Richard Nixon Presidential Library Essay Examples

A few days ago, I had the pleasure of visiting one of the most iconic libraries in the nation, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library. The library that is located in Yorba Linda in California is surely one of the best that I have ever visited. In addition, to the huge stock of literary materials and memorabilia that characterize this iconic library, the decoration and basic architecture of the building is nothing short of phenomenal. I had come to this place with great expectations particularly in regards to the presidency of Richard Nixon and by the end of the visit, I must admit that I was not disappointed in the least bit. As will be shown later in this essay, there are quite a significant number of things to learn about America history in this library.
The guide gave us a comprehensive tour of the entire place, and I was able to learn a lot about this library. He gave us a brief history of the library where I learned that the official construction of the center began in 1988, and it was officially opened in 1990. Several Presidents including Gerald Ford, George Bush and Ronald Reagan present at the opening ceremony. The library was opened after President Nixon had agreed to make materials from his Presidency save for the very few personal ones to be made available to the public. According to the guide, this was a distinctive time in history because traditionally, many Presidents usually left with all Presidential materials after serving their terms or have their items destroyed. The guide also explained that the funding for the library and museum constructions was mainly from private sources. The total estimated cost of the entire construction process was $25 million.
First, I learned that the Richard Nixon Presidential Library houses some key items and materials from the era of President Nixon, who was the 37th President of the United States. The Nixon library is under the administration of the National Archives and Records Administration. Some of the key items held in this liberty include presidential materials, photographs, texts, moving images and sounds, white house tapes, the presidential helicopter, museum and birthplace.
The Library is a true chronicle of one of America’s most controversial presidents. The guide explained that the entire grounds comprise of about twenty presidential museum galleries. One of the most iconic of this is a reconstructed childhood home of President Nixon where he was born and grew up. The pathway to the house was decorated with beautiful flowers and house looked so lively that one would have thought that there were actual people still living there. The inside of the house looked like a classical early 1900’s building, and I was intrigued to see the kind of life that people at this time lived.
I also made a stop at the gravesites where both President Nixon and his wife were laid to rest.
I was also intrigued by a splendid replica of the East Room of White House, which was his favorite room in the white house where he spent a lot of time. The library and museum also houses a presidential helicopter that according to the guide was not only used by Nixon, but also by other Presidents including Johnson, Kennedy and Ford.
Walking through the library and the Museum made me feel like I was reliving the era of Nixon all over again.
The library is not also impressive in the inside but also the outside. First, it has very wide parking area that allows a significant number of visitors to efficiently park their cars at a time. The entry to the Museum is also beautifully decorated created, therefore, giving a very favorable first impression even before one has made his or her way to the actual grounds. Surrounding the mains building are beautifully mowed lawns and gardens. They look very classy and well maintained. I was surprised to hear that the management of the place usually rents it out for some functions such as weddings. This was very surprising to me, as I never imagined a library and museum that is under the management for a federal body would be open to public events such as weddings.
There is also an amazing ballroom in the library, which I learned is used to host some key official as well as unofficial events. The ballroom is characterized by tall ceilings and incredible décor that makes one feel like they are taking a walk in the White house.
As mentioned earlier, the museum hosts many Nixon memorabilia some of which are available for sale. One can for instance buy replica Nixon shoes, campaign buttons and other materials.
The Nixon library is truly a phenomenal place that provides visitors with a comprehensive look at one of America’s most controversial president’s political and personal life. It looks at his birth and his upbringing as well as his political life starting from his years as a Congressman, to a Senator, to the Vice President and finally to the President of the United States of America. The museum also houses some key materials related to the most distinguishable scandal of his presidency, “The Watergate Scandal." It is not only entertaining but also an educational center for individuals of every age. A visit to the place will keep one captivated and give him or her at not only the life of President Nixon but also at the history and events that surrounded him. I learned quite a lot from this experience.