As repositories of valuable historical documents and other records, US presidential libraries have long been important destinations for scholars. But you don’t have to be an academic or even a history buff to appreciate these destinations, as many increasingly offer museums, special exhibitions and unique programming — from interactive stateroom experiences to musical performances — to the general public.
The first library was established by Franklin D. Roosevelt and opened to the public in 1941. Since then each administration has created one of its own. (President Hoover, liking what he saw of FDR’s work, established his own retrospectively, in 1962.) Fifteen libraries are managed by the Office of Presidential Libraries, part of the National Archives and Records Administration — the Presidential Libraries Act, passed in 1955, established the system of federally built and maintained private institutions — and 13 are currently open to visitors. There are additional museums, historic sites, and sites dedicated to other presidents, such as the James Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor, Ohio, and some have archival evidence, such as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, IL.
“President Reagan called libraries laboratories of democracy because they explain how decisions are made and how policies are carried out,” said Colleen Shogan, Archivist of the United States. “They give us a chance to learn about American democracy and how government works.”
With Presidents’ Day fast approaching, consider planning a visit to a presidential library. Here are five to get you started.
The 32nd president had a vision for an institution that showcased his legacy and provided transparency into the inner workings of government. Now his presidential library and museum ($10 admission) houses his archives and Eleanor Roosevelt’s extensive archives. Permanent exhibits include an interactive exploration of Roosevelt’s New Deal initiative, the controversial internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and immersive, period-specific Fireside Chat rooms. There is currently a temporary exhibit exploring the Civil Rights Movement, including the Roosevelts’ political evolution on the subject over the years (through December 31, 2024).
While in Hyde Park, you can also visit the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, which includes the former first lady’s Val-Kil Cottage and hiking trails, or the famous Culinary Institute of America, a picturesque campus where you’ll find chefs. training that showcase their skills in many restaurants.
Dallas, Texas
The museum at the George W. Bush Presidential Center (admission, $20 to $26) delves into topics ranging from the hotly debated 2000 election to the events and aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, as well as a replica of the Oval Office (where , yes, you can sit behind the desk for a photo). The museum’s temporary exhibit, “Freedom Matters,” focuses on the idea and pursuit of freedom and features a collection of artifacts, including a 14th-century edition of the Magna Carta and rare editions of the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence (until December 31, 2024). The Center’s calendar of events is varied, from holiday teas to an upcoming event with news anchor Savannah Guthrie (Feb. 15).
After a visit to the library, you’ll have all of Dallas at your disposal, but the Southern Methodist University campus is worth exploring, including the Meadows Museum, which focuses on Hispanic art and culture. When you’ve worked up an appetite, fuel up on oysters and crudo at Montlake Cut from Dallas restaurateur Nick Badovinus, or get a sugar rush at a local favorite, Mustang Donuts.
Simi Valley, California.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum (admission, $6 to $16) hosts a slate of educational events and permanent exhibits, including displays devoted to the president’s 1981 assassination attempt, an interactive exploration of the Cold War, and the fall of the Berlin Wall (completed with a large section of the wall itself) and an Air Force One pavilion, where visitors can walk inside an Air Force One airplane. Next month, the museum will host a new space-focused exhibit featuring items from George Lucas’s Reagan Strategic Defense Initiative Star Wars franchise (March 15 to September 8). The library and museum also have the benefit of location: Perched in the hills north of Los Angeles, the site offers visitors panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
In addition to being an easy drive to Los Angeles, you’re close to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, a stunning destination for hiking, camping and wildflower spotting.
No presidency is as impressive as that of JFK, America’s very own Camelot. Its museum (admission, $8 to $18) is a showcase of the brief but impressive moment in its history, while also pulling back the curtain on some of the inner workings of the administration. Exhibits cover the early days of the US space program, the founding of the Peace Corps, and an exhibit dedicated to Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. There is currently a temporary exhibit focusing on World War II that highlights both the Kennedy family’s experience of the conflict along with stories of women and people of color in the war (through January 25, 2025). The library also has a full schedule of arts programs for families, including live music, readings and dance performances.
Overlooking Boston Harbor, the museum has stunning views of the estuary. Weather permitting, it’s also a great starting point for the Boston Harborwalk, a 43-mile greenway that circles the city’s waterfront.
Abilene, Kan.
Travelers to Kansas would do well to plan a stop in Abilene where, in addition to a newly renovated museum and library (admission, $7 to $20), you’ll have the chance to tour the childhood home of the 34th president, Dwight D. Eisenhower. . The revamped museum itself is worth the trip, with exhibits connecting the suffrage movement of the 1920s to Eisenhower’s election in 1952. This year, look for a new exhibit focusing on the Cold War and a conference marking the 70th anniversary of the decision Supreme Court of Brown v. Board of Education (June 24 to July 2) with personal and virtual elements and a sunset Symphony performance to commemorate D-Day (June 1).
When in Abilene, you can ride a 100-year-old steam engine on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, get a taste of the Wild West in Old Abilene Town, and see the world’s largest belt buckle at Eisenhower Park & ​​Rose Garden.
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