For those who thought President Ronald Reagan’s story had already been told, the Reagan Library has found more to tell and better ways to do it.

Which is why the museum on the hill has embarked on a yearlong renovation project that will gut most of its galleries—excluding the Oval Office and Air Force One Pavilion—in order to deliver a more interactive and in-depth retelling of Reagan era history.

And it’s also the reason the library opened a temporary exhibit late last month showcasing several artifacts and presidential gifts never before seen by the public.

Aptly titled “A Sneak Preview,” the exhibit offers a first glimpse at some of the objects that will be used to tell more of the former commander in chief’s life story and his impact on the world when the museum’s galleries are renovated over the next year.

Phase 1 of the renovation got under way last month and includes reworking the temporary galleries, relocating the museum store and redoing the admissions lobby.

The second phase includes remodeling the original galleries and begins in March. During construction the library will remain open and visitors will still be able to see Air Force One, the Oval Office, the Berlin Wall and the grave site.

The new exhibition spaces will feature many of the items on display in the “sneak peak” as well as memorabilia still stored in the library’s archives. The revamped galleries will open to the public a year from today, on Feb. 5, 2011—the day before Reagan’s 100th birthday.

Library director Duke Blackwood said the teaser is just a sampling of what’s to come at the museum.

“This is a great way to educate and excite the visitor.”

Blackwood said extensive research and the close study of Reagan’s handwritten diaries have revealed much more about the 40th president’s life and works than was known when the library opened.

“When the library first opened in 1991, he had only been out of office for a couple years. So history was not really understood or being written,” Blackwood said. “Now we have a better understanding after nearly 20 years, and so these objects will help tell the story—for example, of the relationship President Reagan had with many foreign dignitaries.”

“A Sneak Preview” contains six themed areas: “Western and Cowboy,” “Iconic,” “President Reagan’s Funeral,” “Presidential Gifts: Heads of State and International,” “Presidential Gifts: Firearms and Ceremonial Swords” and “Presidential Gifts: Crystal and China.”

Circling the room, a visitor will see a gold-plated and rhinestone-encrusted Arabian saber, a pair of silver spurs from the president of Brazil, a gold falcon pitcher with feathers tipped in amethyst and a Soviet AK-47 assault rifle that was given to Reagan after it was captured during the Grenada Rescue Mission in 1983.

Gift giving is a traditional act of diplomacy, and each item Reagan received stands as a testament to the personal and international friendships he forged.

In addition, presidential gifts are a visitor favorite.

“People always ask about the gifts, so this will give us more opportunity to share these gifts he received from people or heads of state,” said Judy Shoemaker, a Camarillo resident and docent for 11 years. “They help people understand how different countries thought of America, especially President Reagan, how they really admired him.”

Also on display are the leather saddlebags that carried the “football”—the briefcase of nuclear codes—while Reagan was horseback riding at Rancho del Cielo as well as a pair of .45-caliber model 1873 Colt single-action Army revolvers with pearl handles that the president owned.

One of the most powerful pieces in the exhibit is the blue suit Reagan was wearing the day of the March 1981 assassination attempt.

The suit, which was cut off the president at the hospital, has never before been on view. Though it’s kept under low lighting, it’s possible to spy the bullet hole if one looks carefully.

In a case across from the suit another emotional display contains the condolence book from Reagan’s funeral—turned to the page signed by Margaret Thatcher—as well as the boots that were placed backwards in the stirrups of the riderless horse.

Greg Small of Denver, Colo., visited the library for the first time Jan. 25, the day “A Sneak Preview” opened. He was impressed by the new exhibit.

“It’s gorgeous. . . . The things that were given to him are just unbelievable,” he said. “The workmanship, the quality and the thought. It’s truly remarkable.”

Small said Reagan was the first president he ever voted for and the entire museum reminded him of the “juggernaut” that Reagan was.

“You tend to forget about all the accomplishments . . . even before he became the greatest president,” Small said. “He had a full life before . . . and then the amazing things he did as our president is just icing on the cake.”

“A Sneak Preview” will be open until June. A White House Miniature exhibit will open March 15.

The museum at 40 Presidential Drive in Simi Valley is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

General admission is $12; for seniors 62 and over, $9; for children 11-17, $6; and free for children 10 or younger.

For more information, call (800) 410-8354 or visit http://reaganlibrary.com.