Ah, those good old days of the Reagan administration! The Newtown Historical Society will take a look at our recent history with a program examining the multi-dimensional Ronald Reagan and his momentous eight years as President, on May 12, at 7.30PM, in the community room of the C H Booth Library, 25 Main Street (route 25), presented by Michael Asselta.

Many of us remember the decade of the 1980s, when Reaganomics ruled the economy. Reagan had parlayed a successful reign as President of the Screen Actors Guild into the governorship of California. From there he was able to leapfrog to the national Communicator, Reagan could meet on good terms with nearly anyone, and he developed personal diplomacy to an art form, even as he pushed the Soviet Union to the brink of breakup by his military spending. His admonition to Soviet Premier Gorbachev on the isolation of Berlin, “Mr. Gorbachev – tear down this wall,” will live forever alongside John Kennedy’s “Ich bin ein Berliner.” Known and elected as a conservative, Reagan ran up budget deficits never seen before; at 69 the oldest person to be elected president, he never lacked for energy in the exercise of office.

Reagan began his public career as a sports broadcaster, covering University of Iowa football games, and gravitated to Hollywood. There, he was in 53 movies, including the Knute Rockne Story, when he gave us one of Hollywood’s most famous lines, “win one for the Gipper.” He was at home in all kinds of films, while his own love of horses made westerns a favorite.

Mike Asselta began his career as a high school history teacher, but moved into the business world, operating a wholesale/retail business on Long Island for over 30 years, all the while maintaining a life-long interest in history. He retired to Sandy Hook, and has pursued his historical interests with a passion, giving lectures at a number of locations in the area. He has made regular appearances speaking on various presidents at the Learning Exchange in Danbury.

All Newtown Historical Society programs are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served following the presentation. For further information, please contact the Society
at 203-426-0864.