A Visit to Herbert Hoover Presidential Musem

West Branch, Iowa, is a small town located near Iowa City. Iowa. It is home to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Museum complex. The complex contains many buildings that are directly associated with President Hoover’s birth and childhood.

We began our tour in the Presidential Library and Museum.

President Hoover was born near the museum in West Branch. At 6 his father died and he was orphaned at 10. He continued to live in West Branch with relatives for another year before moving to the west coast to live with an aunt and uncle. He attended school on the west coast and became a geologist and a mining engineer. His career in engineering took him to Australia and China. According to the write-ups at the museum, at one time he was the highest paid salaried employee in the United States making just over $30,000 a year.

He was asked to assist the relief efforts in Europe during World War 1 and was instrumental in feeding thousands of children who were on the verge of starving. Video at the museum show surviving survivors exclaiming even today about the aromatic “Hoover Rolls” that they had for lunch. His humanitarian efforts led him to international prominence and he was elected President of the United States in 1928. He served one term and retired to California until the Truman administration asked him to again become active in public service. He did so and remained active until his death in 1964.

The museum traces this magnificent career through each step with dioramas and textual displays. There is also space in the museum for traveling displays. There is a film that highlights President Hoover’s life and career.

A curving drive from the museum leads to the grave sites of both President and Mrs. Hoover. They are marked by simple stones of Vermont marble and overlook the cottage where he was born.

By driving further into West Branch, the visitor can see a complex of historically significant homes and businesses. There is visitor center located in this area. Exhibits, publications, and a video are available at the center about the town and the man and the museum. There is an audio tour available using a borrowed (free) wand or by using your cell phone.

Sources: http://www.hoover.archives.gov/exhibits/Hooverstory/index.html
http://www.hoover.archives.gov/visiting/WestBranchIowa.html


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