Leading the Way in Civics Education
From the Chairman
As I travel around the world and have opportunities to speak with leaders of America’s allies and partners, I’m frequently asked about the direction of American foreign policy.
The Nixon Foundation’s Grand Strategy Summit was the right venue to share some answers, and in fact many of my answers are guided by President Nixon’s long-view, strategic approach to American leadership.
The GSS is an annual, wholly nonpartisan policy conference that, for three years now, has convened key national security officials, business leaders, media figures and members of the diplomatic corps to look many years into the future to envision America’s role in the world. Our conversations at the Summit were productive, going beyond the usual echo chambers and tired ideas, and instead rooting the future in conservative realism and urging the importance of providing strong American leadership in a very complex world. The Grand Strategy Summit is an important platform to help redirect America’s wayward foreign policy.
The Foundation has also made marked strides in its efforts to reinstill civics into the hearts and minds of our school-aged children. You’ll have a chance to read about many of these new educational initiatives —made possible by generous benefactors supporting the American Civics Campaign— in this issue of Legacy & Vision. And these new happenings are only the beginning of a multiyear, institutional effort.
When accepting the presidential nomination in 1968, Richard Nixon looked to history, saying, “The American Revolution was a shining example of freedom in action which caught the imagination of the world.” America now prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and we have an opportunity again to spotlight what makes this country great, “the last best hope of man on earth.”
Thank you for your continued support of the Richard Nixon Foundation.
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 EVENTSUPCOMING EVENTS
DECEMBER
17 A Nutcracker Sweet Christmas
5:00 PM
Unlock holiday magic in an afterhours museum experience — snap photos with Santa Claus, feed Santa’s reindeer before their big trek, craft magical ornaments, build a hot cocoa confection, sing along with Christmasclad carolers, and hear the sweet melodies of the Nutcracker ballet, and other Christmas favorites, from the Concordia University band.
But that’s not all — at 5:00 PM a dazzling tree lighting ceremony will take place that would make the Sugar Plum Fairy proud!
JANUARY
9 President Nixon’s Birthday
Free Admission Day
11:00 AM Ceremony
Join us as we honor President Nixon on his birthday with an official presidential wreath laying ceremony.
15 & 16 Nixon National
Cancer Conference
Hear the latest in cancer care and research at this annual convening of global leaders in cancer research, innovation, education, and care.
28 Lunar New Year Celebration
5:00 PM Ceremony
Celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake with an evening filled with Chinese food and a collage of cultural performances.
FEBRUARY
17 Presidents’ Day
American history comes to life during this family-friendly day of educational fun, featuring presidential reenactors.
MARCH
17 Pat Nixon Day of Service
Free Admission Day
Celebrate First Lady Pat Nixon's birthday by continuing her legacy of volunteerism. This family-friendly event features a community involvement fair with ways for people of all ages to give back to their communities.
Check nixonfoundation.org/ events for the most current listing of upcoming events.
A Commitment to Education
Education is a core component of the mission of the Richard Nixon Foundation. This duty to educate is rooted in the life and legacy of President Nixon. From his humble beginnings as the son of a grocer to his realization of the American Dream by reaching the Oval Office, the importance of learning, debating and analyzing was foundational to his worldview.
‘‘ Richard Nixon’s true religion was America: a civic faith in the Constitution, the founders, the American Way and the American virtues, freedom and democracy.”
— LANCE MORROW, in The Wall Street
Journal
The Richard Nixon Foundation’s educational programs and impact include:
40 Nixon Legacy Forums, all of which can be seen on YouTube (and most on CSPAN)
•
Narrative-style podcasts on the Vietnam War and POWs
• Support for Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, JROTC programs and other local civic partnerships
•
Washington, DC Student Delegates Experience for undergraduates
AND WE'RE EXPANDING INTO AMERICAN CIVICS with the
Civics Five Point Plan • 2025-2026
An effort to reach students, through both in-person and online instruction, from elementary school to middle school, high school and in college to ensure the next generation is engaged in lifelong civic participation.
High School
• Civic Scholars Program
• New AP Honors Course in Civics
Middle School
• Emerging Leaders Program
• Civics Bee competitions College
• Washington, DC, Student Experience
• Support university programs
Elementary School
• Civics fundamentals
• Interactive assemblies and educational content for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders
National Resources
• Online content for civics instruction
• Regular instructional seminars for educators and teachers
Meet Chris Lowe –The Trish O’Donnell Director of Education
Chris brings a wealth of experience:
• Assistant Dean at Chapman University’s Argyros College, where he directed the Master’s program in Real Estate
• 13 years with the Walt Disney Company as Director of External Relations
• Former Mayor of Placentia
• Public servant in the Pete Wilson administration
• Leader of the Orange County Gift of History program, which recently partnered with the Nixon Foundation
In the Summer of 2024, the Nixon Foundation welcomed its first Director of Education, a new staff position tasked with developing a nonpartisan portfolio of educational content to advance the Nixon legacy, online and onsite at the Nixon Library through civic understanding.
Thanks to Trish O'Donnell and her generous gift to the American Civics Campaign, the Nixon Foundation is thrilled to welcome Chris Lowe as its first Director of Education. His role: to design the Foundation’s nonpartisan education portfolio and manage educational outreach initiatives with key partners to enhance civic understanding among students and educators.
"Our goal is to inspire a generation of young leaders to make bold decisions that guide our country toward a better future.”
— CHRIS LOWE
$ million of our $30 We’ve raised $45 million goal
Making an Impact
The Richard Nixon Foundation has partnered with the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District to launch a new internship program.
Five outstanding high school students helped put the Foundation’s educational mission into practice this summer.
The interns capped off their experience by meeting Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, who brought civics to life with a talk on the role of law in the lives of everyday Americans.
This marks the start of an innovative partnership to inspire young minds in civics education.
2024 Intern Class from the PlacentiaYorba Linda Unified School District
Leilah Huttner Yorba Linda High School
Olivia Girgis El Dorado High School
Delilah Yick Valencia High School
Shivali Sharma Esperanza High School
Daniel Li Parkview (Home School TK-12)
You're invited to help us make an impact!
With thanks to those who have made extraordinary commitments, including:
Barbara and Alex Bowie • Ling and Charlie Zhang • Trish O’Donnell • Shaun and Leland Smith
Doy Henley • Patricia Houston • Charles Keller • Bruce Whelihan • Jolynn and Patrick Mahoney
Vicki and Michael Crow • Meredith and Ken Khachigian • Sandy Quinn • Ana and Oliver Schwab and many generous others!
Above: PYLUSD Interns with Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss
HONORING A
Her Imperial Majesty Farah Pahlavi
Her Imperial Majesty Farah Pahlavi and His Imperial Highness Reza Pahlavi jointly received the Richard Nixon Foundation’s Architect of Peace Award.
The Empress –in exile since the Islamic Revolution of 1979–and her son, the Crown Prince, are powerful symbols of opposition to the terrorist theocratic regime now ruling Iran. They have each devoted more than 40 years to championing religious freedom in Iran, advocating for a democratic form of government backed by popular vote, and bringing attention to myriad ongoing human rights abuses in Iran.
The Award recognizes the long relationship between Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi and President Richard Nixon. The late Shah, who ruled Iran from 1941 to 1979, was a strong ally of the United States, and a bulwark in the Cold War with the Soviet Union. The young Vice President Nixon
My heartfelt gratitude goes to the leadership of the Nixon Library and the Nixon Foundation. Alongside the late president, Anwar Sadat, who gave us refuge, President Nixon was the only other head of state to pay tribute to His Late Majesty The Shah by attending his funeral in Cairo. President Nixon was also most gracious to visit us during our exile in Mexico. By honoring his friendship to His Late Majesty, President Nixon also honored the people of Iran.
The legacy of great leaders is no stranger to us Iranians. From Cyrus the Great, to my late husband Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to my brave compatriots fighting for their children: it is to them that I dedicate this Award. And I thank you for this Award.
I leave you with not just a message of hope, but a message of conviction: light will overcome the darkness and Iran will arise from our ashes.
Her Imperial Majesty Farah Pahlavi, Empress of Iran, on receiving the Richard Nixon Foundation’s Architect of Peace Award, November 7, 2024
Left to right: Luncheon co-chairs Dr. Nikan Khatibi and Dr. Parmis Khatibi, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Farah Pahlavi, Melanie Eisenhower and Nixon Foundation President and CEO Jim Byron.
FRIENDSHIP
His Imperial Highness Reza Pahlavi
‘‘President Nixon’s vision for a peaceful and secure Middle East remains as relevant today as it was during his presidency. His boldness in pursuing peace, his willingness to challenge the status quo, and his unshakable belief in freedom continue to inspire me.”
—from the acceptance remarks given by His Imperial Highness Reza Pahlavi
and the young Shah first met in 1953 and immediately developed a close personal relationship that lasted almost three decades.
On Thursday, November 7, 2024, the Richard Nixon Foundation presented Her Imperial Majesty Farah Pahlavi with the Architect of Peace Award at a special luncheon ceremony in Washington, DC.
The Award was presented to Her Imperial Majesty by Melanie Eisenhower, granddaughter of President and Mrs. Nixon and a member of the Board of Directors of the Richard Nixon Foundation.
On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, His Imperial Highness Reza Pahlavi was presented with the Award at a gala at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum.
In his acceptance speech, the Crown Prince said, “President Nixon’s vision for a peaceful and secure Middle East remains as relevant today as it was during his presidency. His boldness in pursuing peace, his willingness to challenge the status quo, and his unshakable belief in freedom continue to inspire me.”
Special thanks are owed to Dr. Nikan Khatibi and Dr. Parmis Khatibi, Co-Chairs of the events.
The award ceremonies have garnered worldwide coverage including online streaming views on X and YouTube in excess of one million.
Watch the video on Nixon and the Shah: A Legacy of Friendship and Peace
Watch the full program
His Imperial Highness Reza Pahlavi received the Richard Nixon Foundation’s Architect of Peace Award on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. (left to right: Ling Zhang, Charlie Zhang, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, Princess Yasmine Pahlavi, Jim Byron, Dr. Nikan Khatibi and Dr. Parmis Khatibi.)
Calling All Explorers!
Pack up your archaeological gear and step back in time to...
Lead your own expedition through tombs, pyramids, and palaces in The Ancient World: Unlocking the Middle East.
Embark on an epic 5,000 year old adventure to gain insights into 19th and 20th century history and conflicts.
Encounter more than 60 ancient artifacts on display together for the first time.
Don’t miss your chance to experience an epic journey across land and time at the Nixon Library. Exhibit closing March 31, 2025!
Policy Conference in Oklahoma Recognizes President Nixon’s Transformative Policies on American Indian Life
On October 16, 2024, the First Americans Museum and the Richard Nixon Foundation hosted Tribal SelfDetermination Revisited: President Nixon’s Lasting Impact on American Indian Life at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This event brought together five prominent Oklahoma tribal leaders, along with policy makers and members of the Nixon administration, to discuss, reflect on and assess the ongoing effects —more than 50 years later— of the Nixon administration’s transformational federal policies on American Indian life and tribal sovereignty.
Covering over a century of history, the policy conference explored how Richard Nixon’s formative experiences in Southern California in the 1920s led to the Nixon administration’s transformative policies for American Indians in the 1970s while carrying the discussion to the present by evaluating the continuing effects of those policies.
Jim Byron, President and CEO, Richard Nixon Foundation and Dr. Kelli Mosteller, Executive Director, First Americans Museum provided opening remarks followed by two panels and a keynote that added to the historical record the enduring impact of the Nixon administration’s self-determination policies.
This conference explored the seismic shift in federal Indian policy that began with and under President Richard Nixon, ultimately resulting in the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975.
These policies reversed decades of forced assimilation and discrimination and instead restored tribal sovereignty, ultimately fueling the cultural, economic, and social resurgence of American Indian communities across the United States.
Above, left to right: Jim Byron, Chief Chuck Hoskin (Cherokee Nation), Chief David Hill (Muscogee (Creek) Nation), Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear (Osage Nation), Governor Bill Anoatubby (Chickasaw Nation), and Lt. Governor Herschel Gorham (Cheyenne/Arapaho Tribes) at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City.
Panel 1: Nixon’s Initiatives: Reversing Decades of Discrimination
Panelists:
Bobbie Greene Kilberg White House Fellow and Staff Assistant to President Nixon on the Domestic Council tasked with American Indian Affairs
Reid Peyton Chambers, Associate Solicitor General for Indian Affairs under President Nixon
Greg Slavonic, former Acting Under Secretary of the Navy (2020 to 2021), 18th Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, and former Chief of Staff to Senator James Lankford
Gilbert Suazo, Taos Pueblo Tribal Member and former Taos Pueblo Governor who was with President Nixon in 1970 at the signing of the Blue Lake Bill – Taos Pueblo American Indian Land Deed Frank Gannon, moderator, Special Assistant to President Nixon
The first panel consisted of two members of the Nixon administration who were directly involved in enacting the policy of self-determination. In describing how the landmark policy came to be, the panelists underscored how President Nixon’s actions were shaped by deeplyheld beliefs from his youth because of the mentorship of his football coach at Whittier College, Wallace Newman, a member of the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians.
Keynote speaker Fred Mendoza, founder and chairman of the Oklahoma Hispanic Institute, was a member of President Nixon’s Cabinet Committee on Spanish Speaking People. He described how the direct impact of self-determination is seen throughout Oklahoma and shared other domestic achievements of the Nixon administration.
Watch the full program here
Panel 2: A New Sovereignty: The Effects of Self-Determination
Panelists:
Chief Chuck Hoskin, Cherokee Nation
Chief David Hill, Muscogee (Creek) Nation
Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear, Osage Nation
Governor Bill Anoatubby, Chickasaw Nation
Lt. Governor Herschel Gorham, Cheyenne/ Arapaho Tribes
The second panel brought together five tribal leaders to discuss the enduring impact of self-determination on healthcare, education and economic opportunities in Oklahoma today. The panelists noted how the tribes had an ally in President Nixon and how his Special Message to Congress on Indian Affairs on July 8, 1970 made the historic shift from termination to self-determination that brought about lasting change in Indian policy.
‘‘ I think that the President’s historic statement on self-determination took Indian policy watchers by surprise. They didn’t expect it from him and that was because they did not really understand him and his sincere and deeply held belief in the importance of fighting these devastating wrongs.”
- BOBBIE GREENE KILBERG
White House Fellow and Staff Assistant to President
‘‘ Oftentimes you see the result of something but you don’t know where it started and the tribes definitely benefited and are still benefiting from the policy of self-determination and the actions of the Nixon administration.”
- GOVERNOR BILL ANOATUBBY Chickasaw Nation
Frank Gannon, Greg Slavonic, and Gilbert Suazo were joined by Bobbie Greene Kilberg and Reid Peyton Chambers who both participated virtually in the first panel.
Chief Chuck Hoskin, Chief David Hill, Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear, Governor Bill Anoatubby, and Lt. Governor Herschel Gorham spoke during the second panel.
Charting a Course for America to Succeed and Lead Internationally
On September 25, 2024, policymakers, strategists and media influencers gathered in Washington, DC for a conference to debate and discuss America’s role in the world today, and what it can be in the future.
Representatives of 41 nations and students from California and Washington, DC joined 17 speakers to participate in the Richard Nixon Foundation's Grand Strategy Summit.
Livestream feeds on both YouTube and X virtually extended the reach with as many as 6,800 people watching—all at the same time.
A conversation between Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien, 27th National Security Adviser and Chairman of the Richard Nixon Foundation’s Board of Directors, and Jim Byron, President and CEO of the Richard Nixon Foundation, opened the Summit. The conversation focused on an analysis of the state of the world today including the alignment of authoritarian regimes, investing in strategic alliances and America’s military capabilities, weapons procurement and readiness. Ambassador O’Brien noted that America needs strong leadership to confront and deter the many challenges facing the world today.
Four sessions and a conversation at lunch allowed for robust discussions of America's role in the world.
Above: Panelists Eli Lake, Nadia Schadlow, Carrie Filipetti and Matthew Pottinger discussing America's role in ongoing wars.
Session 1: Building a More Just Society at Home
Participants:
Robert Wilkie, 10th Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Under Secretary of Defense, 2017-2018
Alex Wong, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for North Korea
Matthew Continetti, Moderator, Director of Domestic Policy at the American Enterprise Institute
This panel dove into how domestic reform can be foundational to American national security. The panelists gave examples of President Nixon’s strategic, long-term mindset that led to reform in education, energy, healthcare, veterans’ affairs and civil rights while discussing how a Nixonian domestic model might be applied today to issues ranging from energy and technological innovation to immigration.
Session 2: Theaters of War and Great Power Competition
Participants:
Nadia Schadlow, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute
Matthew Pottinger, Former Deputy National Security Adviser
Carrie Filipetti, Executive Director, Vandenberg Coalition
Eli Lake, Moderator, Journalist for The Free Press and Host of Re-Education Podcast
Panelists discussed American interests both now and in the future, considering ongoing conflict around the world. Topics covered included the emerging threat of cybersecurity, building coalitions, and strengthening deterrence and de-escalation. Much attention was paid to the importance of securing America’s supply chain and understanding the role ideology can play with adversaries.
Keynote: General Keith Kellogg joined Katie Pavlich to offer a vision of the ideal role of the United States in the world. Drawing from his experience in the military, serving as National Security Advisor to Vice President Mike Pence, and his current work with the American First Policy Institute, General Kellogg stressed the importance of effective leadership in waging peace.
Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien in-conversation with Jim Byron.
Christopher Nixon Cox, grandson of President and Mrs. Nixon and Richard Nixon Foundation Board Member, participating in the panel on America's alliances.
Session 3: Strengthening America’s Alliances in the Free World
Participants:
Amb. (Ret.) Kelley E. Currie, Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Economic and Social Council
Christopher Nixon Cox, CEO of Lightswitch Capital
Aaron MacLean, Moderator, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and Host of the School of War podcast
This panel explored the state of America's alliances and relationships within the context of a multipolar, postCold War world. Accounting for a nuanced view of alliances, panelists discussed how alliances demonstrate accountability with both allies and adversaries, and talked through complexities of working with allies who do not share the same value systems. The panel coalesced around the example of President Nixon’s support for Israel during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, as one that demonstrated both moral and strategic benefits for the U.S. and the entire Middle Eastern region.
Session 4: Artificial Intelligence and Energy Policy as Grand Strategy
Participants:
Mark Mills, Director of the National Center for Energy Analytics
Brian J. Cavanaugh, Senior Vice President, American Global Strategies LLC
Arthur Herman, Moderator, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute
President Nixon’s Project Independence was a forwardthinking response to the energy crisis of the 1970s with a goal of energy self-sufficiency for the United States. This panel explored how to, similarly, be forward-thinking today by using artificial intelligence to create a long term energy policy that emphasizes both national and economic security. Panelists discussed clean energy within this context, as well as how to align AI and energy production, and the impact of regulatory restrictions on energy production.
Above left: Participants Alex Wong, Robert Wilkie and Matthew Continetti discussing President Nixon's domestic policy. Top right: Nixon Foundation Board Member Callista Gingrich with her husband Newt Gingrich, 50th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Nixon Foundation Board Member Marlene Malek (center). Bottom right: Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien, Chairman of the Nixon Foundation Board of Directors, greets Director Emeritus Everett Alvarez and his wife, Tammy Alvarez.
Student Delegates Experience America's Capital
Ten students from the business honors program at California State University, Fullerton, traveled across the country to participate in a special delegation to see America's government in action. For many of the participants, this was their first time to the nation’s capital and this unique program, tailored for business students, offered tangible civics lessons with a concentration on understanding regulatory environments.
In addition to participating in the Grand Strategy Summit, the student delegation went on behind-the-scenes tours of the Supreme Court, U.S. Capitol, National Archives and the International Spy Museum. Highlights of the experience were getting to sit down with clerks of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and meeting Congresswoman Young Kim, who represents the 40th District in California. In dialogue with the students, Congresswoman Kim explained her congressional roles including serving on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and asked the students their thoughts about America’s role on the world stage.
This immersive experience is an annual component of the Grand Strategy Summit with plans to expand the program to make it available to more college students.
STUDENTS REFLECT
‘‘ My trip to DC has shown me that we can all play a part in leadership and it can start at any level. Government affects our everyday lives and knowing how we can be an active participant in government is important in shaping how we want our community to be.”
– GENEVEVE CASTANEDA, CSUF student delegate
‘‘ It is important to learn more about government because so many laws go into shaping human resources and the working environment. I’m most excited to see how leadership can come in so many ways at all levels. Having the opportunity to come to the East Coast and be at the center of it all was a great learning experience and developed my drive to be a leader.”
– KAYLEE FARRELL, CSUF student delegate
The CSUF student delegation on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building with Congresswoman Young Kim.
Distinguished DistinguishedSpeaker Speaker Distinguished Speaker Series
Jesse Watters
May 25
Fox News primetime star and bestselling author Jesse Watters spoke to a packed house, an audience of over 900, about his newly released book, Get it Together.
Memorial Day
May 27
Fallen U.S. service members were honored with a “Missing Man” formation flyover, wreath laying ceremony with remarks from U.S. Army Sergeant Juan Carlos Hernandez and a patriotic concert from Huntington Beach Concert Band.
Tulsi Gabbard
May 29
Four-term Congresswoman, 2020 Presidential Candidate and combat veteran Tulsi Gabbard spoke about the themes covered in her bestselling new book, For Love of Country: Leave the Democrat Party Behind.
2024 Presidential Policy Perspectives: Robert F. Kennedy
June 12
Then–presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. delivered his vision for American foreign policy if elected president as the fifth participant in the Foundation’s 2024 Presidential Policy Perspectives series.
David Petraeus
July
30
General Petraeus led conversation about his book, Conflict covering lessons to be learned from past conflicts, an assessment of the current global threats and how this can be applied to predict the future of warfare.
Series Speaker Series Distinguished Distinguished
Neil Gorsuch
August 9
Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Neil Gorsuch talked about his book Over Ruled, using stories of regular Americans who find themselves dealing with the government to demonstrate the current state of today’s legal system.
Benji Backer
August 28
The Founder of the American Conservation Coalition (ACC) and author of The Conservative Environmentalist, talked about using President Nixon’s example of environmentalism as a model for protecting the environment in today’s divided political climate.
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
September 11
This annual ceremony included remarks from Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy, Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, and Retired NYPD Officer Marc Manfro, a first responder in New York City on 9/11. All three speakers shared stories of heroism from that infamous day and how their sacrifices continue to impact the lives of Americans.
Co-presented with H.R. McMaster • September 5
Lt. General H.R. McMaster joined Dr. Luke Nichter to discuss his newly released memoir, At War with Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House.
Speaker Series
Gold Star Families Monument Dedication
September 29
On Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, the Richard Nixon Foundation unveiled a monument honoring America’s Gold Star families and their fallen heroes. Located in the First Lady Pat Nixon Rose Gardens, the bronze monument serves as a permanent tribute to be viewed by visitors as a tangible symbol of the ultimate form of service.
Jack Carr
October 2
Former Navy SEAL and bestselling author Jack Carr joined his co-author, Pulitzer Prize finalist James Scott, to discuss how their book Targeted: Beirut shares the untold story of the 1983 terrorist attack and its enduring impact on the US military and foreign policy.
SPOTLIGHT ON MRS. NIXON: An interview with the author of the latest Pat Nixon biography
On the day of the book launch for
The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon (August 6, 2024), author Heath Hardage Lee gave Legacy & Vision an exclusive interview sharing insight from her Pat Nixon biography.
Q: Tell us about Mrs. Nixon’s impact on the shifting role of First Lady.
A: Mrs. Nixon shifts the role from being mainly ceremonial to active. This starts in her time as Second Lady. She was the one that really took that from a fairly passive position and made it into a job where she would go all over the world with her husband on diplomatic missions. As First Lady, Mrs. Nixon did not have one project. She said “people are my project,” embracing people and volunteerism and that allowed her to do all kinds of different things. Instead of the ceremonial role of previous First Ladies, she wanted to meet the people where they were by visiting schools, visiting wounded soldiers and interacting with people one on one.
Q: Pat Nixon was a First Lady of many firsts. Can you share some of these?
A: Mrs. Nixon visited 83 countries- making her more widely traveled than any First Lady before. She was the first First Lady to go into a combat zone; That was during the Vietnam War. She was the first First Lady to speak to a foreign parliament (in Ghana). She was the first First Lady to be a solo global ambassador; She did that first in Peru on a major humanitarian trip. She was the first First Lady to wear pants- which might not sound that important but it shows that women’s roles were changing. She did so much behind the scenes to push for women’s rights.
Q: Can you explain how Mrs. Nixon differed from the media’s portrayal of her?
A: The book is a deconstruction of the myth that Mrs. Nixon is mysterious. She was poised with a core of steel that goes back to her roots. She was born in Ely, Nevada then moved to California as a young kid. That Western DNA “do-it yourself” mentality and lack of hierarchy was an ethos. She was always doing things herself like putting herself through college, being the first First Lady to earn the equivalent of a Masters degree. She’s a career woman who supported herself and two brothers after she was orphaned at the age of 17. Her background informs the way she thinks of being First Lady. She has a very solid, strong, behind the scenes support of women’s initiatives including getting women in government.
Q: What do you think people should know about Pat Nixon’s legacy?
A: I think her two biggests legacies are her push for women’s rights and her behind-the-scenes diplomacy. She was strongly in favor of the Equal Rights Amendment and supported efforts to advance women in high level government jobs, even supporting the appointment of a woman to the Supreme Court.
Her role as a diplomat is hugely overlooked but she worked as a team with her husband on important trips. On the trip to China in 1972, she was the face of the Nixon administration as the cameras followed her around. And again in Moscow, she is out and about with the people.
Purchase a
Watch Heath Hardage Lee’s book launch at the Nixon Library
signed copy of The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon
President Nixon Inducted to the Orange County Hall of Fame
On December 10, 2024, the Orange County Board of Supervisors honored Richard Nixon with induction in the Orange County Hall of Fame. Established in 2023, the Hall of Fame recognizes individuals from Orange County who have made significant contributions to the community.
Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Charlie Zhang, Treasurer of the Richard Nixon Foundation Board of Directors, was also among the 2024 inductees.
What if he Stayed?
RN’s Unfinished Business
A New Docuseries Podcast from the Team that Brought you CAPTURED: Shot Down in Vietnam
The latest podcast from the Richard Nixon Foundation and Foundwave Productions reimagines the course of history. Using newly-released archival materials, expert interviews and historical analysis, this podcast takes a deep-dive to explore what could have been if President Nixon continued the success of his 1972 landslide election victory to complete his second term and fulfill his bold vision of peace and prosperity.
Nixon Library Named One of the
West Coast Experiences by the LA Times
The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum is featured on the Los Angeles Times 2024 list of The 101 Best West Coast Experiences. Listed along with famous California sites including Hearst Castle, the San Francisco Ferry Building and the Yosemite Valley, this list offers a must must-see travel guide.
Listen to the trailer here
Follow on your favorite podcast platform to get the series when it releases.
Become an ultimate Nixon insider by signing up to be a member of the Nixon Foundation’s YouTube channel. Membership features include exclusive content, early access to videos, loyalty badges and custom Nixon emojis. By joining you’ll also be supporting the work of the Nixon Foundation.
Richard V. Allen
Richard V. Allen, foreign policy expert and former national advisor, passed away on November 16, 2024 at the age of 88.
Born in Collingswood, New Jersey, Mr. Allen was a graduate of Notre Dame University where he received B.A. and M.A. degrees. He was a foreign policy advisor for President Richard Nixon’s 1968 and 1972 presidential campaigns and served as assistant to National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger in the Nixon administration. Mr. Allen went on to advise Ronald Reagan during his presidential campaigns and serve as National Security Advisor for President Reagan. In addition to his public service career, Mr. Allen was an international business consultant, a founder of the Georgetown University Center for Strategic and International Studies, and the author of multiple books and research papers on foreign policy.
Mr. Allen was a regular participant in the Richard Nixon Foundation’s legacy forums and programs, always generous with his time and his knowledge..
Tom Korologos
Ambassador Tom Korologos, Deputy Assistant for Legislation for President Nixon (1971-74), passed away on July 26, 2024 at the age of 91.
Ambassador Korologos started his political career in 1962, working for US Senator Wallace Bennett of Utah. He became a Senate liaison for President Nixon in 1971 and continued that role for one year in the Ford administration. His long career of government service included work with Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. From 2004-2007, Korologos served as the 29th U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium.
Ambassador Korologos was preceded in death by his wife Joy G. Korologos in 1997. They had three children. He later married Ann McLaughlin Korologos, Secretary of Labor under President Reagan, in 2000. Secretary Korologos owned an art gallery in Basalt, Colorado, where the two contributed to the local art scene and enjoyed the mountain landscapes until she passed away in January 2023.
Pat Nixon’s Gingerbread House Ornament $19.95