Ronald Reagan Presidential Library adds 250 Apple iPod touch ‘tour guides’

13 years ago

“The mission-style building that houses the recently renovated Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library in Simi Valley, Calif., perches atop a bluff with spectacular views that conjure up the dozens of Westerns that Reagan the actor shot on location,” Kelly DiNardo reports for The Washington Post. “But what’s most in keeping with the 40th president’s first career can be found inside: elaborate interactive programming that brings the Gipper to life.”

“The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation has orchestrated a $15 million renovation to be unveiled in a private ceremony as part of Reagan’s 100th birthday celebration Sunday. It will open to the public Monday,” DiNardo reports. “Several weeks ago, as electricians still tinkered, I previewed the museum with Rob Bauer, director of external affairs. The exhibits still trace Reagan’s life from his childhood to his years as a lifeguard through his careers as a sports announcer, actor, governor of California and president.”

“With all due respect to Bauer, however, the true charmer is his partner on our tour: an iPod touch. In addition to 180 video screens, two teleprompters and a green screen, the museum now features 250 of the patent-pending devices to lead you through the displays,” DiNardo reports. “The iPod touch provides the audio tour, giving background at specifically designated spots. More interestingly, it allows me to take photos and video as I wander through the museum.”

DiNardo reports, “I finish the tour, thank Bauer and return the iPod touch. But it’s not over. Within hours, I have an e-mail from the museum with a link to a Web page housing my personal media library of all the pictures and videos I took on my visit. From here, I can download my tour or share it through Facebook and Twitter. An endless encore for my trip.”