August 13, 2026
Congratulations to Joshua Zimerman for completing the Presidential Passport Program!
Josh started his journey back in 2016. When he realized he had only a handful of Presidential Libraries left to visit, he decided to complete them all in time for the America 250 celebration. Read about his favorites and info about each library below.
Travelers often have to adapt and overcome—and that’s exactly what Josh did to reach his goal! He visited the Nixon Presidential Library for what was supposed to be his final stop. However, the staff member who handles the Presidential Libraries Passport Program was out of the office, and no one else was able to issue him the challenge coin he earned.
Determined to complete his goal before America’s 250th birthday, Josh returned to the Reagan Presidential Library, presented his completed Passport, and received the challenge coin!
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) manages 13 physical Presidential Libraries. NARA created the Presidential Libraries Passport Program in 2011. Travelers can purchase a Presidential Libraries Passport at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., or at any of the libraries for $10 (August 2026) - then begin stamping! The color booklet is a nice collectible with information and pictures of each library. After getting a unique stamp at each library, travelers can present their completed Passport to receive a beautiful challenge coin, like Josh received, to culminate their Presidential Library journey.
It is unknown how many people have completed the Presidential Libraries Passport Program, but it is likely a very small group! Read more about "Presidential" Travel Goals!
On to a second completion!
Josh then visited the newly opened Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, designed, built, and operated by the Obama Foundation. NARA manages the digital library for Obama, the other presidents in the Passport Program, Biden, and President Trump.
While the Obama Presidential Center has not been formally integrated into the active Presidential Passport yet, there is room in the back of the book for additional libraries. Josh was able to write in the Obama Presidential Library and get a stamp at the library, making him the first person to have a completed Passport to Presidential Libraries Book with the newest addition of the Obama Center.
John Roberson, who oversees the Obama Presidential Center, presented Josh with an Obama Foundation Pin to recognize Josh's accomplishment. The All Fifty Club is awaiting a reply from NARA regarding if, when, and how the Obama Center and future libraries will be formally integrated into the Presidential Passport Program and future printed editions of the passport.
Joshua Zimerman’s Favorites from Hoover to Obama
by Joshua Zimerman
1. Ronald Reagan Presidential Library (Tie)
Air Force One, Marine One, amazing customer service, the challenge coin, and the museum’s well-balanced presentation of President Reagan’s life made this my favorite museum.
2. Obama Presidential Center (Tie)
The hospitality, the Sky Room, the civic education exhibits, and the unforgettable pinning ceremony made this an unforgettable experience. While Illinois residents need a valid ID for free admission on Illinois Days, no ID was required for general admission during my visit.
3. George W. Bush Presidential Center
Touching a piece of the World Trade Center, seeing the actual White House Situation Room, and talking with a docent who shared so much history about 9/11 made this museum especially memorable.
4. Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library
LBJ was an interesting guy, and I really enjoyed learning about the Johnson Treatment, his presidency after JFK’s assassination, and seeing the animatronic.
5. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library
The location was beautiful, and I really enjoyed learning more about JFK and his presidency.
6. Harry S. Truman Presidential Library
I really enjoyed learning more about Truman and the enormous decisions he had to make as president.
7. Richard Nixon Presidential Library
I originally ranked this museum much lower because of my initial customer service experience, but my opinion changed significantly after completing the National Archives Presidential Libraries Passport Program. The museum recognized my accomplishment with an official Certificate of Recognition, Recognition Letter, and commemorative challenge coin, and the staff continued to provide prompt, thoughtful, and generous assistance afterward. Combined with the fascinating Watergate exhibits, Marine One, and President Nixon’s boyhood home, those experiences moved the museum into the middle of my rankings and gave me a much greater appreciation for the overall visitor experience.
8. Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library
I enjoyed learning about Eisenhower’s military service and his presidency in one place.
9. William J. Clinton Presidential Library
It was a modern museum with a lot of interesting exhibits and artifacts.
10. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Seeing a piece of the Berlin Wall and learning why President Ford decided to pardon Richard Nixon made this a memorable visit.
11. George H.W. Bush Presidential Library
It was a good museum, and I’d love to go back someday to see the 4141 locomotive that I missed because of the Texas heat.
12. Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library
It was interesting to visit the nation’s first presidential library, but it wasn’t one of my most memorable stops.
13. Jimmy Carter Presidential Library
I enjoyed learning about President Carter’s humanitarian efforts after leaving office and the lasting impact he continued to make.
14. Herbert Hoover Presidential Library
It was an interesting museum that gave me a better appreciation for President Hoover and his place in American history.
Honorable Mention (Not part of Presidential Libraries Passport Program)
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield, Illinois)
Although it wasn’t part of my Hoover-to-Obama journey, the Ghosts of the Library presentation was one of the coolest museum experiences I’ve had, and I highly recommend visiting this museum. The only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned is also just minutes from the museum and is well worth touring, along with his gravesite.
