When people step into the room, they are immediately captivated by the scene before them. Some claw for their cameras while others just stare with gaping mouths and wandering eyes.

Hundreds, sometimes thousands of people, young and old from all walks of life stumble upon this spot every day, immediately identifying it as the place where one of the world’s most powerful people conducts business.

The visitors, clad with brochures and cameras, have found themselves inside the Oval Office of the president of the United States. Well, almost-this one is a life-sized, Reagan-era replica, on display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, an hour’s drive north of the South bay.

“I liked the Oval Office. It was really amazing because you feel like you’re in the real White House,” Vivian Laufer, of Encino, said.

“Even if you have gone on a tour of the White House as I have done before, you don’t’ get to see the Oval Office,” she said.

The Oval Office is one of several exhibits in the museum, located on the same site as Reagan’s presidential library, which is the home to millions of documents, photographs and other official artifacts and information pertaining to Reagan’s two-term administration.

The 100-acre facility is also the gravesite of the president, which overlooks a panoramic view of valleys, hills and the Pacific Ocean. Another exhibit still under construction will feature the old Air Force One, which served the administrations of Nixon through George W. Bush.

“We like bringing our family here because the location is so beautiful. We’re from the Midwest, so when our family comes to visit, it’s a relaxing and peaceful day,” Phyllis Aumend, of Long Beach, said.

“It’s very interesting. I’ve learned a lot about President Reagan and his life. You can tell he really cared about the people.”

In the lobby of the museum, a makeshift memorial has taken shape with old flowers, letters and cards written in the aftermath of Reagan’s death in June.

The Reagan Orientation Theater presents a film that highlights Reagan’s life and career as an actor and politician, his accomplishments and failures, but all in a positive light.

After the film, visitors find themselves in an exhibit called, “Ronald Reagan from childhood to Governor of California.” Here, visitors can learn about Reagan’s career in radio, see actual costumes he wore in movies and view clips of his roles in movies inside a small theater.

“A lot of people seem to like learning about (Reagan’s) early years,” Rose Dugostino, a docent at the museum, said.

“People of every race, creed and walk of life come to visit; Reagan was a well-liked man by people, whether they agreed with him or not,” Dugostino said.

Dugostino remembers the time when she met President Reagan.

“When the library opened, there was a Christmas party for all the employees and docents. He shook hands and talked to everyone; he was wonderful,” Dugostino said.

A replica of Reagan’s childhood kitchen in Dixon, Ill. is on display, as well as pictures and items that include his college yearbook and varsity jacket from Eureka College.

Reagan’s term as governor is also a topic in this exhibit and contains a car he campaigned in and his desk, and dozens of other artifacts pertaining to his time in Sacramento.

The next exhibit, A New Beginning: Early Days in the White House, boasts the accomplishments of Reagan’s presidency, as well as important issues he addressed, including his handling of the aircraft controller’s strike.

Video presentations focus on his ending of the cold war, modernizing the military, the assassination attempt and new precedents in world trade. Also on display is part of the old White House switchboard and the White House situation room table used during his term.

“For me, it’s good to look back in history, when I first started voting. I grew up in the early ’80s. my son Nick wanted to see the museum, so I brought him to see it,” Ron Simonian said.

The last few exhibits focus on Reagan’s wife, Nancy Reagan, the fist lady, and the couple’s ranch near Santa Barbara, Rancho Del Cielo. Ranching equipment and apparel ranging from saddles to belt buckles and guns are on display alongside of pictures of the ranch and Reagan’s Camp David retreat in Maryland.

Visitors can also view dresses that Nancy Reagan wore, a state dinner table complete with china and sports memorabilia given to the Reagan’s as gifts from famous athletes, such as Hank Aaron and Ted Williams.

The exhibits also showcase gifts from famous world leaders and highlights Nancy Reagan’s accomplishments as first lady.

The museum also has a gift shop, restaurant and free parking. Tours may be arranged in advance for groups of 20 or more.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, dedicated in 1991, is one of 13 presidential museums across the country and was built on donated land with private funds at a cost of $40 million.

The facility, maintained by the government through the National Archives, is open every day of the week, with museum hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the research library hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. admission costs $7 for adults, $2 for children ages 11-17, $5 for seniors over the age of 62 and free for children under 11 years old.

For more information, visit their web site at www.reaganlibrary.com or call them at 1-800-998-7641.

Reagan Presidential Library

Over 50 million pages of presdidential papers

Nearly 1.5 million photographs.

Half a million feet of motion pictures film.

Documents from during Reagan’s eight years as California’s governor.

20,500 video tapes sand 25,000 audio recordings.

10,000 volumes of books and other publications.

Source: Reagan Presidential Library and Museum Brochure