Herbert Hoover Birthplace Cottage Will Close for a Week of Maintenance

Date: March 14, 2011
Contact: Adam Prato, [phone]

WEST BRANCH, IOWA— Herbert Hoover National Historic Site will temporarily close the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Cottage starting March 28 for routine maintenance. The Birthplace Cottage will remain closed through April 1. The grounds of the National Historic Site, Blacksmith Shop, Schoolhouse, Friends Meetinghouse, and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum will remain open for their usual hours.

This spring’s maintenance work will include replacing the rag rug carpet, fixing a rotted post on the back porch, caulking windows, and touching up interior and exterior paint. “It is our hope to complete the necessary work prior to the busier spring and summer months,” said park superintendent Pete Swisher, “We want to maintain Herbert Hoover’s birthplace cottage in the best condition possible for those that visit the park.” 

Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States, was born in the small, two-room cottage on August 10, 1874. He and his wife, Lou Henry Hoover, purchased the cottage for restoration in 1938. The cottage, along with other historic buildings and the gravesite of President and Mrs. Hoover make up the 187-acre Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, one of Iowa’s two national parks. Along with the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum the park commemorates Herbert Hoover’s humble beginnings and his rise to international prominence as a businessman, humanitarian, and statesman.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/heho or call [phone].