Hoover Presidential Foundation

USA Student Weekend
2026-06-20 09:00 - 2026-06-21 13:00 (America/New_York) | Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, 210 Parkside Dr, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States
Students selected for the 2026 Uncommon Student Award Class are required to attend USA Student Weekend at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch, Iowa.
This two-day experience brings together outstanding students from across the state for a meaningful introduction to the life and legacy of Herbert Hoover, the humanitarian and 31st President of the United States, while engaging in programming focused on leadership, service, and civic responsibility.
📅 Saturday, June 20 (9:00 a.m.) – Sunday, June 21 (1:00 p.m.), 2026📍 Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, West Branch, Iowa
Attendance is required to receive the Uncommon Student Award.

Member Program: Film Screening & Guided Tallgrass Prairie Tour
2026-06-04 17:00 | Hoover Presidential Foundation, 127 W Main St, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States
Lace up your shoes, grab a friend, and come join us for a special member program at the Hoover Presidential Foundation.
We’re bringing together film and fields for a relaxed evening featuring a screening of Stewards of Iowa: A Documentary by Ethan Meyer, followed by a guided visit through the tallgrass prairie at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site.
Ethan, a 2025 Uncommon Student alum and scholarship recipient, will share more about his experience in the program and his work as a National Park Service volunteer. Following the screening, Ryan Elliott of the National Park Service will lead a guided walk through the tallgrass prairie at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, sharing insights on its plants, history, and stewardship as a nationally significant landscape.
📅 Thursday, June 4, 2026🕑 5:00 p.m.📍 Hoover Presidential Foundation & Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Register online or call 319-643-5327 to reserve your spot.

Rare & Unusual Member Program: Belgian Flour Sacks from World War I
2026-04-29 | Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, 210 Parkside Dr, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States
Members are invited to a special, behind-the-scenes experience at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum on Tuesday, April 29, 2026.
As part of the Rare & Unusual series, this intimate program offers a rare opportunity to view artifacts from the Hoover collection that are not typically on public display. This session will feature Belgian flour sacks from World War I, powerful symbols of international gratitude and a direct reflection of Herbert Hoover’s leadership in global humanitarian relief efforts.
Through these remarkable objects, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of Hoover’s impact and the global significance of his work.
📅 Tuesday, April 29, 2026🕑 2:00 p.m. SESSION FULL 3:30 p.m. Taking reservations📍 Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum – Conference Room
This is a members-only event with limited capacity (20 guests). RSVP is requested to attend.
Register online or call 319-643-5327 to reserve your spot.

The Hoovers in the White House
2026-04-23 18:30 | Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, 50322, United States
As part of the Hoover on the Road visit to Living History Farms, the Hoover Presidential Foundation will host a featured public presentation exploring Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover’s time in the White House. Sarah Fling, historian with the White House Historical Association, will examine the Hoovers’ years at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and their lasting impact on the presidency, public service, and American history. The program complements the themes introduced through the traveling museum exhibit.
Event Details

Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Speaker: Sarah Fling, White House Historical Association
Location: Living History Farms
Address: 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA
Admission: Free and open to the public

RSVP is preferred but not required.

Bright Star Touring Theatre: Jack's Adventure in American History
2026-04-06 - 2026-04-10 | West Branch High School, 900 W. Main Street, West Branch, IA, 52358
We are pleased to present 10 performances of the Bright Star Touring Theatre’s Jack’s Adventure in American History, made possible through grants provided by Aegon Transamerica Foundation and ACT Foundation.
Event Details:

There will be two shows daily, April 6-10, and 10a.m. and 12:00 p.m., each with an audience capacity of 250 persons per show. Classes are invited to attend at no cost.
Due to limited seating, reservations are required. Space will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
School bus grants are available to help offset transportation costs.
The application link will be included within the registration form.

Register Here
For questions, please email gbierman@hooverpf.org or call 319-643-5327

Duck-billed Dinosaurs: Pretty Faces of the Cretaceous
2026-04-04 14:00 | Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, 110 Parkside Drive, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States
Join us for an engaging, hands-on program exploring the fascinating world of duck-billed dinosaurs. Discover “Laura,” Iowa’s celebrity juvenile dinosaur, and get up close with real fossil bones, teeth, claws, and even an egg. Learn why these dinosaurs were among the most successful of the Cretaceous period, how they lived, and what made them truly unique.
Led by Don, also known as “The Fossil Guy,” this interactive experience brings paleontology to life for all ages. Bring your curiosity and questions for an afternoon of discovery.
📅 Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 2 PM📍 Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Visitor Center
For more details, visit: https://www.facebook.com/HerbertHooverNHS/

Hoover on the Road: Traveling Museum Exhibit at Living History Farms
2026-04-01 - 2026-05-31 | Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, 50322, United States
The Hoover Presidential Foundation brings its traveling museum experience, Hoover on the Road, to Living History Farms this spring. Created to extend the reach of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, the exhibit introduces visitors to Herbert Hoover’s life, leadership, and humanitarian legacy through engaging storytelling and historical interpretation. The exhibit highlights Hoover’s work as an engineer, global problem-solver, and public servant whose influence extended far beyond his presidency.
Event Details

Exhibit Dates: April 1 – May 31, 2026
Location: Living History Farms
Address: 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA
Hours: During normal Living History Farms hours
Admission: Included with museum admission

Lou Henry Hoover's Birthday
2026-03-29 | IA
On March 29, we celebrate the life and legacy of Lou Henry Hoover on what would have been her 152nd birthday.
A trailblazer in her own right, Lou Henry Hoover was a linguist, scientist, humanitarian, and advocate for women’s leadership. As First Lady of the United States, she brought a global perspective shaped by her travels and work alongside Herbert Hoover, and she used her platform to champion education, volunteerism, and opportunities for women and girls.
Her influence extended far beyond the White House. From her work with the Girl Scouts to her passion for cultural understanding and public service, Lou Henry Hoover exemplified a life of curiosity, intellect, and purpose.
Today, we honor her enduring impact and the values she lived by—service, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference.
Join us in celebrating her remarkable legacy.

Month of Service Culminates in Food Pantry Donation
2026-03-28 | IA
On March 28, 2026, the Month of Service honoring Lou Henry Hoover’s birthday will conclude with the delivery of collected food and donations to the West Branch Food Pantry. Throughout the month, supporters have come together to contribute essential items and financial gifts, all of which will be delivered on this day to directly support local individuals and families.
This effort reflects the enduring spirit of humanitarianism demonstrated by Lou Henry Hoover and Herbert Hoover throughout their lives. Their shared commitment to service, community support, and helping those in need continues to inspire meaningful action today.
As we mark this moment, we are reminded that even small acts of generosity, when brought together, can make a lasting impact. Thank you to all who participated in this Month of Service and helped carry forward a legacy rooted in compassion and service.

Herbert Hoover’s Global Famine Survey & the Formation of UNICEF, 1946
2026-02-26 18:00 - 19:30 | Carnegie-Stout Public Library, 360 W 11th St, Dubuque, IA, 52001, United States
Join the Hoover Presidential Foundation for a special public presentation by author and historian Lisa Ossian examining one of the most significant chapters of Herbert Hoover’s post-presidential humanitarian work. This program explores Hoover’s leadership of a global famine survey at the request of President Harry Truman following World War II, during which Hoover traveled to more than 30 countries to assess food shortages and mobilize international cooperation. Ossian’s presentation provides a deeper historical context on how these efforts influenced the formation of modern humanitarian relief systems, including UNICEF, and complements the themes of the Hoover on the Road traveling exhibit. Free and open to the public.
Event Details

Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Speaker: Lisa Ossian, Author & Historian
Location: Carnegie-Stout Public Library
Address: 360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, IA
Admission: Free and open to the public

Member Event - Rare & Unusual from the Hoover Collection: Meet the Newlyweds
2026-02-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, 210 Parkside Dr, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States
Hoover Presidential Foundation members are invited to a special behind-the-scenes program offering an exclusive look at rare and unusual artifacts from the Hoover Collection. Curated by the staff of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum, this program highlights seldom-seen items that trace Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover’s earliest years together. From the moment they were newly married and setting out into the world, these objects tell the story of a partnership already taking shape. This unique presentation provides members with deeper insight into the breadth and significance of the museum’s collections.
Event Details

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum
Room: Conference Room
Address: 210 Parkside Dr, West Branch, IA 52358

RSVP is preferred but not required.

Hoover on the Road: Traveling Museum Exhibit in Dubuque
2026-02-09 - 2026-02-26 | Carnegie-Stout Public Library, 360 W 11th St, Dubuque, IA, 52001, United States
The Hoover Presidential Foundation brings its acclaimed traveling museum experience, Hoover on the Road, to Dubuque for a multi-week exhibit at the Carnegie-Stout Public Library. Designed to extend the reach of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, the exhibit explores Herbert Hoover’s life and legacy as an engineer, humanitarian, and global problem-solver. Through engaging storytelling and interactive learning, visitors will discover Hoover’s leadership during international famine relief efforts, wartime humanitarian work, and the development of cooperative global solutions – values that continue to resonate today. Admission is free and open to the public during regular library hours.
Event Details

Exhibit Dates: February 9–26, 2026
Location: Carnegie-Stout Public Library
Address: 360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, IA
Hours: During normal Carnegie-Stout Public Library hours
Admission: Free and open to the public

Festival of Trees - Monday-Friday Business Hours
2025-12-09 08:00 - 2026-01-02 16:30 | Hoover Presidential Foundation, 127 W Main St, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States
Monday – Friday

A Million Reasons Gala
2025-11-15 16:30 - 21:00 | IA
Courtyard by Marriott Iowa City, University Heights
Gala Welcome Reception – 4:30pm Melrose Room
A Million Reasons Gala – 6:00pm The Rooftop Ballroom (registration required)

VIP Tours - USA
2025-11-15 10:00 - 15:00 | IA
Registration required
Kinnick Stadium – 10:00am and 11:00am
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum/Historic site – construction site 11:00am and 2:00pm

Uncommon Student Award Presentations
2025-11-15 09:00 - 15:00 | IA
Stanley & Helen Howe Presentation Day
The Rooftop Ballroom – Courtyard by Marriott Iowa City, University Heights

USA Alumni Social
2025-11-14 18:00 - 20:00 | IA
UI Athletics Hall of Fame – registration required

Veterans Day
2025-11-11 14:00 - 15:00 | Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, 110 Parkside Drive, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States
Join a park ranger for a special talk about Herbert Hoover’s relationship with the US military and veterans.

Members Book Club 4
2025-10-16 15:30 - 16:30 | Hoover Presidential Foundation, 127 W Main St, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States
Join us as we cover a selected title related to Herbert Hoover.
All are welcome whether you have read the book in its entirety or not. This event is designed to be an engaging discussion, where all viewpoints are encouraged.
Email gbierman@hooverpf.org to register.

National Public Lands Day
2025-09-21 10:00 - 15:00 | Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, 110 Parkside Drive, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States
This is a nationwide, volunteer-led workday to improve public lands. Contact the park for more details.

Behine the Scenes: Museum Renovation Insights
2025-08-09 13:30 - 14:30 | Hoover Presidential Foundation, 127 W Main St, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States
Join the Hoover Presidential Foundation for an in-depth presentation by Matt Solari, Vice President of Creative Story at BRC Imagination Arts, the firm leading the design of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Museum. Featuring a behind-the-scenes sneak peek of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum renovation.
Rummells Center – 127 W. Main Street West Branch, IA
FREE – Open to the Public

Birthday Luncheon & Life Celebration
2025-08-09 11:30 - 13:00 | Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, 110 Parkside Drive, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States
Happy Birthday, Mr. President!
Join us for a special Birthday Luncheon and Life Celebration honoring the 31st President of the United States.
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Lawn of the C.E. Smith House
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
in West Branch, Iowa
This special event will include a catered luncheon and remarks from:
Matt Solari
Vice President of Creative Story, BRC Imagination Arts
Leading the redesign of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum.
Tom Schwartz
Director, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum
Pete Swisher
Superintendent, Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Members Book Club 3
2025-06-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Hoover Presidential Foundation, 127 W Main St, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States

National Get Outside Day
2025-06-14 10:00 - 14:00 | Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, 110 Parkside Drive, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States
This annual event is intended to inspire and motivate Americans to get outside for a “healthy, fun day of outdoor adventure.”

National Trails Day 2
2025-06-07 09:00 - 11:00 | Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, 110 Parkside Drive, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States
Adventures are meant to be shared. National Trails Day is a great opportunity to meet new people in your area and share a fun experience on a local trail. Join a Ranger for a guided walk to explore the restored tallgrass prairie.

White House Elegance: Hoovers in the White House
2025-05-15 17:00 - 19:00 | IA
Join us for an evening of history and sophistication at our Exclusive Member Event!
Discover the charm and grace of White House entertaining during the Hoover administration. Sarah Fling, Historian from the White House Historical Association, will share captivating stories about how the Hoovers brought elegance to the White House through their hosting and entertaining style. A Q&A will follow the presentation.
Enjoy sample dishes inspired by the Hoovers’ favorite recipes, complemented by a selection of wines.
While dressing up to match the evening’s elegant theme is encouraged, it is not required—come as you feel comfortable!
Location: The Black Rose (former Brick Arch Winery) 116 W. Main St., West Branch
Time: 5-7pm (Presentation at 5:30pm)
Click Here to RSVP by May 12

Members Book Club 2
2025-04-22 14:00 - 15:00 | Hoover Presidential Foundation, 127 W Main St, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States

National Junior Ranger Day
2025-04-19 09:00 - 16:00 | Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, 110 Parkside Drive, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States
The Junior Ranger Program is a great way to explore national parks. You can learn about nature sounds, night skies, fishing, wildland fire fighting, and Herbert Hoover NHS.

Member Day Trip to Waterloo
2025-04-15 08:15 - 16:00 | IA
Be a part of an exciting day of learning, friendship, and an exclusive behind the scenes experience! Explore the history surrounding the birthplace of Lou Henry Hoover in this easy, fun-filled day trip. Transportation, admission, and a hot lunch buffet are all covered in the cost.
Visit the Lou Henry Hoover Sculpture Park, tour the Grout Museum District, and get a rare VIP tour of the Grout Museum District’s collections storage and workspaces.
Click here to learn more.

We Can Do It! A Celebration of Women's History
2025-03-24 10:00 - 2025-03-28 13:30 | IA
Best for grades 3rd-adults.
The Hoover Presidential Foundation and Hoover Presidential Library-Museum are pleased to present 10 performances of Bright Star Touring Theatre’s We Can Do It: American Women in History, made possible through grants provided by Aegon TransAmerica and Pella Rolscreen. There will be two shows daily March 24-28, at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., each with audience capacity of 250 persons per show. Classes are invited to attend AT NO COST. Due to limited seating, reservations are required. Space will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the 19th Amendment with our show We Can Do It: American Women in History. This is the perfect show to inform and inspire audiences, girls and boys alike! An incredible adventure featuring some of the world’s most remarkable female pioneers, your audience will discover incredible and groundbreaking women like Amelia Earhart, Sacagawea, Susan B. Anthony, Lou Henry Hoover, and more! Honor the women of America by bringing your students to this uplifting production.
This year’s venue is West Branch High School in West Branch, Iowa. For questions, please email hoover.education@nara.gov or call 319-643-5327, Register here.
