This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
President Richard Nixon Centennial Exhibit opens Friday in Yorba Linda
Two bronze statues of Richard Nixon and Chou en-Lai compliment a mural of Air Force One after it touched down in Peking, China in February 1972.
(
Courtesy of the Richard Nixon Foundation
)
The Nixon Centennial Exhibit includes the dress blue uniform Richard Nixon wore while an officer in the United States Navy during World War II. Nixon was assigned to the South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command on the island of New Caledonia and later moved closer to the action on Bougainville. He would spend two years serving in the Pacific Theater, completing his overseas tour of duty in 1944.
(
Courtesy of the Richard Nixon Foundation
)
The entrance to the Richard Nixon Centennial Exhibit at the Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda.
(
Courtesy of the Richard Nixon Foundation
)
The Nixon Centennial Exhibit includes an exact replica of the desk used by President Nixon in the Oval Office, and at the U.S. Capitol as Vice President. The original desk was first used by President Grant's Vice President Henry Wilson, and is now used by Vice President Biden at the Capitol.
(
Courtesy of the Richard Nixon Foundation
)
A new exhibit on the life of former President Richard Nixon opens Friday at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda.
One of the displays features a bluish-gray wooden bench from about 1930. Exhibit co-curator Bob Bostock said Nixon warmed that bench with the football team at Whittier College.
"He said that the second most influential person in his life, after his father, was his football coach at Whittier College who instilled in him and the other members of the team the importance of hard work, determination and never giving up," Bostock said.
The Nixon Centennial Exhibit "Patriot. President. Peacemaker." tells the story of Nixon's early life, his military service, his five and a half years as president and his life after he resigned in 1974 until his death in 1994. The 100th anniversary of his birth was last month.
Some of the artifacts in the exhibit include the dress blue uniform Nixon wore while he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
"We have letters that he wrote back to Mrs. Nixon talking about what was going on over there," Bostock said. "We’re going to have twelve of those letters on display – never before seen in public."
The exhibit also features an exact replica of the desk he used in the Oval Office and at the U.S. Capitol as Vice President.
Sponsored message
Those who can't make it to see the exhibit in person can take a virtual tour online. The exhibit is free on Friday and Monday – when the Nixon Library waives admission for the holiday.
The Nixon Library's President's Day celebration goes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday. The event includes Presidential look-alikes and a talk by former Presidential speechwriter James Humes at 2:30 p.m., where he'll discuss President Nixon's historic trip to China in 1972.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
