John V. Brennan papers (rppc_brennan)

Series I. Ceremonies
Folder 114
This series pertains to ceremonies attended by Col. John V. Brennan, beginning with his graduation from Providence College and continuing onward to the present day. As President Nixon's Marine Corps Aide, Col. Brennan was responsible for the management of all presidential and political ceremonies, particularly those in honor of foreign dignitaries.

In addition, there are also invitations to the Inaugurations of Presidents Nixon, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and William Clinton. The series also contains more current events that sought the presence of Col. Brennan, including the funerals of Presidents Nixon and Reagan.

Series II. Correspondence
Folder 76
This series contains letters to and from President Richard Nixon and Col. John V. Brennan in regards to political and military matters of both a foreign and domestic nature, as well as their personal notes.

Additional correspondents include Presidents George H.W. Bush and William Clinton, and Julie Eisenhower, among a wide number of other noteworthy figures. The series also includes correspondence generated by President Nixon to individuals other than Col. Brennan.

Series III. Frost/Nixon Interviews
Folder 14
This series contains correspondence, notes, and periodicals, pertaining to the famous Frost/Nixon interviews. As President Nixon's chief of staff, Col. John V. Brennan was responsible for negotiating the terms of the interviews with David Frost. The interviews were aired in four 90 minute segments and reportedly drew in 50 million viewers.

The Nixon camp hoped the interview would give the President an opportunity to express regret for the Watergate scandal and help to repair his national image. Brennan oversaw the tapings to ensure Nixon's remarks were not edited or misconstrued to the President's detriment. However, Nixon eventually admitted to Frost that he was involved in the Watergate cover-up and had let the American people down.

Also included in this series is a playbill from the 2006 Tony Award winning play, "Frost/Nixon."

Series IV. Memorandums
Folder 63
This series records the official memorandums passed to and from Col. John V. Brennan while on official White House duty, as well as his time as President Nixon's post-resignation chief of staff. Included are a number of memorandums regarding specific matters with those close to President Nixon, as well as numerous notes and letters that detail Col. Brennan's daily tasks and responsibilities.

Featured most prominently are the correspondence between the Colonel and the Brigadier Generals of the Air Force James D. Hughes, Brent Scowcroft and Richard L. Lawson. Some of these memos were branded secret at the time. Also included are memos of a personal nature for Col. Brennan.

Series V. Multimedia
Folder 18
This is an assortment of visual media pertaining to Colonel Brennan and/or President Nixon. There are video cassettes and DVDs from documentaries made on President Nixon, as well as news programs (e.g. Good Morning America) that featured Col. Brennan and President Nixon, and various 8mm films.

Series VI. Museum Objects
Box 27
This is a series of commemorative objects collected by Col. John V. Brennan during the Presidencies of Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. Included are Presidential tie-clasps and pins, pins and stamps from the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China, decorative pins and cuff links, official White House key chains, and an assortment of commemorative coins.

This series also contains the annual commemorative White House Christmas ornaments collected by Col. John V. Brennan from 1982 to 2006.

Series VII. News Clippings
Folder 127
This series is an assortment of published news clippings from major periodicals such as the L.A. Herald Examiner, the Daily Sun Times and the Washington Post, in addition to smaller news publications, specifically the Fall River Herald. These clippings highlight Colonel John V. Brennan's time with President Nixon. Many of the clippings report on events that occurred during Nixon's presidency, his post-presidency, and on his death.

Series VIII. Oral Histories
Folder 48
This series contains a compilation of interviews with Colonel John V. Brennan. Included are the transcripts of the interviews with Col. Brennan's handwritten notes, as well as the original audiocassette tapes, and CD copies of the tapes.

Series IX. Photographs
Folder 102
This is an abundant collection of photographs from the personal archives of Colonel John V. Brennan. These include official White House photographs, photos from trips abroad taken of the Colonel with both President and Mrs. Nixon, as well as personal photographs of Col. Brennan and his family.

Also included are both 35mm and Sub-Miniature slides, mainly regarding President Nixon's post-presidential time spent at La Casa Pacifica with his friends and family.

Series X. Presidential Schedules
Folder 102
These are the Presidential Schedules detailing the daily activities and appointments for President Richard Nixon, dating from his inauguration until after his resignation, ending in 1977 with the David Frost tapings.

Series XI. Publications
Folder 57
This series is a collection of published materials regarding President Nixon and his administration, beginning with his inauguration and ending after his death. This includes inaugural addresses, State of the Union addresses, interviews, and biographies.

Series XII. San Clemente
Folder 57
This series begins with the resignation of President Richard Nixon, after he moves to San Clemente, California. These files are varied and numerous, and range from notes taken by Col. Brennan, to memorandums and financial statements.

Series XIII. Subject Files
Folder 138
This series contains Col. John V. Brennan's personal collection of memorabilia, predominantly from his time serving under President Nixon. Many of the materials pertain to daily activities, such as notes and schedules. Other materials include memorabilia from special events. Several items are specifically attributed to the White House staff, as well as the "Western White House" of San Clemente.

Series XIV. Travel
Folder 81
This series contains the notes, schedules, informational booklets and event guides to many of the foreign trips taken by President and Mrs. Nixon, as planned by John V. Brennan. As the Marine Aide to the President, Brennan's job was to oversee the coordination and safe planning of the President's trips to France, England, Spain, the Ivory Coast, and most notably, China. He also accompanied the President to Saudi Arabia, the Soviet Union and more than 60 other countries. Brennan also accompanied the First Lady to Ghana, Liberia, Brazil and Peru.

Series XV. Travel - China
Folder 57
This series contains memorabilia, souvenirs, notes, detailed schedules, and official White House documents pertaining to the People's Republic of China. John V. Brennan was instrumental in planning the historic first trip of an American President to China in 1972; the same trip that opened trade relations between the United States and China. Brennan also planned two trips for President Nixon after he had left office, one in 1975 and the other in 1978.