The Nixon and Reagan libraries are near one another in California, but far apart in philosophy.

“The Reagan library is the way presidential libraries have been in the past,” said Jon Wiener, a history professor at the University of California, Irvine. “The Nixon library represents the new kind of museum that presents more of an historic view, warts and all.

The Watergate exhibition is so detailed, searing and unapologetic ? ?What did the president know, and when did he know it?? asks a panel that greets visitors ? that it was shunned by Nixon loyalists. They did not attend the opening ceremony this year and provided it no financial support, and last week, one museum docent resigned his post in protest.

By contrast, the revamped Reagan library ? ?He fought for freedom; he set out to change the nation,? attendees are informed in the introductory film ? was financed and developed by the Reagan Foundation. Mrs. Reagan approved much of the content, library officials said. Attendees at the invitation-only debate of the presidential candidates were encouraged to view the display, which opened to the public in February.”

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