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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Carol and Captain Certificate
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.

Carol and Captain Certificate

Artifact ID1982.00951.01
Object Type Certificate
Gifter
Maker (Germany)
Gifter
Date 1982
Medium Paper, Ink, Metal, Glass
DimensionsOverall: 31 x 39 1/2 x 2 in. (78.7 x 100.3 x 5.1 cm)
Physical DescriptionA framed certificate lettered in German, “Zur Erinneeung an seinen Besuch in der Bundesrepublik Deutshland vom 9. bis 11. Juni 1982 übergebe ich S.F.Dem Präsidenten derVereingten Staaten von Amerika HERRN RONALD REAGAN zewi Weisskopfseeadler mit den Namen Carol, geboren am 9. April 1982 und Captain, geboren am 10. April 1982" [In memory of his visit to the Federal Republic of Germany from June 9th to 11th, 1982, I present S.F. to the President of the United States of America, Mr. Ronald Reagan zewi Bald Eagles with the names Carol, born April 9th, 1982 and Captain, born April 10th, 1982 2] in white and black. The drop cap Z is a large illuminated letter in gold and white with a colored seal of the US in the center. In the upper right corner of the certificate is a painting of a bald eagle with two chicks in a nest, presumably Carol and Captain. In white letters, "Bonn, im Juni 1982" [Bonn, June 1982] is in the lower left. In the lower right is "[signature] Helmut Schmidt Bundeskanzler der Bundesrepublik Deutschland" [Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany] in white over a clay-colored German seal stamped with an eagle with a double yellow, red, and black ribbon. The certificate is on a charcoal mat and a gold and off-white frame.
Historical NoteThis certificate commemorates the gift of two live bald eagles, which were given to President Ronald Reagan by Helmut Schmidt, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, during President Reagan's first trip to Germany June 3, 1982. The two eagles were named Carol and Captain. Carol was hatched on April 9, 1982 and Captain was hatched on April 10. Captain was sent to the Smithsonian National Zoo and Carol to the Patuxent Wildlife Center in Laurel, MD. Dr. Horst Niesters, director of the animal park in Hellenthal, bred the eagles at their raptor center. In 1980, the park had begun the world's first-ever captive breeding of the bald eagle. The certificate, by artist Conrad Franz, depicts the Presidential Seal, the German seal, and the two baby eagles with their mother.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Foreign Officials (National Archives Identifier 6816364)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Country/CultureGermany
In Collection(s)
Related LinksVideo: Trip to West Germany. President Ronald Reagan Arrives, Greeted by Chancellor Schmidt and Presented with two Bald Eagles at the Chancellery, Bonn June 9, 1982

Photograph: Presentation of gift from the government of the Federal Republic of Germany of two live bald eagles c08578-01   c08593-01   c08594-02  

Photograph: Certificate from government of the Federal Republic of Germany from presentation of two live bald eagles(Captain and Carol) on June 11, 1982, The White House 09/09/1982 c09931-01