Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum
Category: Travel
Located south of Los Angeles in Yorba Linda, California, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum gives visitors a deep dive into the life and career of the 37th President of the United States. Richard Nixon served from January 1969 to August 1974, when he resigned his presidency. The museum is a spotlight on the 1960s, 1970s, and more, bringing visitors into the many accomplishments and also the disgraces of Nixon.
For those who were alive during the Nixon presidency, they might not remember what he accomplished during his time at the White House, and for those who were not alive during those tumultuous years, this place is history unfolding through images, videos, and much more.
A visit to the museum begins with a short film that looks at the life and career of Richard Nixon with brief interviews with those who knew him. After this brief introduction to Richard Nixon, guests travel through the halls as history unfolds on the walls and on videos throughout the location. It is a giant history book of the later part of the 20th century.
Throughout the museum are statues of various world leaders that played a part in the Nixon presidency, as well as models of Washington, D.C., The Supreme Court, The Senate chambers, and the House chambers. There are sets depicting people, places, and events. And at one point if you look up there is a replica of the lunar landing. Richard Nixon was the president when Neil Armstrong first walked on the moon.
Richard Nixon had many accomplishments during his White House years as well as the infamous Watergate chapter in history that has defined his presidency in many ways. Yet, he was responsible for many things that have gone unnoticed over time. During his presidency these were accomplished:
Established Title IX
Established The War on Cancer diverting funds directly to aid researchers in their efforts to find a cure for cancer
Abolished the draft
Established the Clean Air act
Established OSHA
Lowered the voting age to 18
Opened relations with China
Also, during his presidency, the Watergate scandal erupted which eventually led to his resignation. This is all part of the museum and visitors see the timeline of events leading up to his final speech biding his staff “au revoir.” The entire speech is shown on a TV set for visitors to see and hear.
The Vietnam war was also a big part of the Nixon presidency. While he inherited it and campaigned on ending it, there were incidences during his term that would serve to also define his presidency.
The museum includes has a life size replica of the Nixon oval office and is set up as it was during his presidency. Most presidential libraries have replicas of their oval offices. It is a good way to see where he worked and what he saw when he looked out across his big presidential desk. And yes, visitors are encouraged to sit in the chair and become their own president. Well, maybe not their own president but they can see and even feel the weight of the office from behind the large wooden desk. Nixon used the Wilson Desk that was used by President Woodrow Wilson. He decided to use this desk because it was the one he used when he was Vice President under President Eisenhower.
The East Room is replicated at the museum. This enormous room – referred to as East Room West – is where currently stage productions, seminars, and other events are available to the public. The actual East Room in the White House is used for State Dinners and large events.
Guests then exit the museum building and are instantly met by hundreds of roses in the First Lady’s Rose Garden. These colorful flowers line the area en route to the Nixon birthplace. This is the actual house in which Richard Nixon was born. A docent guides guests through a couple of the rooms and imparts stories about the Nixon family. This house has not been moved; this is the actual location of the Nixon house.
Next to the house is a Presidential helicopter used by Richard Nixon as well as several other presidents. The army green color is punctuated by the words “The United States of America” and the Presidential seal is right there by the door. Known now as “Marine One,” it’s impressive and somewhat awe-inspiring to see this machine that played a big part in our history and was essential to several presidents.
Guests can visit the gravesite of both Mrs. Nixon and President Nixon, where they can pay their respects.
When visitors reenter the museum they have the opportunity to purchase memorabilia and books.
A trip to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum is well worth the time. As Nixon said at the opening of the Nixon Library in 1990, “When you go through the Library, I hope you will remember that while the past is interesting, it is important only as it points the way to a better future.”
Richard Nixon might have had his presidency tarnished by Watergate, but learning about him is inspiring in many ways. And he did have a sense of humor, as he demonstrated on an episode of the hit comedy series Laugh In when he joked with the phrase of the time, “Sock it to me.”
No matter your political leanings, visiting this museum is an education and memorable experience.
Check out this brief slideshow of the museum
About the Author
Francine Brokaw writes about books, products, travel, and all aspects of entertainment for over 30 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.