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Herbert Hoover National Historic SiteA red barn on the ridge of a green prairie.
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Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Adversity Leads to Opportunity
 
Herbert Hoover's loss of his parents in early childhood influenced his self-reliant character and his future concern for the physical and social well-being of the youth of all nations.
 
Exhibit panel and sacks of flour in front of large photo of Herbert Hoover visiting the European relief effort.

NPS PHOTOS

Exhibits at the Presidential Library and Museum highlight Herbert Hoover's presidency and his many other achievements.

The House of the Maples (Second Hoover Home) represented the hopes and successes of the young Hoover family, but the deaths of Jesse and Hulda Hoover and the separation of the Hoover children set Herbert on a new course that provided him with greater opportunities. Hulda Hoover used her talent, determination, endurance, and enterprise to raise and support three children, to become a Quaker spiritual leader, and to champion temperance and women’s suffrage; she provided a model of self-reliance that Herbert later emulated and promoted.

The tragedies and upheavals of Herbert's childhood years in West Branch influenced his desire to meet personal adversity and massive global tragedies and, despite tremendous obstacles, turn them into great personal triumphs. His greatest assets—strongly held ideals of individual initiative and private responsibility—proved to be a weakness during his presidency, when the profound challenges of the Great Depression overwhelmed his policies and actions. Because of his early experiences as an orphan, Herbert Hoover expressed his empathy and concern for the welfare of children around the world. His interest in children's issues is represented by the Statue of Isis and the exhibits of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum.

A park ranger leading a guided tour for elementary school children.
Plan A Field Trip
Reservations, activities, and curriculum materials for teachers and their students.
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Main entrance to the yellow-brick Presidential Library and Museum, with columns and US flags.
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum
The Presidential Library and Museum has extensive exhibits on Herbert Hoover's life and career.
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Black-and-white portrait photograph of one girl and two boys.
Hoover Genealogy
An abridged Hoover family tree, beginning with Herbert's parents.
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Black and white photo of Herbert Hoover fly-fishing in a river.  

Did You Know?
Herbert Hoover was an avid fisherman. He'd often don a jacket, tie, and hat along with his waders and gear while fly-fishing. "All men are equal before fish," he wrote.
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Last Updated: November 15, 2007 at 13:26 EST