Reagan Library Announces "Cowboys: History & Hollywood" Exhibit to Open on October 18th

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The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) today announced its new exhibition, “Cowboys: History & Hollywood,” will open on October 18, 2025, and run through April 19, 2026. The exhibition will take visitors on a journey through the reality and the cinematic allure of the American cowboy—an enduring symbol of strength, self-reliance, and freedom.

Blending true Western history with Hollywood mythmaking, the 10,000-square-foot exhibition will feature authentic gear, rare photographs, historic artifacts, and memorabilia from classic Western films that shaped the cowboy image we know today. Visitors will discover how the cowboy became a cultural icon whose influence extends far beyond the open range.

The upcoming exhibition explores how the work of cowboys has changed, from riders on horseback to today’s modern animal management. Visitors will see how herding methods have advanced from dusty trails to helicopters and ATVs, culminating in a showstopping centerpiece: a Robinson R22 helicopter used to round up cattle. This aircraft will make its arrival on the Reagan Library’s South Lawn next Tuesday, September 23, before taking its place in “Cowboys: History & Hollywood” as a striking example of the modern cowboy’s tools of the trade.

“While many view Robinson helicopters as personal transportation, a large percentage of the nearly 15,000 aircraft we've produced are tools for tough jobs,” said Robyn Eagles, vice president of global marketing and communications at Robinson Helicopter Company.  “Across the world, our R22s are the horsepower of the 21st century, equipping modern cowboys in mustering sheep, cattle, and other animals. We are honored to share the stories of our owners and operators and be a part of this exhibit with a Retro Ronald Reagan-branded R22.”

Additional highlights of “Cowboys: History & Hollywood” include:

  • Dozens of historic saddles, cowboy hats, firearms, and other cowboy equipment from the 19th and early 20th centuries;

  • Roy Rogers’ Trigger and Bullet, the beloved horse and dog that became television legends, along with Rogers’ wife Dale Evans’ horse, Buttermilk;

  • Iconic Hollywood costumes, objects and artifacts from Yellowstone, Gunsmoke, Back to the Future Part III, Nope, and, Annie Get Your Gun;

  • Items belonging to John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and President Ronald Reagan, showcasing their connection to the cowboy image; 

  • President Reagan’s 1953 Willys Jeep CJ-6, which he drove at Rancho del Cielo;

  • An NSYNC tour cowboy costume; 

  • Autographed guitar of Lee Greenwood, “God Bless the USA” singer; 

President Ronald Reagan once said, “I seem to remember a famous country and western song warning mothers not to let their babies grow up to be cowboys… The song forgot that cowboys can sometimes grow up and be President.” To learn more about the cowboy way of life and how President Reagan himself embraced the cowboy persona, purchase tickets to this upcoming exhibit on the Reagan Library website. 

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 on 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 Center.  More information is available at www.reaganfoundation.org.

Kids Bowl Free This Summer at Various Ventura County Bowling Centers

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Here's a great summer deal that will bowl you over! Bowling alleys across the country are offering Kids Bowl Free deals during the summer months once again this year!

Up to two games per kid on designated days and times, subject to lane availability. Note that applicable ages for Kids Bowl Free vary from 2 up to 15 to 18.

The deal also does not apply to parties, camps and other organized events. And lastly, the deal does not include bowling shoe rental. With no further ado, here are local alleys in Ventura County and nearby areas that are participating in Kids Bowl Free!

NOTE: You first must visit www.kidsbowlfree.com and register with specific bowling alleys. After registering your children, you will receive coupons via email or through mobile devices, and in turn redeem them at the time of purchase. In addition to the 2 FREE Games, you may be able to purchase a family package (at participating centers) and generally must pay for standard shoe rental rates at the time of bowling.

Harley's Camarillo Bowl offers Kids Bowl Free Monday through Wednesday from 9:30am to 4pm for kids 2 to 17, from June 2 to August 29, 2025.

Harley's Simi Bowl offer Kids Bowl Free Monday, Wed, Thurs and Fri from 9am to 4pm for kids ages 2 to 16, from May 28 to August 29, 2025.

Harley's Valley Bowl offers Kids Bowl Free Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 4pm for kids ages 2 to 18, from June 2 to August 29, 2025.

Click this link to pin down information about all the local Ventura County area bowling alleys.

Cork & Batter Roadhouse Opened Last Month in Simi Valley

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Cork & Batter Roadhouse recently opened at 1747 Simi Town Center Way in Simi Valley, just east of the Town Center. Cork & Batter serves Texas-style BBQ, with items such as slow-smoked brisket, St. Louis ribs, Philly Cheesesteak Brisket Sliders and more. The new location will also offer live music and a large sports bar. The first Cork & Batter is located in front of the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. Learn more at www.corkandbatter.com.

Party City Stores Begin Liquidation Sales

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The store liquidation sales have begun at Party City. The company indicates stores to close by February. Discounts range from 5% to 50%. Local area stores in Newbury Park, Simi Valley, and Oxnard. I for one, as a periodic shopper at the Newbury Park location, am sad to see yet another large chain shut its doors. www.partycity.com

"Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition" Opens at the Reagan Library on November 22nd

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The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute announces its new exhibit, “Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition,” that will open on November 22nd. The exhibit will mark the Dead Sea Scrolls' return to the U.S.A. for the first time in almost a decade and will celebrate the 75th anniversary of one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in modern history. It offers visitors a firsthand experience of the ancient manuscripts from the collections of the Israel Antiquities Authority and their profound implications for our understanding of the history, culture, and religious practices of ancient Judaism and the early foundations of Christianity. The Scrolls will be shown in a way they have never been seen before, integrating the latest cutting-edge technology that is exposing new secrets being revealed.

Highlights of the exhibit include the Magdala Stone, the Sea of Galilee Boat, often referred to as the "Jesus Boat,” as well as many never-before-toured artifacts.

The Dead Sea Scrolls, believed to date back to around 250 BCE to 68 CE and discovered between 1947 and 1956 in caves near the Dead Sea, are a collection of ancient Jewish manuscripts that have impacted the world’s understanding of history, religion and culture. Many of the scrolls in this rotating exhibit have never been seen outside Israel. Of the first fragments to be displayed are one sheet of the Great Psalms Scroll from Cave 11, dating back to the 1st century CE and written in square Hebrew script, still in use to this day. The exhibit will feature around 200 artifacts from Israel's National Treasures of the Israel Antiquities Authority, including:

● The Magdala Stone, which dates to the Second Temple Period, features intricate carvings of the Temple. These carvings provide insights into the role of synagogues as sacred spaces prior to the Temple's destruction and showcase the earliest known synagogue images of the Temple Menorah.

● The Sea of Galilee Boat, often referred to as the "Jesus Boat," a 1st-century CE fishing boat discovered in 1986 along the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. Unearthed during a severe drought, the reconstruction measures 27 feet in length and 7.5 feet in width and includes wood from the original vessel.

● The Psalm Scroll, the most substantial and well-preserved manuscript of Psalms of the thirty-six discovered in the Qumran caves. The Psalm Scroll is a rare find, as it contains several Psalms not found in the Hebrew Bible. These include two on display, focusing on the greatness of King David. The first focuses on his wisdom, attributing to him the writing of Psalms. The second, told in first person, describes the manner in which David was chosen and anointed as the monarch of Israel.

● Ossuaries, small stone receptacles used for secondary burial. They represent burial practices unique to the Second Temple Jewish population, bearing decorative reliefs and inscriptions. These ossuaries teach us about early Jewish beliefs regarding the afterlife, as well as the importance social structure given to family life and death.

● Objects from Masada, a natural fortress in the Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea, a key site in the struggle between Jewish rebels and the Roman Empire almost two thousand years ago. Items on display include Aramaic, Hebrew and Latin ostraca—small potsherds bearing writing, botanical remains such as pomegranate peels, walnut shells and olive pits; and imported textiles.

● Tyrian shekels, that were minted in Tyre, were the only coin accepted as the annual Temple tax, mentioned in the New Testament, and contributed by males above 20 years old.

This limited-time exhibit is almost two years in the making, curated by Dr. Risa Levitt, Dr. Orit Shamir, Dr. Joe Uziel, and Navit Popovich-Geller. The show is expected to draw visitors from all over the United States, created by the Israel Antiquities Authority from the collections of the National Treasures.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ReaganLibrary.com/DeadSeaScrolls.

Disney Character Display House in Simi Valley Has Retired

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Every year we cover unique, bright and/or particularly entertaining residential holiday displays. See the current year list at THIS LINK.

One such home has been the fun Disney character display at the corner of Timberlane Ave and Fearing St in Simi Valley. It’s a bit out of the way to get to for Conejo Valley residents, but as you can see from the photos before, it has been worth it.

This year, there’s a sign up on the side of the home that reads “The Disney House Has Retired - Thanks for the Memories.” Sad to see it go after all these years, but it is understandable, as it must have been quite a bit of work over the years. Thank you and all local area residents that go the extra mile to make their residences extra fun for the winter holiday season.

Side view of home at Timberlane and fearing in prior years.

Sign up at home in 2023 Christmas Season

Front of Disney home in 2022

Side of Disney home in December 2022.