Richard Nixon Presidential Library

Where the Reagan Library was a tribute to life of Reagan, the Nixon Library is a more balanced presentation of the man and his role in history.

The library is located in Yorba Linda on the farm once owned by his parents.

The original family home built in 1920 is still there for touring.

It includes many of the original furnishings including the bed in which Nixon was born and the piano where he learned to play.

A doll-house size model is near the entry to the library.

We began the tour with a movie that explains changes in the library including the addition of the Watergate Wing. Nixon’s philosophy of “never giving up” runs through the film and the exhibits. The film is a preview of the chronological exhibits as guests move through the museum starting with his election to Congress and membership on the House Un-American Activities Committee and culminating with his Presidency.

It also lists his accomplishments including going to China, naming the first woman to the Supreme Court, establishment of the EPA and support of Israel during the Yom Kippur War.

His famous and infamous speeches are presented as broadcasts on 1950s through 1970s vintage televisions reminding us of when we first heard them.

We enjoyed reliving the Kennedy-Nixon debates which are shown on a 50s style television. It was wonderful to see the candidates actually giving informed answers to the questions rather than a canned speech response.

The World Leaders exhibit has life-size bronze statues of such figures as Kruschev, Mao, and Churchill. Sadat and Meir are posed as if in conversation.

Displays around the room are filled with some of the beautiful gifts presented to the President and First Lady.

Anna Lee talked with visitors from China on their reaction to the exhibit on opening relations with their country. They, of course, affirmed the accuracy of the presentation.

Pat Nixon is honored with an exhibit on her role as Ambassador of Goodwill.

The newly opened Watergate exhibit pulls no punches.

Actually recordings from the notorious Oval Office tapes tell of his anti-Semitism, his knowledge of the coverup, Washington Post reports, and comments from investigators and judges. This library fills its roll as repository of the history of the later half of the 20th century.

Near the home is the burial site for Richard and Pat.

The 1961 Sikorsky King helicopter used by Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford is open for touring.

We recommend a visit to both of these Presidential Libraries. Reagan’s offers the unique opportunity to walk on Air Force One but Nixon’s gives a less biased view of his history.