Hoover Presidential Foundation

Hoover 150: A Birthday Celebration
2024-05-18 09:00 - 2025-01-05 17:00 (America/New_York) | Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, 210 Parkside Dr, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is excited to commemorate the 150th birthdays of both Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover with a special new temporary exhibit: “Hoover 150: A Birthday Celebration.” This exhibit will serve as the final temporary exhibit at the Museum prior to the Museum’s complete remodel and renovation.
Starting May 18, visitors will discover the lives of the Hoovers in a completely new way, highlighting their birthdays over the years and the celebrations in their honor. While both Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover lived private personal lives, items on display will offer a unique perspective on some of their most intimate moments with friends and family. From childhood to adulthood, experience these great memories through many items in the Hoover Museum collection never seen before.
Given the sesquicentennial birthdays of both Bert and Lou, staff and leaders with the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are excited to showcase an exhibit created, designed, and presented entirely in-house.
“We hope visitors join in the celebration of these special anniversaries and realize the importance the Hoovers’ placed in acknowledging others, savoring fleeting moments, and delighting in life’s wonders,” said Melanie Wier, assistant curator at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum.
“This is an opportunity to discover the Hoovers in a remarkable way,” said Thomas Schwartz, director of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. “This exhibit properly provides a special sendoff to our galleries, sharing the Hoover story in a festive way. With a monumental renovation only months away, we encourage visitors to rediscover the museum one more time before our doors close until 2026.”

Members Book Club 1
2025-01-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Hoover Presidential Foundation, 127 W Main St, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States
Join us as we cover Great Presidential Wit: A Collection of Humorous Anecdotes and Quotations by Bob Dole. We will be joined virtually by Kerry Tymchuk, Executive Director of the Oregon Historical Society, who co-authored with Bob and Elizabeth Dole in the writing of four books.
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.

Talk, Text, and Televise: Communication in the White House
2025-02-13 11:00 - 14:00 | IA
Join Bridget, and the Education Specialists from the Truman and Johnson Presidential Libraries, as they discuss communication technologies used within the White House.
This is an online event. Register here. Time options available at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.
In-person options are available. If you have any questions or would like to speak with Bridget, you may reach her at hoover.education@nara.gov or via phone at 319-259-8346.

Presidential Film Festival
2025-02-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, 110 Parkside Drive, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States
To celebrate President’s Day, the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site will host a presidential film festival. Come and enjoy the official park films from three other National Park sites. The films will be shown in the theater at the park’s visitor center.

Lou Henry Hoover: Challenging Conventions Since 1898
2025-03-04 11:00 - 14:00 | IA
This program uses primary sources to explore the unconventional life of the First Lady as well as Women’s Suffrage.
This is an online event. Time options available at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.
In-person options are available. If you have any questions or would like to speak with Bridget, you may reach her at hoover.education@nara.gov or via phone at 319-259-8346.

Day of Service Solicitation Day
2025-03-08 09:00 - 15:00 | IA
Sign up for a volunteer shift as part of our Day of Service events in March at the Dodge Street Hy-Vee in Iowa City. We will be soliciting donations to help stock the food shelves at the West Branch Food Pantry. Register here for a shift.

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.

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.

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.

Members Book Club 2
2025-04-22 14:00 - 15:00 | 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.

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

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.

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.”

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

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

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

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.

Members Book Club 4
2025-10-16 15:30 - 16:30 | Hoover Presidential Foundation, 127 W Main St, West Branch, IA, 52358, United States

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.

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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
