Robert R. McMillan Political Papers and Memorabilia Collection

As part of my MSLIS program at LIU Post, I am completing an internship at Adelphi University Archives and Special Collections where I have been tasked with processing the manuscripts and photographs in the Robert R. McMillan Political Papers and Memorabilia Collection.

McMillan with Pres. Ronald Reagan

McMillan alongside Pres. Richard Nixon

Lawyer, businessman and journalist Robert R. McMillan (1932- ) served as an Assistant to Richard Nixon and acted as an adviser to Presidents Reagan and Bush. He was appointed to the Panama Canal Commission by Pres. George H.W. Bush, and served as the Chairman of the Commission’s Board of Directors from 1993-1994.  Beginning in 1990 Mr. McMillan gifted to Adelphi Special Collections his extensive collection of material documenting the history of the Panama Canal and the Panama Canal Commission.  Mr. McMillan also mounted an unsuccessful run for the U.S. Senate in 1988.  The McMillan Political Collection contains many interesting photographs, letters and artifacts related to Mr. McMillan’s public service, including letters sent to Mr. McMillan from President Nixon, event invitations from President Reagan, and Christmas cards from George H. W. Bush.

McMillan meeting Pope John Paul II

 The photographs and letters related to McMillan’s relationship with Richard Nixon are particularly fascinating.  Their correspondence indicates a quite personal affinity and acquaintance which continued long after Nixon had left office.  The collection also contains letters from Ronald Reagan and memorabilia from the administration of President George H.W. Bush.

McMillan completed his undergraduate degree at Adelphi University and has served as a member of the university’s Board of Trustees.

--by John Abraham