Today’s blog is a guest post from our Intern Victoria exploring the staff in the National Archives and Records Administration office at the Reagan Presidential Library.
Here at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum we have an incredible staff that brings to life all of the fun and engaging exhibits you see every year. From the Disney Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives to our current Vatican Splendors exhibits, we at the Reagan enjoy time and time again putting together fantastic exhibits that not only excite our guests but also allow them to learn more about our fortieth president. Through this series we will dive into our curatorial and archivist staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring our guests not only our interesting exhibits but also our permanent museum that highlights former President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan.
Rob Zucca was instrumental in rebuilding the White House Situation Room at the Reagan Presidential Library with the original materials taken directly from the White House.
Rob Zucca is our Exhibit Specialist and works on projects for the entire museum. Some of these projects include the new Situation Room Experience and The Discovery Center as well as all the exhibits you see here when you visit. Rob has been with the Reagan for 15 years now and comes from an architectural background. When asked exactly what an Exhibit Specialist does Rob explains that it is different every day. From collaborating with the other curatorial staff to helping figure out a maintenance problem, the exhibit specialist has a wide range of knowledge that is vital to the museum’s success.
Besides the exhibits in the main museum, Rob has also assisted the Education Department in their school programs such as the Discovery Center and the brand new Situation Room Experience. Both are engaging and exciting programs, the Discovery Center being for 5-8 grade and the Situation room being for high school and college students, to assist the students in learning about President Reagan and government through leadership roles. Rob as a matter of fact won an award for his work in the Situation Room while I was interviewing him.
When asked about his role Rob explained it is different every day and he enjoys the challenges that come with the position. The exciting part is people he gets to interact with and the items he has the ability to work with. An example would be above Rob’s desk is a picture of himself with former President George W. Bush. He described to me how met President Bush at an event and even had the former President mention him in a speech at the same event. Events like that are what help inspire Rob in his work. Together with the other members of the curatorial team Rob plays an important role in bringing to life the incredible works of our former president and first lady.
