Thelma Catherine “Pat” Ryan Nixon

Websites

National First Ladies Library Biography of Pat Nixon  

The White House: Patricia Ryan Nixon

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum: Pat Nixon

Papers/letters collections

National First Ladies Library: Pat Nixon Manuscripts

Letters Between Richard and Pat Ryan Nixon

Historical sites

National Museum of American History: Pat Nixon Exhibit

Pat Nixon Gravesite

Fascinating details

• Pat Nixon made many unsuccessful attempts at establishing a single ‘cause’ as first lady, ultimately serving a mostly domestic, hostess role. This is in part attributed to an absence of President Nixon’s support and/or encouragement for his wife taking a more prominent role.
• Served on the President’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped, aimed making the White House more accessible to the disabled and blind, and was the honorary chair of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare’s “Right to Read” program.
• Initiated “Summer in the Parks,” a series of concerts and activities for inner-city youths. She also put on and attended other events for disadvantaged children.
• Pat Nixon suffered a stroke in 1976 which left her partly paralyzed.