Arson Blamed in Illinois Ronald Reagan Museum Fire

An arson fire destroyed some artifacts at Eureka College's Ronald Reagan Museum, but it appeared no critically important pieces were lost, officials said Tuesday.

Oct. 1, 2003

EUREKA, Ill. (AP) -- An arson fire destroyed some artifacts at Eureka College's Ronald Reagan Museum, but it appeared no critically important pieces were lost, officials said Tuesday.

None of the museum's main exhibits were damaged, said Brian Sajko, curator of the museum that honors the college's famous graduate. He said most of the damage was in a locked storage closet where some of the former president's memorabilia was stored.

Eureka Fire Chief Craig Neal said state investigators ruled Monday's fire was set in the storeroom.

A sprinkler system helped quell flames but the fire left smoke and water damage, destroying some trophies, papers and a large portrait of the actor-turned-president, Sajko said.

Of more than 3,000 items in the college's collection, only about 1,000 are on display, including Reagan's 1932 Eureka diploma, an essay he wrote as a student and photos from his acting and political careers.