President Reagan’s home for 25 years and the Western White House during the height of the Cold War, the Reagan Ranch embodies the life and ideas of Ronald Reagan. In the spring of 1998, Young America’s Foundation stepped forward to save the Reagan Ranch; eight years later, in June 2006, the Reagan Ranch Center in downtown Santa Barbara opened its doors. This Schoolhouse for Reaganism serves as an important complement to the Ranch itself.
The Reagan Ranch Center in downtown Santa Barbara, California is open to the general public for tours and visitation on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm. These galleries feature original Reagan Ranch artifacts matched with state-of-the-art, interactive, multimedia exhibits that highlight the history of Ronald Reagan’s quarter-century at Rancho del Cielo and the accomplishments of his presidency.
Over six hours of dynamic multimedia exhibits provide access to exclusive speeches, interviews, radio addresses, and original video presentations. The centerpiece of the gallery is a 28-foot-long interactive “timeline” that gives users the ability to explorethe “Western White House” during the 1980s.
The galleries also feature several unique collections on display, including the Lorraine Wagner Letter Collection, a nearly 300-piece collection of letters written by Ronald Reagan over a 50-year period and the Russell D. Sibert Collection, featuring rare Reagan-related memorabilia such as campaign buttons, posters, and commemorative items.
A massive, 5,000 pound section ofthe Berlin Wall—torn down 20 years ago—greets visitors as they arrive at theReagan Ranch Center, reminding the world of Ronald Reagan’s role in eliminating this assault on human dignity and freedom. The president’s famous blue Jeep Scrambler, complete with “Gipper” license plate sits in the Center of gallery, flanked by a selection of his favorite books, an original saddle, and chainsaw owned and used by President Reagan.
The Reagan Ranch Center is designed to engage visitors of all ages; younger children can even earn their “Junior Secret Service Clearance” by completing a fun and educational scavenger hunt.
The Reagan Ranch Center is located at 217 State Street next to the train station.
Admission is FREE. For more information call1-888-USA-1776.
