30 MILLION VIEWS IN 2024
Using Social Media to Advance Our Mission
From the Chairman
This April marks 30 years since the passing of President Richard Nixon. The profound impact he had in remaking America’s standing in the world during his 50 years in the political arena is widely felt today. I am not alone in wishing that President Nixon could offer his clear-eyed analysis of the many foreign policy challenges we face across the world today.
It is President Nixon’s legacy of service and strategic thought that drives the educational work of the Richard Nixon Foundation, as you will see in the pages of this magazine.
President Nixon lived a life of service; he spent four years on active duty in the U.S. Navy and another 20 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve, he was elected to both Houses of Congress and served as VPOTUS and POTUS. After leaving the White House, he spent the rest of his life advising his successors from both parties.
The Nixon Foundation promotes service as part of its efforts to reacquaint students and the broader community with American civics. This Spring, we partnered with the George W. Bush Presidential Center to display at the Nixon Presidential Library 66 inspirational portraits of service members painted by President Bush. We had the honor of welcoming President Bush to Yorba Linda to open the Portraits of Courage exhibition. My fellow Foundation Director, Lisa Argyros, and I presented President Bush with the Richard Nixon Architect of Peace Award for his work combating HIV/AIDS in Africa.
I am pleased to announce that the Foundation’s annual Grand Strategy Summit will take place in Washington, D.C. on September 25, 2024 — less than six weeks before the presidential election. We will bring together thought-leaders, strategists and policymakers to give their interpretation of “the Nixonian long view” of America’s role in the world. We invite you to join us. You can sign up to attend online at nixonfoundation.org.
All of the Nixon Foundation’s important programs, inspiring exhibits and educational initiatives would not be possible without our members. Please accept my sincere gratitude for your support!
Very truly yours,
ROBERT C. O’BRIEN, CHAIRMAN
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robert C. O’Brien, Chairman
Charlie Zhang, Treasurer
Lisa Argyros
James Byron
John H. Carley
Christopher Nixon Cox
Tricia Nixon Cox
Steven L. Craig
Monica Crowley
Julie Nixon Eisenhower
Melanie Eisenhower
Callista Gingrich
Hugh Hewitt
Lawrence M. Higby
Ming Hsieh
Blake Kernen
Bobbie Greene Kilberg
William Kilberg
Marlene Malek
James Mazzo
Maureen Drown Nunn
John Rakolta, Jr.
Geoff Shepard
J. Peter Simon
Daniele Struppa
David Tukey
DIRECTORS EMERITUS
Everett Alvarez, Jr.
George L. Argyros
James H. Cavanaugh
Barbara Hackman Franklin
Gavin S. Herbert, Sr.
Tod R. Hullin
Kenneth L. Khachigian
Richard (Sandy) Quinn
Ronald H. Walker
Pete Wilson
James Byron, President & CEO
Carrie Anderson, Editor
Joe Lopez, Executive Editor
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
JUNE
22 Title IX 5K Run/Walk
8:00 AM
Lace up for the annual NIXON 5K FOR TITLE IX. Accessible for runners of all ages! Following the race, guests are invited to stop by the vendor fair in the Library parking lot!
JULY
23 Meet Ken Khachigian
7:00 PM
Join Ken Khachigian, veteran of nine presidential campaigns, as he debuts his gripping memoir Behind Closed Doors: In the Room with Reagan & Nixon.
30 Meet David Petraeus
JULY
4 Celebrate Independence Day
7:00 PM
Former CIA Director and commander of U.S.-led coalitions in Iraq and Afghanistan, General David Petraeus will discuss his book Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine.
AUGUST
6 New Pat Nixon Biography Launch
7:00 PM
Join historian, biographer and exhibit curator Heath Hardage Lee as she launches her new biography The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon.
SEPTEMBER
25 Grand Strategy Summit
Join us in Washington DC for the annual policy conference.
President Bush Honored at Nixon Library at Evening Dedicated to Advancing American Civics
On Wednesday, March 13, the Richard Nixon Foundation welcomed President George W. Bush to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library to open the special exhibit, Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors.
The dinner honoring President Bush was chaired by Lisa Argyros and raised funds to support the Nixon Foundation’s American Civics Campaign—a strategic initiative to teach American history and civics to middle and high school students. President Bush appeared in-conversation in the Nixon Library’s White House East Room with Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien, Chairman of the Richard Nixon Foundation’s Board of Directors and 27th U.S. National Security Advisor.
Other notable guests included the 36th Governor of California Pete Wilson; Christopher Nixon Cox, eldest grandson of President and Mrs. Nixon; former U.S. Ambassador to Spain George L. Argyros; and nationally syndicated radio host Hugh Hewitt
Lisa Argyros and Jim Byron, President and CEO of the Richard Nixon Foundation, presented President Bush with the Architect of Peace Award, for protecting the United States in the aftermath of 9/11 and for beginning the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has saved an estimated 25 million lives.
Musical performances for the evening were provided by OC Music and Dance and Chapman University. A Joint Services United States Military Color Guard honored our country with the presentation of colors.
Opposite: President George W. Bush met with two of the veterans he painted for the Portraits of Courage exhibit including Daniel Casara, pictured here in front of his portrait.
with Ambassador Robert C. O'Brien.
Before the dinner, President Bush toured Portraits of Courage with two of the veterans he painted, Sergeant Daniel Casara and Specialist Alexander Glenn-Camden. The portraits —and inspiring stories— of these two Southern California veterans are among those featured in the stirring exhibit of 66 full color portraits and a four-panel mural of 98 service members and veterans who have served in the United States Military since 9/11. As their stories unfold, visitors encounter the faces and the hearts of those who answered the nation’s call and learn of their bravery on the battlefield, their journey to recovery, and the continued leadership and contribution they make as civilians.
Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors was on exhibit for a limited time, closing on May 19, 2024. The collection of portraits was on loan from The Ambassador and Mrs. George L. Argyros Collection of Presidential Art at the George W. Bush Presidential Center and on exhibit for the first time on the West Coast thanks to the generosity of Lisa Argyros/Argyros Family Foundation.
With Special Thanks to the Dinner Leadership
:
CHAIR
Lisa Argyros
HONORARY CHAIRS
Tricia Nixon Cox and Edward F. Cox
Christopher Nixon Cox
Julie Nixon Eisenhower and David Eisenhower
Melanie Eisenhower
The Honorable Newt Gingrich and The Honorable Callista Gingrich
The Honorable and Mrs. Robert C. O’Brien
The Honorable and Mrs. Pete Wilson STATESMEN SPONSORS
Barbara and Alex Bowie
Margo and John Catsimatidis
Chapman University
Shaun and Leland Smith
Ling and Charlie Zhang
DIPLOMAT SPONSORS
Ellen and Charles Keller
Pat and Bill Podlich
ENVOY SPONSORS
Banc of California
Dorothy Bendetti
The Honorable and Mrs. James H. Cavanaugh
Victoria and Michael Crow
Massy Farzine
Ginny and Dave Hanna
Doy Henley
The Honorable and Mrs. Lawrence M. Higby
Patricia Houston
The Honorable and Mrs. Ken Khachigian
Jolynn and Patrick Mahoney
Kelly and James Mazzo
Pam and Alexander Munro and Gwynn Sharpe
Trish O’Donnell
Richard (Sandy) Quinn
Ana and Oliver Schwab
The Nixon Society
The Honorable and Mrs. Bruce Whelihan
President Bush stands with Army veteran Alexander Glenn-Camden in front of the portrait he painted of him.
President Bush with Ambassador George L. Argyros, his U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain and the Principality of Andorra.
Recognizing Breakthroughs in the Conquest of Cancer
The inaugural Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach Award was conferred on January 17, 2024 at the Nixon National Cancer Conference. The awardee, Dr. William W. Li, is an innovative thinker, a groundbreaking researcher, and a charismatic communicator who harnesses social media to make healthy lifestyle habits accessible and practical. He has participated in the Nixon National Cancer Conference every year so far and served on the conference’s 2024 steering committee.
As a physician-scientist at the Dartmouth Medical School, as Chief Executive Officer, President, and Medical Director of the non-profit Angiogenesis Foundation and as a New York Times bestselling author and speaker, Will Li truly changes lives, prolongs lives, and saves lives.
While many innovative researchers foster progress by thinking outside the box, Will Li thought of an entirely new box by seeing food as medicine.
Above: Dr. William Li delivering acceptance remarks after receiving the Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach Award at the 2024 Nixon National Cancer Conference.
‘‘ I'm especially honored to be here for the third time at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library for the Nixon National Cancer Conference. This distinguished forum continues President Nixon's legacy authorizing our nation's war on cancer, and gives us a chance to reflect on the breakthroughs of the past and gives us a chance to envision and dream about the breakthroughs of tomorrow in the conquest of cancer.”
– from Dr. Li’s acceptance remarks
Four interesting and informative panels convened on January 18, 2024 to explore the latest developments in cancer care and research.
Precision Oncology: Tailored Care for Better Outcomes
Delved into precision oncology and targeted therapies, where experts explore the personalized approach to transforming treatment strategies for better patient outcomes.
AI Revolution in Oncology: Transforming Care
Surveyed the multifaceted role of AI in the field of oncology and the promising solutions it offers for early detection, treatment planning, predictive analytics, and enhancing oncology care.
Navigating the Patient Journey: Insights and Impact
Brought together a diverse group to explore the patient’s perspective, emphasizing the significance of patient-centric approaches in oncology care.
The Gut Microbiome in Oncology: A Catalyst for Research and Innovation
Explored the burgeoning field of gut biome research in oncology, uncovering how the microbiome shapes cancer development, influences treatment responses, and ultimately impacts patient outcomes.
The luncheon keynote featured a discussion between Joan Lunden, award-winning journalist, author and breast cancer survivor, and Dr. Julie Louise Gerberding, President and CEO of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health.
With grateful thanks to those who made possible the 2024 Nixon National Cancer Conference.
TITLE SPONSOR
PRESENTING SPONSORLUNCH SPONSOR
Additional funding provided by
Celebrating Ellen Sigal and Marlene Malek's Commitment to Cancer Care and Research
Congratulations to NNCC Steering Committee
Members Ellen V. Sigal, PhD, and Marlene A. Malek, RN on receiving the 2024 Director’s Champion in Research Award from Georgetown Lombardi. Dr. Sigal and Mrs. Malek were honored as the co-founders of Friends of Cancer Research, an organization that is instrumental in the creation and implementation of policies ensuring patients receive the best treatments in the fastest and safest way possible.
Above: Dr. Louis Weiner, Director of Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center presenting the award to Dr. Ellen Sigal and Marlene Malek.
Co-presented by:
Exploring Barrier-Breaking Advancements for Women
On March 15, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum and the Richard Nixon Foundation partnered to host the women’s history symposium, Celebrating Women’s Impact. This unique gathering brought together the people who made history with people who study it to explore the post-war 20th-century advancements in the role of women in government.
The symposium was a keystone event of Women’s History Month programming of both the National Archives and Records Administration and the Richard Nixon Foundation and held the day before the anniversary of First Lady Pat Nixon’s 112th birthday.
A special message from Dr. Colleen Shogan, the first woman appointed Archivist of the United States, kicked off the program.
Attendees then heard from the woman President Nixon hired to recruit more females into government, former Secretary of Commerce Barbara Franklin.
Four panels were then held that explored how the Nixon administration advanced women. A select group of panelists had spent the week researching the archival holdings of both the National Archives and Nixon Foundation and presented their latest findings to
Reflecting on her work in the Nixon administration, Secretary Franklin remarked, ‘‘Barriers were broken. And happily they stayed down in the coming years.”
Continuing, she concluded, ‘‘Because the President of the United States, in this case President Richard Nixon, did what he did, a cultural change began to move women’s equality forward faster.”
light on the emerging role of women in government and culture during the second half of the twentieth century.
Secretary Franklin Donates Rare Nixon Campaign Button, a Piece of Political Women’s History, to the Smithsonian
During the Presidential campaign season of 1972, Barbara Hackman Franklin, Staff Assistant to President Nixon charged with implementing the President’s mandate to bring more women into the federal government had the idea for a campaign button – NIXON with the female symbol through the O – to underscore the advances for women the President had initiated. She sent her idea to a staff member of the Committee to Reelect the President who had a limited number of the buttons made. Franklin gave some of the buttons to George H.W. Bush, then US Ambassador to the United Nations. He sent her a handwritten note, thanking her for the “absolutely essential buttons”. That handwritten note, along with the campaign button, was recently donated to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History by Secretary Franklin. Both items will be included in the museum’s permanent political button collection. This campaign button represents a proud chapter of women’s history. In the early 1970s in the Nixon administration, barriers were broken in the Executive Branch when women were placed in jobs no woman had held before. The numbers of women in policy-making positions nearly quadrupled. Those barriers stayed broken and succeeding Administrations built on this progress. This effort rippled through our society and opened new opportunities for women in many fields. These advances were triggered because a President pushed for the advancement of women in the federal government in the 1970s, at a time when there was not a consensus in the US about the appropriate role for women.
Top: Secretary Barbara Franklin reflected on the barrier-breaking advancements for women achieved by President Nixon. Bottom: Archivist of the United States, Dr. Colleen Shogan, delivered special opening remarks.
2024 Social Media Highlights Increasing Engagement and Expanding Reach
So far in 2024, the Richard Nixon Foundation’s social media channels are experiencing unprecedented growth. Harnessing these tools allows the Foundation to reach new audiences that extend across generations and geographies.
Instagram: A social media tool that allows us to connect with people from all around the world and further Richard Nixon's legacy. This social tool is more focused on photos and video clips, known as reels, that provide audiences who may not know much about President Nixon the opportunity to hear him in his own words. Reels have a maximum time limit of 90 seconds, so the Foundation’s
4.8 million views Instagram reels
social media team sifts through the archives for sound bites and footage that resonate today.
Our highest performing reel to date is former President Nixon with Ted Koppel on relations between the U.S. and Israel with a total of 2.7 million views.
Our audience is continually growing and expanding to international viewers, with large segments of interest Tehran and Europe.
GAINED
11,000 followers
Reached 1.1 million accounts
FUN FACT: Among our highest performing VIDEOS is a clip from Ted Koppel’s 1992 interview with President Nixon for Nightline. It has over 2.7 million views.
X (formerly known as Twitter): A source of breaking news and go-to for political analysis. X is a place to engage with media figures and political influencers in a geopolitical environment. Through the use of videos of archival footage and video snippets from our programs that focus on Richard Nixon's grand strategy, X is a place for the Nixon Foundation to enter the foreign policy conversation and showcase President Nixon’s foresight and continued relevance.
1,369,882 impressions
Our most viewed post is a video clip of former President Nixon as a guest on "Inside Washington" on March 20, 1992 discussing the futures of Russia and China. This video clip has 3 million impressions and was the subject of a news article in Politico.
X was purchased by Elon Musk in 2022.
24,671 total LIKES
1,000 followers GAINED
FUN FACT: By tagging other accounts of partners and collaborators on X, our messaging extends even further and gains followers from new segments of the social media platform.
YouTube is an online video sharing platform with more than 2.5 billion monthly users.
This platform features both long and short form video content. We use it to share our Distinguished Speaker series events live to a global audience, create playlists of our policy conferences, and feature archival videos. YouTube Shorts features short-form video (60 seconds or less) and is optimized for mobile viewing.
YouTube is the 2nd most visited website in the world.
33.7 million views
GAINED 86.4K subscribers
155,500,000 impressions
Watch time 575,401 HOURS
FUN FACT: The largest demographic of viewers on the Nixon Foundation YouTube channel is aged 18–34 years (31.0% of total viewers)
Top Political Podcast Tapes Nixon Library Special Feature
Comfortably Smug, best known for being a co-host of the highly-rated political podcast Ruthless, recently made a special visit to the Nixon Library. This was the political analyst’s first visit to a presidential library and it was a tour to remember.
As a special content release, the Ruthless podcast team shared a video of Smug’s Nixon Library tour for their 16K plus YouTube subscribers. Expanding the reach of the release, the video was announced to podcast listeners on January 9th, 2024 — President Nixon's birthday.
Over 70,000 listeners download the Ruthless podcast each week.
Watch here
Above left: Comfortably Smug seated at the desk in the Oval Office on his Nixon Library tour.
Right: Jim Byron, President and CEO of the Nixon Foundation, in the China section of the museum galleries on his tour with Comfortably Smug.
Richard Nixon Foundation now produces Podcasts
Nearly 100 million American adults listen to podcasts on a weekly basis according to Edison Research’s 2024 Infinite Dial report. This growing medium is a way to reach people across audiences— anytime, anywhere.
In 2023, the Richard Nixon Foundation partnered with Foundwave Productions to develop an original podcast docuseries as part of the 50th anniversary commemoration of the repatriation of the American POWs from the Vietnam War. The result was CAPTURED: Shot Down in Vietnam — a 10-part serialized documentary podcast covering the Vietnam Prisoner of War crisis like never before.
CAPTURED Podcast Highlights
In honor of Ross Perot, Sr. • Sponsored by In-N-Out Burger
• Nearly 40,000 downloads
• 96+% completion rate for each episode. This means a high level of engagement. When a listener starts an episode, they finish it.
• More than 100 5-star ratings
Reviewers say…
‘‘ From the first minute of the first episode, I was hooked.”
‘‘I laughed, I cried and got goosebumps.”
Meet the Producer
‘‘...this series is captivating and will leave you in awe of these brave men.”
Tyler Russell McCusker, the producer of CAPTURED, worked in corporate and public radio for 15 years before starting Foundwave Productions. His goal is to take the high standard of storytelling and on-air personality that you find in radio and translate that to the podcast space, in consumable, shorter episodes. Tyler was recently placed on the “40 Under 40” list by Podcast Magazine. In 2022, he was the recipient of a Distinguished Alumni award from Chapman University.
‘‘ I did know about the Nixon Library before CAPTURED, but I didn't know how much I would fall in love with your facility, your museum, your staff, and, of course, Mr. Nixon himself.”
— Tyler Russell McCusker
Coming in August 2024 – a new docuseries podcast from the Nixon Foundation and Foundwave that weaves together archival materials and new, first-hand interviews with alternate history ‘‘what-if” scenarios. More to be announced soon.
Binge the Podcast Available on all podcast platforms
Ken Khachigian—trusted adviser and speechwriter to Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan—Launching Memoir at the Nixon Library
He wrote many of the most recognizable presidential speeches as the Cold War came to an end. His opinions have been sought by some of the most powerful leaders in the world and he was an insider to the 20th century’s greatest historical moments. He may not have a household name, but he worked closely with two American presidents, strategized for two Governors of California and participated in nine presidential campaigns.
You don’t want to miss the opportunity to hear from Ken Khachigian on July 23 at the Richard Nixon Library as he shares untold stories from his new memoir, Behind Closed Doors: In the Room with Reagan & Nixon. Taking readers into the Oval Office, aboard Air Force One and up to Camp David, Khachigian shares
personal moments from his private diaries, secret memos and contemporaneous notes.
Khachigian worked on Richard Nixon’s 1968 presidential campaign and subsequently reported as a research assistant to domestic policy chief Alan Greenspan. From 1970 to 1974 he served as Staff Assistant and Deputy Assistant to the President for communications, politics, and speechwriting. When Nixon returned to San Clemente, he asked Khachigian to join as editorial consultant and personal assistant for the preparation of his Memoirs and to coordinate research for the historic televised interviews with David Frost. Khachigian was portrayed by actor Gabriel Jarret in the motion picture, “Frost/Nixon.”
President Nixon with his post-presidential staff in San Clemente, CA. L-R: Jack Brennan, Frank Gannon, Carl Howell, Loie Gaunt, Nora Vandersomen, President Nixon, Judy Johnson, Diane Sawyer, Bob Dunn and Ken Khachigian.
Throughout Nixon’s post-presidency, Khachigian remained a close personal and political confidant to the former president and was instrumental in the siting and opening of his presidential library. The bond with the two presidents opened the doors to Ken’s unique role in political history while acting as Nixon’s confidential intermediary with Ronald Reagan in the 1980 and 1984 presidential campaigns as well as throughout the Reagan presidency.
Politico reporter Carla Marinucci described Khachigian as “the ‘lion’ of California politics,” and legendary political commentator Bob Novak labeled Khachigian “perhaps the state’s premier Republican strategist and wordsmith.”
SPOTLIGHT
While Khachigian has written regular columns for publications including the Wall Street Journal and the Los Angeles Times, Behind Closed Doors is his first book.
Nixon Alumni Support American Civics Campaign
The Richard Nixon Foundation extends gratitude to Ken Khachigian and fellow Nixon Alumni Bruce Whelihan for their recent pledges of $150,000 and $500,000 respectively to the American Civics Campaign. This support creates a bridge between those who had active roles in the Nixon administration with future generations who can be inspired to seek out public service.
Bruce Whelihan, who serves on the American Civics Campaign's finance committee, was a Staff Assistant in the White House Press Office during the Nixon administration and is credited with coining the term "photo op."
In new educational spaces planned for a future American Civics Center at the Nixon Library, students will get hands-on learning experiences participating in White House roles like those held by both Mr. Khachigian and Mr. Whelihan.
Ken Khachigian and Bruce Whelihan have supported the Nixon Library from its beginning and we are grateful they are part of this current campaign to ensure its thriving future.
Left: Ken Khachigian, trusted speechwriter, confidant and strategist to Presidents Reagan and Nixon, is launching his memoir at the Nixon Library.
Right: President Nixon shakes hands with Ken Khachigian in his office at the Western White House in San Clemente, CA in February 1980.
Whether you are a long–time supporter or you have just recently been introduced to the Richard Nixon Foundation, we want you to know why becoming a member is important.
At the opening of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in 1990, President Nixon said, ““While the past is interesting, it is important only insofar as it points the way to a better future.”
Our membership society plays the foundational role in building that better future envisioned by President Nixon .
Why
become a member
of the Richard Nixon Foundation?
We rely on our membership society to sustain our educational programs and operations. Your annual membership donation enables the Richard Nixon Foundation to:
• Preserve and promote President Nixon’s legacy
• Host world-renowned speakers and authors
• Create and showcase cutting-edge special exhibits
• Present educational programs for future generations
Members can take advantage of discounted tickets to attend our events and gain free admission to all NARA Presidential Libraries. Of course, Membership donations are also fully tax deductible at all giving levels!
Please call our Membership Manager, Reina Magana, at 714-364-1108 or visit https://www.nixonfoundation.org/ membership/ to become a member today!
Thank you for your generosity!
Need a unique gift idea for that special someone?
Give the gift of a membership to your family and friends— a year-long present with special gift packaging to enhance your gesture.
The Richard Nixon Foundation is a Charity Navigator Four-Star Charity. This top rating means you can donate with confidence that every dollar you give goes to support our mission.
Why upgrade to a Club Membership?
Club members receive exclusive benefits including reserved parking, priority seating, and invitations to select private events featuring discussions with world-renowned business, civic and political leaders.
Club members also receive acknowledgement on the Nixon Library’s Donor Wall.
Why I Support the Richard Nixon Foundation Member Spotlight: Shaun and Leland Smith “
We support the Richard Nixon Foundation, primarily because we hold profound respect and admiration for the contributions President Nixon made to our nation during his tenure in office.
Leland: My initial encounter with the Richard Nixon Library occurred on its inaugural day, prompted by my mother's desire to attend the ceremony. Despite the overwhelming crowds, witnessing President Nixon alongside three other former presidents was a profound moment steeped in historical significance. It was at that moment that I resolved to engage actively with the Richard Nixon Foundation.
Six months later, during the "baseball" tribute event, my wife and I had the privilege of participating in a meetand-greet with President Nixon. The experience of conversing with him, particularly discussing Bordeaux wine, left an indelible impression. Subsequent interactions only reinforced his amiable demeanor and willingness to engage on various topics. President Nixon was such a nice man!
Residing in Yorba Linda since 1985, and raising my own children here, I take pride in President Nixon's childhood connection to our city. Introducing my children to President Nixon further solidified my connection to the Foundation and its mission.
Beyond personal encounters with President Nixon, the exceptional staff at the Richard Nixon Library has consistently impressed me since its inception in 1990. Their unwavering professionalism and hospitality have contributed significantly to my ongoing engagement with the Foundation.
Additionally, as the founder of Service Champions Heating and Air Conditioning, our company provided the maintenance on the air conditioning of President Nixon’s birthplace home. I still cherish a photo that was taken from the attic of President Nixon’s birthplace home while I was training two young technicians to service the home’s air conditioning unit.
My unwavering belief in the importance of preserving President Nixon's legacy and the Richard Nixon Foundation’s dedication to host influential leaders and engaging events aligned with President Nixon's values solidifies my commitment to support this institution. Becoming a Nixon Foundation Club Member upon the inception of the program is a decision that I cherish, and I remain dedicated to continuing my support for one of our nation's preeminent Presidential Libraries.
Thanks to Mike and Vicki Crow for Supporting the American Civics Campaign
Nixon Foundation Club Members Mike and Vicki Crow have been supporters and members since the Nixon Library opened in 1990.
"The Birthplace home is a reminder that someone in America, under our Constitution, can go from a humble beginning to be President of the United States." –
The Crows regularly attend Nixon Foundation events and describe the Nixon Library as "one of the finest institutions in Orange County and the nation."
Our thanks for their recent $250,000 gift!
Right: Leland Smith with President Nixon at the baseball tribute event in 1992.
Mike and Vicki Crow with President NIxon and David Eisenhower in 1992.
Mike and Vicki Crow
ENVISIONING THE FUTURE
On April 10, 2024, plans to expand the Nixon Library’s footprint—to ensure that it remains an active, populated center of educational advancement—took an important step forward with the Yorba Linda Planning Commission’s unanimous approval of the planned Special Exhibition Hall. This new building—planned for the vacant northwest corner of the campus—will add 20,000 square feet of exhibition space, archival repository space, and parking to the nine-acre campus.
KTGY of Irvine, California designed the Special Exhibition Hall and will serve as the building architect.
The land on which the Special Exhibition Hall will be built was donated by Josie Abplanalp, widow of Robert Abplanalp, longtime friends of President and Mrs. Nixon and the Nixon family.
Through the American Civics Campaign, the Nixon Foundation has secured the funds for the Special Exhibition Hall and plans to have the building ready in time for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The American Civics Campaign encompasses a quadrupling of educational exhibition space, the preservation of President Nixon’s iconic Marine One helicopter and the presidential limousine, and the establishment of an immersive, hands-on American Civics Center. This transformative initiative is designed to cater to the educational needs of students, scholars, and researchers on a global scale.
Learn more about the American Civics Campaign at nixonfoundation.org/civics or contact Brenda St. Hilaire at 714-514-8888 or brenda@nixonfoundation.org
Artist's Rendering of the Forthcoming Special Exhibition Hall at the Nixon Library.
History Comes Alive for Hundreds of Third Graders at the Nixon Library
Nearly 400 Orange County third graders experienced an interactive history lesson at the Nixon Library on April 25 as participants in Orange County’s Gift of History program. The students started the morning with a pep rally-style local history lesson in the Nixon Library’s replica of the White House East Room and ended with a tour of the birthplace of President Richard Nixon.
Local community leaders and elected officials including President and CEO of the Richard Nixon Foundation Jim Byron, Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors Don Wagner, Anaheim City Council Member Natalie Meeks, and Mayor of Yorba Linda Tara Campbell were special guests who delivered an engaging history lesson that included student-led cheers, fun facts and entertaining videos.
“Our history is alive all around us” was the message delivered by Stan Oftelie, Orange County historian and author of Nothing Rhymes with Orange, a local history book written for elementary school students and given to over 1700 third graders around the county. The book includes a scavenger hunt with Orange County landmarks, including the Nixon Library.
As host and sponsor of the educational program, Byron explained that the Gift of History Program “dovetails perfectly into the larger initiatives that the Richard Nixon Foundation is now engaged in.” This includes plans for a civics education center and a special exhibition hall where students will be able to experience hands-on learning scenarios and view important artifacts of American history.
The Gift of History is an award-winning, multi-agency, countywide history program that creates civic pride, builds 21st-century skills, and promotes community engagement among third-grade students. Started in 2007 by the Children’s Education Foundation of Orange County, the program works with public and private partnerships to provide local history books, in-person history events, and curriculum guides for teachers across Orange County.
Foundation Partners with OC School District on Civics
I n a special message to the community of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss announced a new partnership with the Richard Nixon Foundation. The program includes classes on American civics to be taught at the Nixon Library and a summer internship program.
In his announcement Dr. Cherniss shared, “Today the Richard Nixon Library & Museum, built in 1990, serves as a community treasure with thousands of people coming to visit our city and learn about United States history. It also serves as a vivid message to all of our PYLUSD students that being the president of the United States of America is within their reach.” His goal is to create a stronger relationship between the Nixon Foundation and the school district and continue to expand this partnership to benefit students.
Annual Pat Nixon Day of Service Encourages Volunteerism remembering
On March 16, the 112th anniversary of Pat Nixon’s birth, the Richard Nixon Foundation hosted its annual Pat Nixon Day of Service. As First Lady, Pat Nixon famously said, “People are my project” and that lifelong legacy of service was highlighted throughout this family-friendly event.
A cornerstone of Pat Nixon Day is the annual volunteer service fair that connects visitors with ways to get involved in their community and contribute to causes that help others. This year’s fair featured two dozen organizations including 4-H, the American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, American Legion, Crittenton, Guide Dogs of America and Second Harvest Food Bank.
Many of these organizations are ones that Mrs. Nixon championed during her time as First Lady.
Continuing the theme of service, this year’s event featured an appreciation breakfast and pinning ceremony for Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Congresswoman Young Kim extended gratitude to those in uniform by personally pinning each Veteran with an American flag pin.
Rounding out the birthday celebration, guests were treated to cake in the White House East Room in honor of Mrs. Nixon’s birthday.
The Pat Nixon Day of Service is made possible by the generous support of The Crean Foundation.
Above top left: The annual volunteer fair featured over two dozen vendors to connect the community with volunteer opportunities. Top right: Congresswoman Young Kim pinning a veteran with an American flag pin. Bottom right: Causes that First Lady Pat Nixon supported as First Lady, including service dogs, are a highlight of the volunteer fair.
Farewell Mr. President
by Richard (Sandy) Quinn
Richard Nixon never retired. Post-Presidency, he wrote books and traveled, staying engaged with those making decisions impacting world affairs.
He was working at home in Park Ridge, New Jersey when he suffered the stroke that led to his passing days later.
There were no plans for his funeral. Many wanted him to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda as other Presidents had. But it was decided to have all ceremonies at his birthplace and Library in Yorba Linda.
The Foundation staff had five days to plan an official State Funeral and host five living Presidents, a majority of Congress including bipartisan leadership, the Joint Chiefs, past and current Administration officials, and President Nixon’s family and friends.
It would be the first internationally televised Presidential State Funeral in history with an audience of millions.
Eulogists included President Bill Clinton, Senator Bob Dole, Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and Governor Pete Wilson.
The 37th President was flown to Orange County and brought to the Library with thousands watching as his motorcade passed by. He laid in state at the Library with a Joint Services Honor Guard as more than 50,000 lined up on neighboring streets to pause at the casket and pay their respects.
Following the service, Reverend Billy Graham presided at his private burial for a final farewell with President Nixon’s family led by brother Ed and daughters Tricia and Julie, surrounded by President Clinton and former Presidents Ford, Carter, Reagan and Bush with their First Ladies.
Thousands visited the Nixon Library for weeks after his funeral, touring the galleries to learn more about his extraordinary accomplishments in domestic and foreign affairs, and to stand at his gravesite to read the moving words on his marker, The Greatest Honor History Can Bestow is the title of Peacemaker.
About the author: Richard (Sandy) Quinn is a Director Emeritus of the Richard Nixon Foundation and was President of the Richard Nixon Foundation from 2010 to 2014. As a member of the Foundation staff in 1994, he helped plan President Nixon’s state funeral.
Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of President Nixon’s Passing
The Nixon Foundation commemorated the anniversary with a member of the United States Army lowering the American flag to half staff over President Nixon’s birthplace, the playing of Taps and a ceremonial wreath laying.
To further mark the occasion, a commemorative display was placed in Annenberg Court featuring items from President Nixon’s state funeral that was held at the Presidential Library on April 27, 1994, with all five living U.S. presidents in attendance. Displayed items included condolence books from foreign dignitaries, a program from the memorial service and a framed proclamation issued by President Clinton.
Sandy Quinn (holding clipboard) with Rev. Billy Graham on the day of President Nixon’s state funeral.
CIVICS IN ACTION CIVICS IN ACTION CIVICS
President Nixon’s 111th Birthday Commemoration
January 9
More than 1,500 attended programming at the Nixon Library on the anniversary of President Nixon's 111th birthday.
Navy Captain Jessica O’Brien, Commanding Officer of the Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, conducted an official presidential wreath-laying and delivered remarks encouraging the audience to use President Nixon’s life as a model for contributing to one’s community and striving to make a difference.
Newt and Callista Gingrich
January 9
Former House Speaker, historian and bestselling author Newt Gingrich made a record with his twenty-first visit to the Nixon Library to share his perspectives on the 2024 presidential election, and America’s role in the world amid this period of increased global conflict.
Callista Gingrich, former US Ambassador to the Holy See, and member of the Board of Directors of the Richard Nixon Foundation since 2023, then joined her husband for a book signing.
VIETNAM POW SPEAKER SERIES
January 23
Captain William Arcuri shared his firsthand experience of survival as a POW at the Hanoi Hilton, capping off the programming for the special exhibit CAPTURED: Shot Down in Vietnam and commemorating the 50th anniversary of the repatriation of the American POWs in Vietnam.
NIXON LEGACY FORUM–
Launching the Telecommunications Revolution: The Story of the Office of Telecommunications Policy
February 8
The latest Nixon Legacy Forum explored the little-known and less-appreciated White House Office of Telecommunications Policy (OTP). Created in 1970, the office was tasked with eliminating burdensome regulations and introducing market-based opportunities to the American telecommunications industry in the 1970s—paving the way for satellite and cable television.
Virtual participants: Henry Goldberg, Successor to Antonin Scalia as General Counsel of OTP and Margaret Whitehead, Ph.D., spouse of Clay T. Whitehead, Director, Office of Telecommunications Policy, 1970-1974.
On stage, left to right: Thomas Hazlett, Formerly with AEI and the George Mason University Law School, Christopher DeMuth, Staff Assistant to the President, (1969-1970), and Geoff Shepard, Domestic Council Associate Director, 1970-1975 and member of the Board of Directors, Richard Nixon Foundation.
IN ACTION
ACTIONCIVICS IN ACTION CIVICS IN ACTION CIVICS
Lunar New Year
February 12
Hundreds rang in the Year of the Dragon by celebrating family, friends and fortune with a festive lineup of cultural performances in the East Room.
Presidents Day
February 19
Over 1,000 visitors encountered some of America’s favorite Presidents and First Ladies for interactive history and civics lessons from reenactors sharing stories from their presidencies.
Vietnam Veterans Day
March 29
In recognition of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, guests were invited to lay flowers at the Vietnam Veterans Monument, a tribute to all who served in Vietnam.
Beyond the Exhibit: Meet a Veteran Featured in Portraits of Courage
April 16 & April 24
In this speaker series, Ramon Padilla and Alexander Glenn-Camden, two of the veterans painted by President Bush, shared their stories and gave a special off-hours tour of the exhibit.
Kristin Carlucci Weed
April 29
Stories from Frank Carlucci’s life of public service, including working for six US presidents, are featured in the book Get Me Carlucci. The author, his daughter, shared how she used Carlucci’s own words to share his story of service.
Remembering the First Ladies featuring Diana B. Carlin, Anita B. McBride and Nancy Kegan Smith
May 6
The historians and co-authors presented the fascinating highlights of their research on the lasting legacies of America’s First Ladies.
Photo credit: Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG
INTRODUCING A NEW TOUR
Richard Nixon: Whittier to the White House
Take a guided bus tour that traces the roots of President Richard Nixon throughout his hometown of Whittier, California!
The 2-hour tour explores more than 30 locations that bring to life the people, places and experiences that shaped the man who would become America’s 37th president.
Narrated by Paul Carter, author of the book Richard Nixon: California’s Native Son.
TOUR LOGISTICS:
Start and finish in Uptown Whittier
2- hour bus tour (includes some walking portions)
Two available tour times –morning or afternoon
Prices starting as low as $49*
*tips are appreciated
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
(subject to change): Saturday, June 15
Saturday, July 20 Saturday, August 17
Get tickets
General James “Don” Hughes
General James “Don” Hughes, who served as a military aide to Richard Nixon during both his presidency and vice presidency, passed away on January 12, 2024, in Potomac Falls, Virginia, at the age of 101.
In 1957, Hughes was selected as Military Aide to Vice President Richard Nixon. He was with the Vice President during the Caracas crisis in 1958 and at the American Exhibition in Moscow when he faced off with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in what became famously known as the “Kitchen Debate.”
When Mr. Nixon became President of the United States, he called upon Hughes once again, this time to serve as Military Assistant to the President. As such, Hughes was responsible for all military support to the President and the White House, to include logistics, transportation, communications, ceremonies, and implementation of the White House emergency plan that provided for the security of the President, his family, key staff, and continuity of government in the event of a national crisis. The pinnacle of General Hughes’ military career was his assignment as Commander in Chief of the Pacific Air Forces.
In 2022, the Richard Nixon Foundation dedicated the General James “Don” Hughes Flagpole in commemoration of the General’s centennial birthday. The flagpole was selected to honor General Hughes as a tribute to his work to ensure the American flag flies over the White House 24/7.
General Hughes was a loyal friend to the Nixon family throughout his long life and active with the Richard Nixon Foundation. In 2011, Hughes delivered the keynote address at the commemoration of Richard Nixon’s 98th birthday.
