A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

By Corrie Brite ‘10 - Political Science and History double major

When I applied for my internship at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California, I knew it was a long shot, as I would be competing against hundreds of students from across the nation. I got it, and after being here for six weeks, I cannot imagine that anyone is having a better summer than I am.

I have learned more than anyone has ever wanted to know about the Nixon administration. Fellow interns hail from all over the United States and we all joke that by the end of the summer we won’t be able to talk about anything except Nixon. The people I have met here have been best friends for a summer and hopefully friends for a lifetime.

I have worked on projects ranging from formatting interview transcripts to writing museum panels for an Apollo space display. My main project deals with cataloguing video clips for the new Watergate exhibit. People that know nothing about Watergate (i.e. me 7 weeks ago) would be FLOORED to see the original plans. Imagine the most ridiculous heist ever planned, with prostitutes, kidnapping, knives, break-ins and guns. That is the original “Watergate.” While the plans were trimmed down by June 1972, the planning and execution of the Watergate Hotel break-in has been fascinating to learn about.

My bosses, Paul and Tim, are two of the most intelligent people I know, always there to give historical context or recommend a must-see movie. It has been awesome to work with two dedicated and qualified historians, both of whom I can approach with any questions about my projects.

John Dean, former counsel to President Nixon, came to speak at the library in June. Because of his testimony, many of Nixon’s advisors were prosecuted for their actions in the Watergate scandal. His testimony can also be linked to Nixon’s decision to resign. Dean is a controversial figure to bring into a library dedicated to Nixon’s legacy. Articles in Time, Newsweek, the Washington Post, and the New York Times, discussed the event held on the 37th anniversary of the Watergate break-in. Dean angered many with his message, but that’s history, everyone remembers it differently.

The second visitor was Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, David Hume Kennerly. Everyone has seen his photos, from the Jonestown Massacre to President Ford’s presidential pictures. Kennerly has witnessed countless major political events first-hand.

Richard Ben-Veniste, a Watergate prosecutor and member of the 9/11 Commission also came to the Library.  I asked if he had advice for a future lawyer and he responded, “If you take a step back and have to question the possibility of your picture ending up on the New York Times the next morning, you should probably stop what you are doing. Just do the right thing.”

The Nixon Library recently came under the control of the National Archives and Records Administration, meaning that I am holding a federal internship. The learning environment is one of unbiased and research-based study. The entire staff is committed to bringing the truth to light, instead of letting it hide in history as it has done for the last thirty years. This internship has been everything that I ever dreamed of. I have met some great people and learned directly from the people who participated in the Nixon Administration. When I conclude this internship in two weeks, I will be leaving a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.