A 5-year-old presidential history buff got a once-in-a-lifetime surprise during a spring break visit to The Carter Center in Atlanta.
Ryan, who went viral after his Jimmy Carter-themed fifth birthday party, traveled from New Jersey with his family expecting a regular tour. Instead, they were invited to meet members of the Carter family and explore areas not typically open to the public, including offices and living spaces used by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter.
During the visit, Ryan toured exhibits and saw a replica of the Oval Office desk, complete with carved initials. "I am so excited. It's Jimmy Carter day," Ryan said.
His mother said Ryan hopes to follow in Carter's footsteps someday and has already participated in service work, including helping build a playhouse for Habitat for Humanity. The family continued their Atlanta trip with stops at a Braves game and the Georgia Aquarium.
