President Nixon was technologically inept and had problems with recorders of all kinds, including simple devices with just two buttons: play or pause. Aides were baffled as the president constantly taped over his own recordings, prematurely stopped recording, or failed to activate the recorders at all.

Finally, a system was designed that used a transistor he wore to voice activate recording devices. If he was physically in the Oval and there was chatter, the idiot-proof system would record everything. Of course, this ended up producing the comprehensive tape archive that also included conversations that Nixon very much wanted to keep off the record. In the end, the White House tapes were subpoenaed by investigators, and Nixon was forced to resign as a result.

Upon assuming office, President Ford had the taping system thrown away, and none of his successors have seen the wisdom in replacing it. One of Nixon’s tape recorders can now be seen on display at the Ford Presidential Museum in Michigan. You can also listen to the Nixon Tapes online at the Nixon Library website.

Hours:

Monday-Saturday: 10AM–5PM

Sunday: 12–5PM

(last ticketed entry is 4:00 PM)

Adults (Ages 19 - 61): $8

Military (With Valid ID): $8

Senior (Ages 62 and Over): $8

College Student (With Valid ID): $7

Youth (Ages 6 - 18): $0

Child (Ages 5 and Under): $0

Good Times Had By All