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Herbert Hoover National Historic SiteA small white cottage in the snow.
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Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Simple Beginnings
 

“In no other land could a boy from a country village, without inheritance or influential friends, look forward with unbounded hope.”

Herbert Hoover

 
A black-and-white portrait photograph of a seated baby boy.

Herbert Hoover NHS Collection

Herbert Hoover believed strongly that being born in the United States offered him a life of unbounded opportunity.

Born into a family of modest means, Herbert Hoover had a life of unlimited potential in the United States. His parents' beliefs and lifestyles influenced their children’s lives and had a lasting impression, even though the time they all lived together was short. It took a community to raise the Hoover children: aunts, uncles, neighbors and friends with like beliefs to guide them to adulthood. In particular, Herbert's mother's belief in her Quaker faith, family, and higher education gave her children a foundation and direction to their lives after her death.
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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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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A National Park volunteer maps trees.
Volunteer
Volunteering gives you hands-on experience working with the public, park staff, and park resources.
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Black and white photo of the mustached Charles Curtis.  

Did You Know?
Herbert Hoover's vice president Charles Curtis was of almost half American Indian ancestry? Curtis’ mother was one quarter Kaw, one quarter Pottawatomie and one quarter Osage.
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Last Updated: October 24, 2007 at 13:08 EST