Annual Ronald Reagan birthday party

TAMPICO — The Ronald Reagan Birthplace, in conjunction with the Tampico Area Historical Society, will host the annual Ronald Reagan birthday party on Feb. 6.

In commemoration of the 101st anniversary of the birth of Ronald Reagan, the museums will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with tours throughout the day, along with refreshments (birthday cake) being served.

Ronald Reagan is the only U.S. president born in Illinois. The apartment where he was born has been restored with period furnishings similar to the early 1900's. In addition to a gift shop and museum with early Tampico memorabilia, the First National Bank has been restored with its original fixtures.

The Birthplace Museum (111-113 Main St. in Tampico) is currently open by appointment and will begin weekend hours in March, Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 4 p.m. From April 1 through Oct. 31, the birthplace will be open daily, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. School groups are urged to visit to learn of the early history of President Reagan and what life was like in the early 1900's. Other age groups are welcome as well. Appointments for tours can be made by calling 815-622-8705 or email reaganbirthplace@thewisp.net.

The Tampico Area Historical Museum at 119 S. Main St. has two floors of Tampico area memorabilia and tours of it can be arranged by contacting the same numbers. The Historical website is www.tampicohistoricalsociety.com.