BY TIANA GOEGEBUER
(Google Images)
Corona — The Quality West Wing is a museum that was designed to be a “living history lesson.” It is devoted to educating young people about some of our nation’s former presidents.
Boasting a scale replica of the Oval Office created by a Hollywood set designer, a hallway filled with pictures of some of our presidents, and a classroom that houses computers, this is a unique, interactive museum. In the classroom, students can experience what is like to be President by taking the Oath of Office, nominating a Supreme Court Justice, signing or vetoing a bill, balancing the national budget, holding a press conference, and running a re-election campaign.
The inspiration for the Quality West Wing and the neighboring Uncle Bud’s Automotive Museum came from the owner, Bud Gordon, to help his daughter feel more of a connection to her nation’s past and future. Both museums are a part of the Quality West Wing Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization that is supported by the Gordon family as well as private donations, and have had an estimated 200,000 visitors over time.
Now, 13 years after they were built, both museums may need to be relocated due to the expansion of the 91 Freeway. The Riverside County Transportation Commission says that the auto museum property is needed for the expansion, but not the Quality West Wing. However, the Foundation believes that both attractions supplement one another and should not be separated. So, if one needs to be relocated, the other is said to be as well. They are currently trying to find a new site somewhere else in the Corona area, but have yet to succeed.
No matter where the building ends up being situated, it is sure to continue being a great place for students and adults alike to go to see history come to life.
