Since the mid-twentieth century, presidential libraries have been established as both a repository for presidential materials and also as places dedicated to teaching the public about the actions and legacies of each American president. Some of these libraries are forced to contend with history that paints their specific president in a less than flattering light. After reviewing the provided materials, consider the role and mission of the presidential libraries and their commitment to preserving our shared history.
In your opinion, what is the goal of the presidential libraries? Should the libraries showcase the incidents and policies that paint their namesake in the best light. In the specific case of Nixon and the Watergate scandal, how should the president be portrayed? Is it fair to tell the story from the perspective of the president themself or should it be told from the perspective of the general public? How should the library address the issue of Nixon’s resignation?