Artifacts From The Carrie Fisher Collection Arrive At Reagan Library Star Wars Exhibit

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Artifacts from the Carrie Fisher Collection Arrive at Star Wars Exhibit

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library will exhibit original artifacts including the late Princess Leia actress’ iconic metal bikini, leather-bound scripts and director’s chairs

SIMI VALLEY, CA – The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) announces today the arrival of Star Wars artifacts and memorabilia from Carrie Fisher’s private collection. The late actress starred as Princess Leia in Star Wars movies including “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.” These items will be on display at the Reagan Library's latest exhibit, Defending America and the Galaxy: Star Wars and SDI, which explores the overlap between President Reagan’s role in the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) and the Star Wars movie sensation.

The connection between President Reagan and the Star Wars franchise began in March 1983, when he announced plans to develop a space-based missile defense program that could protect the U.S. from nuclear attacks during the Cold War. Due to the program’s futuristic feel, its reliance on space technology and the May 1983 release of “Return of the Jedi,” SDI was dubbed “Star Wars” by Reagan’s opponents and the media. Star Wars has since become associated with SDI and President Reagan’s enduring legacy.

Todd Fisher, Carrie Fisher’s brother, is loaning two dozen items from his family’s personal collection for the Star Wars Exhibit. The loaned items include:

• Carrie Fisher’s infamous metal bikini from “Return of the Jedi,” displayed on a mannequin;
• Carrie Fisher's scripts for “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi,” bound in burgundy leather with still images added in;
• English style director's chair, green and wood fabric with white cover lettered "Carrie Fisher," used on the set of Star Wars and “The Empire Strikes Back;” and
• Maroon director's chair from “Return of the Jedi" lettered "Carrie Fisher" on one side and "STAR WARS THE SAGA CONTINUES" on the other.

The Defending America and the Galaxy: Star Wars and SDI exhibition also includes a variety of Star Wars memorabilia like original concept art, lightsabers, helmets and flight hats. Showcased SDI items include a deactivated ground launched cruise missile and an authentic Command Launch Equipment Console.

“This exhibit is a blend of U.S. politics and the iconic Star Wars universe,” said Melissa Giller, Chief Marketing Officer of the Reagan Library. “Aside from transporting visitors into the world of Star Wars, this exhibit offers a reflection between 1980’s space technologies and serves as a tribute to President Reagan’s lasting impact on national security. It allows us to approach today’s issues from a historical perspective.”

Visitors can purchase their tickets at www.reaganlibrary.com/starwars. Ticket prices for this exhibition are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors, $18 for youth (ages 11-17), and $15 for children (ages 3-10). This exhibition will close on September 8, 2024.

About the Reagan Foundation and Institute

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with advancing his legacy and principles – limited government, individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride. RRPFI is a non-partisan organization which sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, CA, the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, the Presidential Learning Center, The Air Force One Pavilion, the award-winning Reagan Leadership Academy, and the Reagan Institute, which carries out the Foundation’s mission in Washington, D.C.

The Reagan Library houses over 55 million pages of Gubernatorial, Presidential and personal papers and over 60,000 gifts and artifacts chronicling the lives of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. It also serves as the final resting place of America’s 40th President and his First Lady. More information is available at reaganfoundation.org.

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Reagan Library Opens New “Star Wars and SDI: Defending America and the Galaxy” Exhibit

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