Sunday, March 22nd ~ Yorba Linda, California

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

Only a 25 minute drive from Disneyland, you can travel from a world of fantasy to one of honesty, deception and sometimes harsh realities.

The Richard Nixon Library is located in Yorba Linda California on the former site of the Nixon families citrus farm. Here you will find the repository of both the personal and political memorabilia that traces the life of one of our most controversial presidents

President Richard and Pat Nixon

Often the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about President Nixon is the Watergate scandal that eventually led to his resignation from office on August 9th, 1974. There is an entire section devoted to the events that led up to this disgrace, the wire tapping, and the missing tapes. It was not candy coated. 

An entire section was devoted to the Watergate scandal

For anyone too young to remember the Watergate scandal, you can click here for a brief synopsis of the events. Or for a more detailed explanation click here.

But there was so much more to this man and his time in office. Come and see for yourself the exhibits that showcase his background as a lawyer, a naval officer in World War II, and then a political journey from congressman, senator, Vice President and eventually the 37th President of the United States.

When he was Vice President under Dwight Eisenhower, he traveled to Moscow where he met with Soviet Premier Khrushchev and established a trade agreement.

World leaders that Nixon considered the most influential of our time

(Just an aside, these are life-size statues of the world leaders, I did not realize that Nikita Khrushchev was only five foot four inches tall.)

Running for President in 1960, he was defeated by JFK in the closest election in US history, losing by only 113,000 votes. His backers wanted a recount, but he declined stating that it would be too costly and detrimental to this country.

During his time as President (elected in 1968 and reelected in 1972), Nixon dealt with the war in Vietnam as well as stateside protests to that war. He took a historic trip to China and opened a dialog with one of our political adversaries.

Apollo 11 landed on the moon.

Recreation of his office

He achieved peaceful desegregation of schools in seven Southern states and established the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in 1970.

In 1971 he launched the War on Cancer, creating the National Cancer Centers.

Returning to Moscow in 1972, he signed the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT) with Soviet General Secretary Brezhnev. And in 1973 he flew to Paris for the signing of the Paris Peace Accords which ended the war in Vietnam.

Presidential Car

During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, he supported Israel with aid which Prime Minister Golda Meir said saved her country.

After resigning his presidency in 1974, he went on to write 10 best-selling books on domestic and foreign affairs.

President Nixon died in 1994 and is buried on the property next to the home he was born in back in 1913. His wife, Pat, had died the year before and is buried beside him.

Burial site for both President and Mrs Nixon

There are also displays that chronicle key social and economic accomplishments during the 20th century including the battle for civil rights, gay rights, women’s lib movement and major environmental issues and first energy crisis.

Richard Nixon was on the cover of Time Magazine more than anyone else in history – 54 times.

Time Magazine covers

On the property is the original home that Richard Nixon was born in. We took a brief tour through the home that has been carefully and accurately restored.

Birthplace home of Richard Nixon

Interior of Richard Nixon’s birthplace

Kitchen interior

Stove in the kitchen

Gardens and grounds

Exterior gardens and reflection pond

Flower gardens

Also on site is Marine 1, the helicopter he used during his presidency.

Marine 1 whenever the President was on board and it was flown by a Marine pilot

Interior of the helicopter

Gratitude Moment: Today I am grateful that we have the freedom to look at our government, and our leaders, warts and all. I am also thankful that despite the failings, he can also be remembered for other accomplishments.

Bust of Richard M Nixon

“Seeking to forget makes exile all the longer; the secret of redemption lies in remembrance.” Richard von Weizsaecker

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our blog. Your input and comments are welcome. We would love you to join us on our travels as we explore one place at a time.