From the Chairman
hroughout his time in public life, and in the decades that followed, President Nixon used strategic diplomacy to further the cause of peace and ensure America’s security. Today, fifty years after his trips to China and Russia—and as we approach the fiftieth anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War—his foreign policy represents the ultimate example of the type of strategic thinking that should again guide America. I’m grateful to the Board for trusting me with the responsibility of furthering the legacy of one of America’s most visionary strategists, President Richard Nixon.
In this role, I hope to work with colleagues in the foreign policy community to encourage a Nixonian style of thinking about world affairs and grand strategy. This effort begins with the inaugural Grand Strategy Summit in Washington, DC, in November. The long-term goal of this program is to hold an annual bi-partisan conference that defines America’s foreign policy based on the strategic thinking and leadership set by President Nixon.
Dr. Jim Cavanaugh has my sincere appreciation for his five years of service as Chair of the Nixon Foundation. Fifty years after loyally serving President Nixon in the White House Dr. Cavanaugh advanced the mission of the Nixon Foundation by establishing new civics education partnerships, commemorating milestone accomplishments of the Nixon administration and guiding the Foundation through the COVID-19 crisis. He leaves big shoes to fill. While I don’t expect to fill them, I hope to keep the ship on the same course that he charted.
Current events serve as a reminder that President Richard Nixon’s vision should be studied. This is a period of growth for the Foundation and it is an honor to serve as Chairman.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robert C. O’Brien, Chairman
Charlie Zhang, Treasurer
Everett Alvarez, Jr.
Lisa Argyros
Robert J. Brown
James Byron
John H. Carley
James H. Cavanaugh
Christopher Nixon Cox
Tricia Nixon Cox
Steven L. Craig
Monica Crowley
Julie Nixon Eisenhower
Melanie Eisenhower
Hugh Hewitt
Lawrence M. Higby
Ming Hsieh
Bobbie Greene Kilberg
William Kilberg
Maureen Drown Nunn
Richard (Sandy) Quinn
Geoff Shepard
J. Peter Simon
Daniele Struppa
Ronald H. Walker
DIRECTORS EMERITUS
George L. Argyros
John H. Barr
Barbara Hackman Franklin
Gavin S. Herbert, Sr.
Tod R. Hullin
Kenneth L. Khachigian
Henry A. Kissinger
Pete Wilson
ROBERT C. O’BRIEN, CHAIRMANJames Byron, President & CEO
Carrie Anderson, Editor
Joe Lopez, Executive Editor
Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien Elected Chairman of the Richard Nixon Foundation
ne of America’s top diplomats, strategic thinkers, and an accomplished leader in foreign policy, Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien, was elected July 18, 2022 as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Richard Nixon Foundation.
O’Brien served as U.S. National Security Advisor from 2019 to 2021. During O’Brien’s time as National Security Advisor, the United States orchestrated the historic Abraham Accords in the Middle East, brokered economic normal ization between Serbia and Kosovo, achieved significant defense spending increases among its NATO allies, and instituted a new framework of strategic cooperation with allies across the Indo-Pacific.
O’Brien has served as co-chair of The Nixon Seminar on Conservative Realism and National Security since March of 2021 and was the recipient—along with former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo—of the Nixon Foundation’s 2021 Architect of Peace Award.
O’Brien succeeds Dr. James H. Cavanaugh as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Dr. Cavanaugh said: “Ambassador O’Brien brings real accomplishment, reasoned leadership and sound judgment, as evidenced by his years of experience on the international scene. We are pleased about this next chapter for the Nixon Foundation, which coincides with commemorations marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Nixon presidency’s visionary foreign policy.”
Prior to serving as National Security Advisor, O’Brien was the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs with the personal rank of Ambassador. He was directly involved in the return of over 25 detainees and hostages to the United States. O’Brien previously served in diplomatic posts as Co-Chairman of the U.S. Department of State Public-Private Partnership for Justice Reform in Afghanistan, U.S. Representative to the 60th session of the UN General Assembly, and Senior Legal Officer for the UN Security Council commission that decided claims against Iraq arising out of the first Gulf War. O’Brien had practiced law for 30 years in Los Angeles and has rejoined the firm he founded with Judge Stephen Larson, Larson LLP, as Of Counsel.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Holiday Event
NOVEMBER
Gingerbread Spice
s
20 Candlelight Evening
5:30 PM
28
and Everything Nice: A Sweet Celebration at the Nixon Library
5:30 PM
Tickets $29 Adults, $16 Children (Members $20 Adults, $10 Children)
Kick-off the holidays with this festive, family-friendly event. Join the count down to the Nixon’s Library official tree lighting, visit Santa in the Oval Office and get in the holiday spirit with a concert from the Huntington Beach Concert Band. There will be cocoa, carolers and plenty of great photo opportunities.
Tickets $29 Adults, $16 Children (Members $20 Adults, $10 Children) Experience the Nixon Library in a whole new light with this special evening candlelight tour. As a tribute to the White House Candlelight Tours that First Lady Pat Nixon started in 1969 so the general public could see White House Christmas decorations after work, visitors will receive electric candles and embark on a tour that goes indoors and outdoors, features special lighting and includes Santa and his reindeer. Festive music and a gingerbread house display will engage all your senses in a unique and memorable celebration.
JANUARY
9 President Nixon’s Birthday
Free Admission Day
Celebrate President Nixon’s 110th birthday. Featured events include a formal wreath laying ceremony at the President’s Memorial Site.
DECEMBER
4 Hometown Heroes
11:00 AM
Join the families of Southern California’s military heroes for the annual Hometown Heroes Christmas Tree Dedication.
Gold Star families will be given personally inscribed ornaments honoring their family members who lost their lives in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Vietnam.
10 Meet Douglas Brinkley
7:00 PM
Join presidential historian Douglas Brinkley as he discusses his latest book, Silent Spring Revolution: John F. Kennedy, Rachel Carson, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and the Great Environmental Awakening.
23 Lunar New Year
5:00 PM
Celebrate Lunar New Year 2023, the Year of the Rabbit, featuring live entertainment and family fun. Free event admission!
FEBRUARY 20 Presidents’ Day
There’s no better way to spend this holiday than at the birthplace of a president. Mark your calendar and check our website for details to be released.
MARCH
16 Pat Nixon Day of Service
Free Admission Day
In honor of Pat Nixon’s birthday, this volunteer-focused day continues the First Lady’s legacy of public service. A community involvement fair gives you the opportunity to get involved with some of Southern California’s top charitable organizations. Bring the whole family to experience fun with a purpose.
December 7 and 8, 2022
Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
You are invited to join clinicians, researchers and public health officials at the 2nd Annual Nixon National Cancer Conference, commemorating the signing of the visionary National Cancer Act in 1971.
Presenting Sponsor
Dr. Kissinger On President Nixon and Leadership
n Wednesday, September 14, the Richard Nixon Foundation welcomed one of the foremost visionaries of our time, Dr. Henry Kissinger, back to the Nixon Library to receive its highest honor, the Architect of Peace Award, and share reflections from his latest book, Leadership. Dr. Kissinger, 99, serves as a Director Emeritus of the Richard Nixon Foundation. He is a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Throughout the evening, he discussed the qualities of effective leadership, with particular emphasis on President Nixon’s leadership during the Vietnam War and Yom Kippur War.
An elegant candlelit East Room set the stage for a significant gathering in Orange County of senior statesmen, impactful philanthropists and noted national and community leaders, including former National Security Advisor Robert C. O’Brien, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, former California Governor Pete Wilson, former Executive Chairman and CEO of Google Eric Schmidt, technology entrepreneur Peter Thiel, former U.S. Ambassador to Spain George L. Argyros, basketball champion Ann Meyers Drysdale, the Presidents of Chapman University, California State University at Fullerton and Stanbridge University, thirteen members of the Nixon Foundation’s Board of Directors, and five individuals who served with Dr. Kissinger in the Nixon administration.
The dinner honoring Dr. Kissinger —co-chaired by Lisa Argyros and Ling & Charlie Zhang — raised $800,000 to advance the educational mission of the Richard Nixon Foundation and expand its investments in civics education and programming.
With Special Thanks to the Dinner Leadership :
Toasts were offered to Dr. Kissinger by Lisa Argyros, and to President Nixon by Bruce Whelihan, who served in the Nixon administration.
Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien made his first appearance in his new capacity as Chairman of the Richard Nixon Foundation’s Board of Directors by introducing Dr. Kissinger. In a moment of historical significance, the twenty-seventh National Security Advisor welcomed the seventh National Security Advisor to the stage.
Dr. Kissinger appeared in-conversation on stage with Frank Gannon, who served as a special assistant to President Nixon.
Dr. Kissinger said, “Let me thank you all for the tribute you are paying tonight, not to me, but to a distinguished
President whom I have listed among six outstanding world statesmen in my recent book. I want to thank you, for the courtesies that have been shown to me here and also for the confidence all of you in this room have shown to the memory of Richard Nixon, which is important and crucial at this moment when internal division and international chaos are threatening ever so strongly.”
Wine for the evening was donated by Schramsberg Vineyards. The Blanc de Blacs was the same sparkling wine served by the official American delegation on President Nixon’s historic visit to China 50 years ago.
Musical performances were provided by OC Music and Dance.
Scan the QR code to watch the event
Let me thank you all for the tribute you are paying tonight, not to me, but to a distinguished President whom I have listed among six outstanding world statesmen.
– Dr. Henry Kissinger
UNDERWRITE educational tours of the Nixon Library for more than 30,000 students annually, teaching American history and civics. PROVIDE for a thrilling schedule of the most impressive speakers in the country today, from government, business, academia and media circles. BUILD and operate marquee special exhibitions that draw hundreds of thousands of tourists, young and old alike and many from outside the United States.
Celebrating 50 Years of Title IX—
The 37 Words that Launched a Revolution in Women’s Sports
When President Nixon signed Title IX, few knew just how impactful it would be. Fifty years later, Barbara Franklin, Director Emeritus of the Richard Nixon Foundation who played a pivotal role in recruiting women for senior government positions in the Nixon administration and later served as Secretary of Commerce, called it “one of the most consequential legislative activities of the last century.”
The Nixon Library hosted Southern California’s leading commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX. The celebration kicked off with the official opening of the Nixon Library’s new exhibition, Evening the Odds: Women Leading the Way followed by a luncheon and conversation between Barbara Franklin and historian Heath Hardage Lee about the Nixon administration’s work to recruit women into senior government positions, and the effects of that work on the creation of Title IX.
Next a panel convened with Olympic gold medalists Kerri Walsh Jennings, Janet Evans, and Courtney Mathewson. Jennifer Horn, co-host of AM 870’s “The Morning Answer,” moderated the discussion that was full of inspirational personal anecdotes of the direct impact of Title IX on their lives as well as the broader influence the landmark legislation continues to have.
As an active tribute to the ongoing legacy of women’s sports, an inaugural 5K Title IX Run was launched. The race course began and ended at the Nixon Library and followed Yorba Linda’s El Cajon Trail. Participants were encouraged to wear their favorite gear supporting girls’ sports.
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
– Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, signed by President Nixon on June 23, 1972.
News Chief Political Anchor
F
ifty years ago, in May 1972, President and Mrs. Nixon visited Tehran as guests of Their Imperial Majesties The Shahanshah and Shahbanu. President Nixon used the strategically important visit to rein force Iran’s primacy in maintaining regional stability and project Western influence in the region.
To mark the 50th anniversary, leaders of the IranianAmerican community in Southern California gathered at the Nixon Library on May 5, 2022. Colonel John Brennan (Ret.), who was part of the Tehran visit as Marine Military Aide to President Nixon, and Dr. Andrew Scott Cooper, author of The Fall of Heaven: The Pahlavis and the Final Days of Imperial Iran and The Oil Kings: How the U.S., Iran and Saudi Arabia Changed the Balance of Power in the Middle East, participated in a panel moderated by Jim Byron, President and CEO of the Richard Nixon Foundation.
Watch the program at nixonfoundation.org
The war in Ukraine is challenging the world’s balance of power for the first time since the fall of the Soviet Union. On April 19th, a panel at the Nixon Library offered a unique perspective on the ongoing conflict.
Sean Penn had recently returned from Ukraine where he was working on a documentary about the Russian invasion. Nixon Seminar Co-chair and former National Security Adviser Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien joined Penn to discuss the many ongoing geopolitical implications of the war.
Fox News Chief Political Anchor Bret Baier interviewed Penn and O’Brien highlighting the friendship between the actor and former National Security Advisor. Baier anchors Special Report with Bret Baier, the top-rated cable news program in its time slot, and broadcast his show live from the Nixon Library later that day.
Watch the full program at FoxNation.
Fox
Bret Baier Interviews Sean Penn, Actor and co-founder of CORE, and Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien on the war in Ukraine
Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of President Nixon’s Visit to Tehran
The Nixon Seminar Continues to Advance Visionary International Policies
The Nixon Seminar convenes top leaders and emerging specialists in foreign policy and national security on the first Tuesday of each month to discuss the most pressing issues facing the U.S., our allies and democratic people everywhere. Co-chairs Secretary Michael Pompeo and Ambassador Robert O’Brien join distinguished semi nar members in discussions moderated by Mary Kissel, former Senior Advisor to Secretary Pompeo.
Featured special guests this year included Secretaries of Energy Rick Perry and Dan Brouillette to discuss do mestic energy production as a critical national security issue and the Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison, former U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, to discuss the role of NATO amid the Russia-Ukraine War.
In October, the Nixon Foundation hosted its first in-person Seminar in front of a live audience in the East Room of the Nixon Library. With a tour around the world, the Seminar discussion focused on emerging hotspots and opportunities that America should seize on as core elements of a long-term national foreign policy.
Additional Seminar topics this year included the ongo ing war in Ukraine, the possibility of a new nuclear deal with Iran and the impact of the Abraham Accords.
Seminar members use President Nixon as a model for visionary and strategic thinking in foreign policy while discussing how his grand strategy can be applied to shape foreign policy today.
Watch the Nixon Seminar Live the 1st Tuesday of Each Month at Youtube.com/NixonFoundation
CALLING ALL SECRET AGENTS
On July 4th, the Nixon Library unveiled a new special exhibition that brings together a unique collection of more than 70 Cold War artifacts for the first time to tell the story of the conflict that dominated the second-half of the 20th century. Cold War: Soviets, Spies and Secrets begins in a “briefing room” and then takes visitors through Berlin’s Checkpoint Charlie to experience the East/West divide that gripped the world after the end of World War II.
Visitors can view a decommissioned atomic weapon, launch a missile from a nuclear submarine, seek refuge in a fallout shelter, operate a geiger counter to test for radioactive materials and test their spycraft by examining top secret materials using a spy camera. Artifacts are on loan from the CIA Museum, International Spy Museum, National Atomic Testing Museum, the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, the Regimes Museum, and other museums across the country.
Introducing the Presidential Youth Ambassador Program
In Spring 2022, the Richard Nixon Foundation launched the Presidential Youth Ambassador Program for students in grades 8-12.
This immersive training at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum allows students to learn about the life and career of America’s 37th President and receive coaching in public speaking, professional etiquette, and how to dress for success.
Upon completing the program students earn a Presidential Youth Ambassador Certification and are eligible to gain community service experience through volunteer opportunities at Nixon Library events.
– AntonioLA County Hosts California Civic Learning Student Showcase
The Los Angeles County Office of Education hosted its 2022 civics student showcase and award ceremony, on May 7, 2022. This special event show cased students and schools from across California who are demonstrating outstanding civic engagement. California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber was the featured guest and presented the awards.
“Big change starts small. The Youth Ambassador Program helped push me to learn important professional etiquette skills with the backdrop of history and the presidency. I feel so confident after this program.”
The Nixon Library Returns to IPW
In June the Nixon Foundation joined thousands of destinations and tourist attractions gathered together in Orlando, Florida, to represent the Nixon Library at IPW, the largest inbound travel trade show in the world. At the exhibit booth — an intimate meeting space on the convention floor that sports an enlargement of Norman Rockwell’s 1968 portrait of RN—guests dropped by from all around the world to discuss package tour opportunties. The objective is simple...keep guests flowing into the Nixon Library!
EXCLUSIVE TOUR EXPERIENCES
The Queen and The President
Enjoy a unique tour of the fascinating history between the Nixons and the British Royal Family that dates back to Her Majesty’s first visit to the U.S. in 1957.
Richard Nixon: Whittier to The White House
Take a new guided bus tour that traces the roots of President Nixon through his hometown of Whittier, California!
CIVICS IN ACTION CIVICS IN CIVICSACTION IN ACTION
Irwin Gellman
March 28
Irwin Gellman returned to the Nixon Library to discuss his latest book, Campaign of the Century: Kennedy, Nixon, and the Election of 1960. Dr. Luke Nichter, the James H. Cavanaugh Endowed Chair in Presidential Studies at Chapman University joined Gellman on stage for an authoritative discussion of the 1960 presidential election.
John Avlon with Margaret Hoover April 27
CNN Anchor and Senior Political Analyst John Avlon discussed his newest presidential bestseller, Lincoln and the Fight for Peace with his wife, political commentator and strategist Margaret Hoover. Hoover is the great-granddaughter of President Herbert Hoover.
Independence Day Concert July 4
The Huntington Beach Concert
William Barr
April 21
Former Attorney General William Barr discussed his newly released and much-talked-about memoir, One Damn Thing After Another, and offered candid accounts of his historic tenures serving Presidents George H.W. Bush and Donald J. Trump.
Memorial Day May 30
This tribute to American’s fallen warriors included the Presentation of the Colors by Troy Navy JROTC, remarks from Congresswoman Young Kim and a concert from the Huntington Beach Concert Band.
Disney Historians Tim O’Day and Kevin Kern July 8
Disney Historians Tim O’Day and Kevin Kern held an exclusive event on their #1 Best Selling book, A Portrait of Walt Disney World. This must-have coffee table book paints a robust portrait of the Florida resort, through vibrant voices and rare Disney theme park concept art, photographs, and ephemera.
Scan the QR code to watch these events
CIVICS IN ACTION CIVICS IN ACTIONCIVICS IN ACTION
Ari Fleischer
July 26
Former White House Press Secretary and Fox News Contributor Ari Fleischer talked his latest book, Suppression, Snobbery, and Bias, on the role of the media in politics.
Beethoven in Beijing September 21
A special screening of Jennifer Lin and Sam Katz’s new documentary, “Beethoven in Beijing”, began with a musical performance from Trio Barclay, courtesy of Charlie Zhang.
Monica Crowley October 5
Dr. Monica Crowley shared personal stories from her time working with President Nixon and his evolving thoughts on foreign policy that continue to echo through current events today.
Remembering 9/11
September 11
More than 500 people gathered at the Nixon Library to remember the victims of the 9/11 attacks. Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes remarked, “It is an honor to join you here today at Orange County’s preeminent 9/11 commemoration ceremony. Thank you to the Richard Nixon Foundation for hosting this necessary event. Your ongoing commitment to honor America’s past helps shape our future.”
Betsy DeVos September 28
Former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos discussed the American education system, the state of civic education and the 50-year impact of Title IX in a special forum at the Nixon Library in conjunction with her new book, Hostages No More: The Fight for Education and Freedom and the Future of the American Child.
Nikki Haley October 13
The former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Governor of South Carolina returned to the Nixon Library to discuss her newest book, If You Want Something Done: Leadership Lessons from Bold Women.
Ambassador Haley offered inspiring examples of women who worked against obstacles and opposition to get things done—including Haley herself.
Memoriam
Robert “Bud” McFarlaneRobert “Bud” McFarlane, National Security Advisor to President Reagan and military assistant to Secretary of State Henry Kissinger during the Nixon administration, passed away May 12, 2022, in Lansing, Mich. He was 84. “Everyone at the Nixon Foundation is saddened by the loss of Bud McFarlane, a decorated Marine, brilliant geopolitical strategist and lifelong patriot,” said Jim Byron, President and CEO of the Richard Nixon Foundation. “Lt. Col. McFarlane was a student of the Nixon school of geopolitics. He made sure that these lessons lived on by never saying no to an invitation to speak at the Nixon Library, regularly –almost annually– gathering with college students to talk world affairs, or commemorating Veterans Day alongside his fellow Marines. It was an honor to have known him.”
Anne Eisenhower, President and Mrs. Eisenhower’s granddaughter and sister of David Eisenhower, passed away in New York on July 30, and the Richard Nixon Foundation and extended Nixon family lost a good friend.
In 1990, when the Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace opened, Anne Eisenhower provided strong, vital support to the institution. She was a valued friend to President and Mrs. Nixon, Tricia Nixon Cox, and her sister-in-law of 53 years, Julie Nixon Eisenhower.
Remembering Queen Elizabeth II
A letter from Tricia Nixon Cox, on behalf of the Nixon family and Richard Nixon Foundation, accompanied two books of condolence to the British Embassy in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The books were signed by more than 1,000 members of the public, including former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, former California Governor Pete Wilson and First Lady Gayle Wilson, former National Security Adviser Robert C. O’Brien, and Congresswoman Young Kim.
The White House in Gingerbread: Memories and Recipes
The Official White House Ornament
The White House Historical Association celebrates the presidency of Richard Nixon by recreating First Lady Pat Nixon’s cherished American tradition. Included with this beautifully gift-boxed keepsake are a gingerbread-scented booklet and recipe card featuring a gingerbread recipe from the Nixon White House. $24.95
Pat Nixon’s Gingerbread
House Ornament - 50th Anniversary
First Lady Pat Nixon debuted this iconic A-Frame gingerbread house at the White House 50 years ago this Christmas. $19.95
Nixon and Elvis Christmas Ornament
This exclusive ornament from the Nixon Library celebrates the iconic meeting between Elvis Presley and President Nixon, the most popular photo in the U.S. National Archives. $24.95
In this memoir and cookbook, Roland Mesnier, executive pastry chef to five presidents, tells the story behind each of the holiday gingerbread houses he created for display in the White House. This special edition features First Lady Pat Nixon on the cover. $64.95 37th President Ornament Honoring America’s 37th President of the United States. Pick up the official ornament of President Richard Nixon for your Christmas tree. $29.95
on the G o! Ho Ho Ho! Enjoy at home or
Nixon Library Tumbler
Take the Nixon Library wherever you go with this stainless steel 20 oz tumbler.
First Couple Mug Set
Mom and Dad are sure to love their morning cup of coffee with this First Couple set. $18.95
Presidential Seal
Two-Tone Travel Mug
This standout travel mug is presidential material! Complete with a wooden top to keep your coffee hot. $21.95
First Lady Tumbler
The perfect mug for your First Lady. This double insulated ceramic mug has a bamboo topper to keep drinks hot or cold. $18.95
Nixon Campaign Notebooks
Gifts! PRESIDENTIAL
the Seal of the President of the United States. Comes individually boxed. $22.95
Hail to the Chef Apron
The presidential seal gets a culinary makeover on this one-of a-kind apron, the perfect accessory to complete any chef’s uniform. $24.95
This boxed set includes POTUS signatures from Nixon, Reagan, George Bush, Clinton,
Richard Nixon Bowling T-Shirt
As an avid bowler, President Nixon had a bowling alley built under the North Portico entrance of the White House in 1969. $29.95
Richard Nixon Challenge Coin
All new in 2022! The official Nixon Library challenge coin is a must-add for your collection. $14.95