Nixon Oral History

Twenty-three years ago, now-retired Whittier College Prof. Carmelo Richard Arena undertook an important project to compile an oral history which included the remembrances of friends, family, and associates of Richard Milhous Nixon, 37th President of the United States and distinguished alumnus of Whittier College. Approximately 400 people took part in Dr. Arena’s comprehensive work, undertaken with the intent that one day it would be available for use by historians and the interested public.

In November, 1973, the work was entrusted to the National Archives for safekeeping until such a time as there was a Nixon presidential library. Today, one would imagine that this important work would be available to be studied and enjoyed by all with interest. Unfortunately, this is not the case, as your story points out (July 6 and 8).

Because the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace in Yorba Linda is a private concern and is not managed by the National Archives, it is not recognized by the National Archives as an official presidential library. The National Archives has kept the oral history sealed and unavailable for review.

Your article was a bit misleading. The college has not to date claimed exclusive ownership of the oral history. We are merely seeking every possible means of realizing one of the primary intents of the work, namely, that the historical data therein be widely accessible to the general public.

JAMES L. ASH JR.

President, Whittier College