Leaders of the Richard Nixon Foundation say with additional space they would be able to make more use of the presidential library’s archives and host larger visiting exhibits, refreshing more frequently offerings for visitors.
The foundation, which partners with the National Archives and Records Administration on operating the library documenting President Richard Nixon’s administration and legacy, will ask the Yorba Linda Planning Commission to approve an expansion project Wednesday night, April 10.
If approved, the Nixon Presidential Library & Museum would add a 22,730-square-foot exhibit hall, along with some storage and lobby space and restrooms, in a new building to the northwest.
“This will be the first new building that we’ve proposed and planned for since we expanded with the (replica) East Room in 2004,” said Nixon Foundation spokesperson Joe Lopez.
The current 4,000 square feet of space available for visiting exhibits is part of the same East Room wing of the library, which is used by the foundation for gatherings and events. The proposed new building would significantly expand the options for what the foundation could present, Lopez said.
“Museums are really challenged with ways to keep people interested,” Lopez said, referencing the foundation board’s decision to pursue more space to host revolving exhibits.
Currently the library is hosting “Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tributes to America’s Warriors.” On loan from the Ambassador and Mrs. George L. Argyros Collection of Presidential Art at the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the exhibit features portraits of veterans painted by Bush. It will be on exhibit through late May.
Last year, the library pulled from its own archives to help create an exhibit marking the 50th anniversary of the release of prisoners of war following the end of the Vietnam War.
“With our own curated exhibits we would be able to put more of our own artifacts,” Lopez…
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