Construction is scheduled to begin today on a new Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library and Museum at the current site in Yorba Linda, coinciding with the 103rd anniversary of his birth.
Christopher Cox, a grandson of Nixon, and the 37th president’s 85-year- brother Edward will begin the construction at 10:30 a.m. Cox will announce the official opening date of the renovated library.
The laying of a memorial wreath sent by President Barack Obama will follow, along with a formal presentation of the colors by U.S. Marines, remarks by Navy Region Southwest Commander Rear Adm. Mark Rich, Cox, senior adviser and deputy chief of staff to then-President George W. Bush and Nixon Foundation President and CEO William Baribault and performances by the Navy Band Southwest Quintet.
Nixon served in the Navy during World War II.
Former presidential adviser Karl Rove will deliver the Nixon Legacy Lecture at 1 p.m., discussing Nixon’s legacy, his newly released book, “The Triumph of William McKinley: Why the Election of 1896 Still Matters,” and his outlook on the 2016 presidential race.
Admission will be free at the library today. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Nixon museum is undergoing a $15 million renovation. Over the next 10 months, the museum’s exhibits will be completely transformed into a modern presidential library, with updated technology, interactive displays and participatory learning experiences, according to an official with the Richard Nixon Foundation.
“The renovation will bring lessons of his presidency to a new audience of visitors with engaging and informative exhibits,” Baribault said.
The renovated museum is scheduled to open to the public in the fall.
The Richard Nixon Foundation owns the 8.2-acre campus and buildings comprising the museum and presidential library and jointly operates the museum and library with the National Archives and Records Administration.
More information on the Nixon library is available online at nixonlibrary.gov or by calling (714) 993-5075.
