America 250

Come celebrate 250 years of the American story at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

May 22, 2026 - September 20, 2026

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

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Included with Museum admission

Sashes, Secrets, and Midnight Rides

A nation on the brink of revolution. Displayed here are John Hancock’s military sash and the extraordinary letter he penned to Elbridge Gerry just one hour before Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride. Written in a moment of urgency and uncertainty, this remarkable document offers a firsthand glimpse into the dramatic hours that helped ignite the American Revolution.

Face to Face With History

A president meets his words across time. An Abraham Lincoln impersonator reflects on the original letter President Lincoln wrote to newspaper editor Horace Greeley in 1862, declaring, “I would save the Union. I would save it the shortest way under the Constitution.” Penned during the darkest days of the Civil War, this remarkable document captures Lincoln’s unwavering commitment to preserving the nation and remains one of the most significant statements of presidential leadership in American history.

Bringing Gettysburg Back to Life

History comes alive as the lender of this extraordinary artifact shares its story with visitors. This original Gettysburg cannon stood on one of the most consequential battlefields in American history, where the Union victory marked a decisive turning point in the Civil War. More than a relic of war, it is a powerful witness to the courage, sacrifice, and defining moments that helped shape the future of the United States.

An authentic 18th-century American flag is paired with the original Revolutionary War uniform of Brigadier General Jonathon Bancroft

The Threads of Freedom Displayed

Symbols of a nation’s birth stand side by side in this extraordinary display. An authentic 18th-century American flag is paired with the original Revolutionary War uniform of Brigadier General Jonathon Bancroft, offering a rare glimpse into the fight for independence. Together, these remarkable artifacts embody the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit that forged the United States and gave meaning to the ideals represented by the Stars and Stripes.

This remarkable case features the blood-stained gloves removed from President Abraham Lincoln after his assassination

Abraham Lincoln: Tragedy Untouched

Few artifact displays offer a more powerful connection to a pivotal moment in American history. This remarkable case features the blood-stained gloves removed from President Abraham Lincoln after his assassination and the original Ford’s Theatre orchestra ticket found in his pocket that tragic night. Together, these deeply personal objects transform history from a distant event into a profoundly human story, preserving the memory of a leader whose life—and loss—changed the nation forever.

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Celebrate 250 Years of the American Story at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

Join us at the Reagan Library for our brand new exhibition which marks two and a half centuries of American independence. This once-in-a-generation exhibition, opening on May 22, 2026, serves as both a reflection and a celebration of America’s story.

The exhibition pairs treasured artifacts with historical narratives, telling stories of the Founding Fathers alongside stories of lesser-known Americans whose grit and determination moved the nation forward. From the Revolution through the Reagan era, this exhibition showcases the defining moments of the past 250 years, highlighting how every generation has been called to defend our liberties, strengthen civic life, expand opportunity and uphold America’s defining principles.

“I believe now, as I always have, that America's strength is in ‘We the People’.”
—President Ronald Reagan

Experience history firsthand through artwork, letters and historical objects, many displayed publicly on the West Coast for the very first time. Must-see items include:

Paintings from John Trumbull's Revolutionary Series, including The Declaration of Independence;
A Gettysburg Civil War cannon, used in one of the most pivotal moments of the battle;
William J. Stone’s engraving of the Declaration of Independence;
John Hancock’s letter to Elbridge Gerry from the night of Paul Revere’s ride;
A letter accounting of the Battle of Bunker Hill;
Benedict Arnold’s Oath of Allegiance to the United States;
President Lincoln’s “I Would Save the Union” letter;
A pair of blood-stained leather gloves, a handkerchief, and the original Ford’s Theater orchestra ticket stub carried by President Lincoln on the night of his assassination;
And so much more.

The “America 250” exhibition, running through September 20, 2026, is made possible by generous donations and item loans from Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Dr. Gary Milan, Todd Fisher and Ed and Patty Coté.

“‘We The People’ -- these words, which helped forge a nation, still describe the spirit and meaning of America today.” – President Ronald Reagan

Come celebrate 250 years of the American story at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

Reagan Foundation members receive special discounted pricing.

SAVE THE DATE - Saturday, June 27, 2026

An America 250 Concert at the Reagan Library