic talents of their country.

“I think the strength of this exhibit is (that) in the broad diversity of the gifts, they represent cultures all around the world,” Bethel said. “I think this is a glimpse into a part of diplomacy that we don’t think about.”

Among the items contained in the exhibit are a Komodo dragon carved out of a tree stump from Indonesia, a bush hat worn by ranchers in Australia, a fruit server from Burma and a set of silver Spanish doubloons found embedded in coral off the coast of the Dominican Republic.

“We do have some of the gifts displayed in our permanent collection,” Bethel said. “Many, many people have asked us, ‘Are there more? We’d love to see them.’ So this exhibit is in response to those requests.”

Salata said the collection of gifts belongs in the library because they offer additional insight to the man it was built to honor.

“I think that the gifts that the Reagans have received are of such an elaborate and personal nature that it shows the affection felt for him, particularly by other countries,” she said.

The Reagan library is one of nine presidential libraries operated and maintained by the National Archives. Additional information, including directions, can be obtained by calling (805) 522-8444.

The library is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for seniors 62 and over and free to children 15 and under.