Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Welcomes 100,000th Guest to “Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition”

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Welcomes 100,000th Guest to “Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition”

Rare Display of the Most Historically Significant Discovery Draws Large Crowds 

SIMI VALLEY, CA — The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) today announced that its “Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition” has officially welcomed its 100,000th guest, marking a major milestone for one of the most significant historical and cultural exhibitions in the Reagan Library’s history. 

Since its opening in November 2024, “Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition” has drawn thousands of visitors from across the country and around the world. The exhibit marks the Dead Sea Scrolls’ first return to the United States in more than a decade, and their first-ever appearance in California. It commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Scrolls’ discovery – often called the “greatest manuscript discovery of modern times” – and offers guests an extraordinary opportunity to view these ancient texts and artifacts in a setting that uniquely reflects President Reagan’s deep and abiding faith. 

“President Reagan believed deeply in the power of faith to shape our world,” said David Trulio, President and CEO of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. “It has been our great honor to bring these sacred and historic manuscripts to the Reagan Library. Reaching 100,000 guests and selling out tickets almost every weekend underscores a strong appetite to understand scripture and the development of major monotheistic faiths practiced today.  We are proud to help make that connection possible.” 

From April 11-24, the exhibition will feature the Ten Commandments Scroll, one of the most important texts in religious history and believed to be the oldest existing copy of the Ten Commandments. It is permitted for display only two weeks every two years and has never before toured in California. With extended hours and daily sellouts expected, guests are strongly encouraged to reserve tickets in advance. 

In addition, the exhibit showcases an unparalleled collection of scroll fragments and artifacts, many of which have never been displayed outside of Israel. Due to the extreme light sensitivity of the Scrolls, the manuscripts are rotated every few months, allowing guests to return and see new pieces of the collection over time. 

Continuing through the fall of 2025, this once-in-a-generation exhibit is almost two years in the making. The show was created by the Israel Antiquities Authority from the collections of the National Treasures, and curated by Dr. Risa Levitt, Dr. Orit Shamir, Dr. Joe Uziel, and Navit Popovich-Geller. The exhibit is produced by West Wall Exhibitions and RRPFI. 

This exhibition was made possible by The Lowell Milken Family Foundation. For a full list of sponsors, more information about the exhibit and to purchase tickets, please visit www.ReaganLibrary.com/DeadSeaScrolls. 

About the Reagan Foundation and Institute

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with advancing his legacy and principles – individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride.  

A globally recognized nonpartisan organization based in Simi Valley, CA, with a leading policy institute in Washington, DC, RRPFI delivers impactful public affairs programming, policy convenings and projects of national and international significance, and distinctive educational initiatives.  In addition, RRPFI sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the largest and most visited presidential library, which routinely hosts major special exhibitions. 

An hour from Los Angeles International Airport, RRPFI’s Simi Valley campus sits on 400 acres, serves as the final resting place of America’s 40th President and former First Lady Nancy Reagan, displays a chunk of the Berlin Wall, and houses the plane President Reagan flew as Air Force One to 26 countries.  Onsite are the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, Presidential Learning Center, Air Force One Pavilion, and the Reagan Leadership Academy.  More information is available at www.reaganfoundation.org. 

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