Massive Loss of Reagan Library Artifacts
In a cautionary tale of government disorganization and inadequate standards, security and funding, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is missing a massive number of artifacts.
A recent audit “found that the Reagan library was unable to properly account for more than 80,000 artifacts out of its collection of some 100,000 such items, and ‘may have experienced loss or pilferage the scope of which will likely never be known,’ ” reports the Los Angeles Times in a lengthy article that discusses the situation in detail.
Although other presidential libraries also have had problems keeping track of their holdings and have experienced thefts, these issues are more severe at the Reagan library than anywhere else, according to the newspaper. It notes that the theft of historical objects from libraries in general has been a serious problem throughout the country in recent years.
“This report is a wake-up,” says Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), who sought the presidential libraries audit. “These papers, records and other items have historical value and should be safeguarded for the education and benefit of future generations of Americans.”
A National Archives spokeswoman says it is working to correct the situation at the Reagan library.
