Young America’s Foundation Partners with ‘Reagan’ Movie for New Museum Exhibit
Young America’s Foundation will collaborate with the Reagan movie to display sets and props from the biopic. These materials will become part of a permanent exhibit at a new museum in Dixon, Illinois. The exhibit will complement Young America’s Foundation’s management of Reagan’s Boyhood Home in Dixon and the Reagan Ranch, known as Rancho del Cielo, in Santa Barbara, California.
The collection will include a full-scale Oval Office replica, the Situation Room, the Soviet leader’s office, the Hilton Hotel wall where Reagan was shot, and hundreds of film artifacts. The expected opening is set for 2028.
Scott Walker, President of YAF and former Wisconsin Governor, expressed the importance of educating students and families about Reagan’s life. The museum aims to provide guests insights into Reagan’s transformation from an actor to a president.
There’s a rich array of stories about what Reagan learned in the Midwest and how that influenced his public life. We hope the movie museum will enhance this learning experience,
Walker stated.
Walker emphasized Reagan’s accomplishments in diminishing communism, rekindling patriotism, and revitalizing the economy. The museum will not only show movie sets but will also feature virtual and visual media of Reagan, fostering a deeper connection to his ideas.
Mark Joseph, producer of the Reagan film, spoke about preserving Reagan’s legacy through these artifacts. These contributions aim to allow visitors in Dixon to explore Reagan’s early life.
At the film’s premiere in Dixon in 2024, the local community came out in large numbers. Dennis Quaid, portraying Reagan, joined the celebration, connecting with locals and highlighting Hollywood’s neglect of small towns.
Walker anticipates a strong turnout for the museum akin to the film’s successful premiere.
Walker values stories of Reagan’s modest upbringing. Despite challenges like his father’s alcoholism, Reagan’s mother supported the family through various jobs and stayed active in community service. This instilled a sense of humility in Reagan throughout his life.
Walker believes Reagan’s story illustrates the American Dream, showing that privilege is not a prerequisite for success.
The museum launch coincides with a new director’s cut of the Reagan biopic. The director’s cut, set to release on September 25, includes extra scenes. However, the film’s critical reviews were starkly different from audience reactions, with an audience score of 98% contrasting with low critics’ scores.
Walker attributes the disparity to critics’ biases, likening it to Reagan’s presidency when critics underestimated him, but he went on to a landslide victory.