National Park

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Hoover Library & Museum Free Admission with Birthday Cupcakes

2022 Events National Park
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library with birthday decorations
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library with birthday decorations

One of the highlights of Hoover’s Hometown Days is, of course, free admission to the The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum. Take an annual trip through the museum and learn more about West Branch Native Herbert Hoover’s life, policies, and presidency.

Be sure to also check out the current special exhibit, Deliverance: American and the Famine in Soviet Russia, 1921-1923 which will be on display at the library until the end of the year. This exhibit tells the story of one of the great humanitarian efforts in history, Herbert Hoover and the American Relief Administration’s food and medical relief during the Soviet famine of 1921-1922.

The library will be open regular operating hours on Saturday from 9am to 5pm – be sure to check it out!

Last, but not least, in honor of Herbert Hoover’s Birthday on August 10th, the library and museum will have birthday cupcakes between noon and 4pm!

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

2021 Entertainment National Park

Hoover’s Hometown Days wouldn’t be complete without festivities at the Herbert Hoover Historic Site and National Park! Take some time in between the shopping and games to enjoy these events and more:

  • Hoover Prairie Run
  • Smith Studio Jazz
  • Chautauqua area
  • Exhibitors
  • Iowa Raptor Center
  • Hoover Foundation Picnic
  • Hoover Life Celebration
  • Frederick Douglass
  • Herbert Hoover, presented by Brian “Fox” Ellis
  • And Hoover-ball, of course!

Make sure to check the calendar for specific locations and times!

Hoover Prairie Run

2021 Events National Park

Hoover Prairie Run 
Sponsored by the West Branch Lions Club

Where: Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
When: Saturday, 8:00am

Get ready for the 2nd Hoover Prairie Run held in conjunction with Hoover’s Hometown Days! The challenging 5K Prairie Run takes place on the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and follows mown, hilly grass trails through the beautiful tall-grass prairie at the height of summer bloom and a mix of paved and grass paths on the Hoover Presidential Museum and Library grounds. There will be a less challenging route for walkers, too!

Online registration is open until August 4th, but if you register by July 20th, the fees are reduced and you are guaranteed a t-shirt for participating!

Find detailed information, maps, and online registration at the WB Lions Club website.

Chautauqua Tent

2019 Entertainment Events National Park Uncategorized

The National Park Service and Hoover Presidential Foundation are once again bringing back the Chautauqua Tent!  Located across from the Birthplace Cottage, the tent features fun and educational programming for all ages.

This year we’re excited to feature a portrayal of the man himself, Herbert Hoover — as performed by Brian Fox Ellis! Fox is an internationally acclaimed author, storyteller, historian, and naturalist, and has been a featured speaker at Chautauqua in many states. He has worked with museums and presidential libraries to bring detail and accuracy to his programs. His Hoover program will focus on Hoover’s humanitarian campaign during WWI, “Food Will Win the War.” Learn about how Hoover managed production and distribution of food, worked with farm cooperatives and millers, and mobilzed an army of home ec teachers and housewives, in an effort to both feed the troops and empower women on the home front. Check him out 3:00pm on Saturday, August 3rd.

Remember, if you enjoy hearing about Hoover’s humanitarian work, you can see more in the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum for FREE until 5:00pm!

Fireworks and music in the National Park!

2019 Events Music National Park

We’re happy to announce that Hoover’s Hometown Days will once again feature a fireworks show accompanied by the Eastern Iowa Brass Band!

As the festivities are winding down on Main Street Saturday night, pack up and head to the National Park for the grand finale.  The Eastern Iowa Brass Band will be performing on the Hoover Stage next to the library beginning at 8:30.  Come enjoy some music, and when it’s dark, the fireworks show will begin! One of the best viewing areas also happens to be right near the Hoover library in the park, so it’s the perfect place to finish up the evening.