Insider look at Reagan after the White House
Former Reagan assistant and author to speak July 10 at Lincoln Presidential Library
 

[July 06, 2018]    SPRINGFIELD - After leaving the White House, Ronald Reagan met with world leaders, planned his presidential library, wrote his memoirs and slowly succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease.

Peggy Grande was at his side during those years and will discuss them July 10 at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Grande, author of “The President Will See You Now: My Stories and Lessons from Ronald Reagan's Final Years,” served as his assistant for 10 years. From first meeting him to helping coordinate his funeral, Grande offers readers a detailed portrait of Reagan’s personality, drive and impact on others.

“His leadership inspired me, changed me, taught me, and challenged me,” she writes.

Grande will sign copies of “The President Will See You Now” at 6 p.m. Then at 6:30 she will speak and take questions from the audience.

Tickets are $8 for the general public or $5 for members of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation. For tickets, visit www.PresidentLincoln. illinois.gov  and click on “Special Event Reservations.” Tickets can also be purchased at the door, starting at 5:30.

Grande is appearing in conjunction with the special exhibit “From Illinois to the White House: Lincoln, Grant, Reagan, Obama.” The exhibit, presented with assistance from PNC Bank and the John Ullrich Foundation, explores the lives of the four presidents who lived in Illinois.

 Alan Lowe, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, began his career at the Reagan Presidential Library and looks forward to hearing Grande’s observations.

“I was fortunate enough to meet President and Mrs. Reagan many times. They were wonderful people, and I’m excited to hear from someone who worked with President Reagan every day,” Lowe said.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (located at 212 N. Sixth St., Springfield) is dedicated to telling the story of America’s 16th president through old-fashioned scholarship and modern technology.

The library holds an unparalleled collection of Lincoln books, documents, photographs, artifacts and art. The museum uses traditional exhibits, eye-catching special effects and innovative story-telling techniques to educate visitors. It also has some 12 million items pertaining to all aspects of Illinois history.

For more information, visit www. presidentlincoln.illinois.gov

[Christopher Wills]