Presidential Helicopter Temporarily Departs Nixon Library, Charts Course for New Civics Education Center - Richard Nixon Foundation | Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum

July 6, 2026 - 20:50

On June 29, the Nixon Library hosted a formal sendoff for the iconic presidential helicopter as it temporarily left the campus. The aircraft is now headed to the March Field Air Museum for a full restoration. This move is part of a larger plan to create a new Civics Education Center at the library.

The helicopter, which once served as Marine One during the Nixon administration, will undergo extensive work to return it to its original condition. Once the restoration is complete, the aircraft will come back to the Nixon Library and become the centerpiece of the new educational exhibit. The goal is to use the helicopter as a hands-on teaching tool to help visitors, especially students, learn about the presidency, the executive branch, and the role of civic engagement in American democracy.

Officials at the Nixon Foundation say the project represents a significant investment in making history accessible. The new center will offer interactive programs and displays designed to inspire a deeper understanding of how government works. The helicopter's departure marks the first step in what will be a multi-phase renovation of the library's outdoor exhibits. No timeline has been given for the helicopter's return, but the foundation expects the restoration to take several months.