Searching for Richard Nixon

Searching for Richard Nixon: Finding Refuge and Making a Home in Prince Edward County delves into the mysterious and largely forgotten 1957 trip of Richard Nixon to Picton, Ontario, exploring anecdotes of Nixon’s activities and their unexpected link to both historical and modern politics. Blending meticulous research with personal narrative, Thomas Harrison uncovers Nixon’s hidden visit while reflecting on his own journey of finding home in rural Prince Edward County.

About The Author

Thomas Harrison is a teacher, farmer, lawyer and artist who lives on his family horse farm in Prince Edward County. A former Crown Counsel, and adjunct Professor of law at Queen’s University, he currently teaches animal legislation and ethics and animal issues/critical thinking at Durham College in Whitby, Ontario.

In The Press

Listen to author Thomas Harrison on CBC Radio as he discusses his upcoming book, Searching for Richard Nixon: Finding Refuge and Making a Home in Prince Edward County, exploring Nixon's little-known 1957 visit to Picton.

CBC Radio Listen Here

Thomas Harrison’s research into Richard Nixon’s secret weekend in the County has finally come to life! Read more on CountyLive about the journey that led to his newly released book and the untold history it uncovers.

CountyLive Read Here

CountyLive explored Thomas Harrison’s research on Richard Nixon’s secret weekend in the County—one of his favorite historical subjects—and how it inspired his now-published book.

CountyLive Read Here

Thomas Harrison recently joined CBC Radio’s Ontario Morning to discuss his new book. You can listen to the full interview here!

CBC Ontario Morning Listen Here

On March 19, author Thomas Harrison presented Searching for Richard Nixon: Finding Refuge and Making a Home in Prince Edward County at the Tweed & Area Heritage Centre.

the Belleville Intelligencer Read more Here

Upcoming Events

In collaboration with the Prince Edward County Public Library

📍 Crystal Palace, Picton, Ontario
🗓 June 19, 2025

🕓 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m

This is a must-attend event for lovers of politics, history, travel writing, and personal storytelling.

📍 Deseronto Public Library, Ontario
🗓 June 28, 2025

🕐 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

In collaboration with the Prince Edward County Public Library

📍 Crystal Palace, Picton, Ontario
🗓 July 5, 2025

🕓 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m

Most Recently

The Picton Gazette: Richard Nixon Goes to Picton

The Picton Gazette has picked up Harrison’s captivating story about the weekend in July 1957 when U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon sailed across Lake Ontario aboard the impressive yacht Widgeon and docked in Picton Harbour.

Picton Gazette Read More Here

“Richard Nixon in Picton, Ontario? It seems impossible. Yet it’s true. Thomas Harrison has unearthed a fascinating detail that intersects a charming rural Ontario town with the grandest events in world history.”

- David Frum

Reviews

"This book is three stories in one. A compelling biography of Nixon, a personal memoir, and a love story of Prince Edward County"

Lynn Pickering, producer, writer and radio host

"I've attended hundreds of book launches, this was the best one! You really told a story!"

Greg Sorbara, former Ontario Minister of Finance, Owner of the Royal Hotel

"This is a story you can't resist"

Arthur Milnes, journalist and author