I’m taking a break from my usual travels to bring you an inside look at a Southern California, Orange County gem: The Richard Nixon Library and Museum. It might not sound “OC exciting”, but with the new renovations and 70 new exhibits added since 2016, this place is definitely worth a visit or even a re-visit for those locals who have already been.
The Richard Nixon Presidential Library is located in the city of Yorba Linda (North Orange County, California) about a 20-minute drive from Disneyland. There are really four areas of interest: exhibits in the museum building, birthplace and boyhood home, Marine One Helicopter (used by several Presidents), and the beautiful gardens (which were my favorite).
We went on a Sunday and arrived just as it was opening around 11am. Normally you would begin the tour inside the Orientation Theater watching a multimedia presentation about President Nixon and his 50 years of public service. We decided to switch it up and start our tour in the garden before the weather got warm. I’m so glad we did this – we had the garden to ourselves because everyone else started their tour indoors. Even though it is small, the garden is lovely. It includes some of Mrs. Nixon’s favorite flowers (her Rose Garden is among the top five in So. Cal) and the White House Gazebo that Tricia Nixon and Edward Cox were married under in 1971. The final resting place of the President and Mrs. Nixon are also in the Garden.
If you walk past the gardens you come upon a charming little house – President Nixon’s birthplace and boyhood home built by his father in 1912. A knowledgeable docent led us inside and explained the history of the family and pointed out items that were actually used by the Nixon family at the time. I was surprised to learn that almost all items inside are original, including a high chair and various musical instruments once used by the 37th President of the United States!
Behind the quaint home is the permanent landing for the Marine One helicopter that served Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford. Visitors can take photos galore of the outside of the helicopter but photos inside are prohibited (photos everywhere else are allowed, even inside the museum…without flash of course). Even though photos weren’t allowed, we did get to go inside the Marine One Helicopter. It was so surreal walking the same steps President Nixon walked in the 181 missions on this surprisingly small aircraft that served him.
By now it was getting warm outside and so it was nice to proceed with our tour inside the air-conditioned library/museum.
The layout is easy to follow and organized by time period and/or important events. Exhibits are clearly marked with descriptions and historical explanations. Helpful docents walk throughout the exhibits and are happy to answer any questions. One guide noticed I was taking pictures and pointed to the ceiling as she told me to make sure I took a picture of the two astronauts in their original Apollo gear. I was so glad she pointed them out, as my inner-child, I was looking into actual space.
The exhibit galleries begin with the 1960s, showing events leading up to him taking office in 1969 and ending with his younger years. Nixon is often referred to as a “Foreign Policy” President, so many of the exhibits focus on this in a very informative and interesting way, appealing to all age groups. Historical and family photos are scattered throughout which add a nice touch.
Also represented as a key figure and integral part of his life was First Lady Pat Nixon. Of course, her famous dresses were on display, but most importantly, there were displays on her influence on the Nation – in particular women’s rights.
Just for fun, you may take a picture behind the desk in the exact replica of the President’s Oval Office and ride in the same car as the Nixon’s as Grand Marshalls of the Rose Parade. If you can’t get to Berlin to see a piece of the former Wall, there is a section for you to see here (we were in Berlin just a few weeks prior and it was especially significant to see the Wall remnant here as well).
This was definitely a great day trip for my husband and me. There was so much to see but not too much to feel overwhelmed. Remembering all that Nixon had done as President was an impactful experience. We’ve truly had some great Presidents in the past and will have amazing ones in the future. How wonderful we have the opportunity to remember all that has been, is, and will be accomplished.
Admission prices
Adults: $16.00
Seniors: $12.00
Students: $10
Military Active: Free
Children: Free - $10 depending on age
For more information visit the website www.nixonlibray.gov
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