Festival in West Branch Honors Humanitarian Accomplishments of Herbert Hoover

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Date: March 12, 2013
Contact: Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association, (319) 643-5327

WEST BRANCH, IOWA- On August 3, celebrate the life of Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States, in his hometown of West Branch, Iowa. Hoover's Hometown Days, an annual festival, continues its family-friendly tradition of entertainment, children's activities, a parade, food, and a showcase of Iowa heritage. Exhibitors, vendors, and demonstrations display Iowa's rich culture and history at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, and throughout downtown West Branch.

This year's theme, "Herbert Hoover: Master of Emergencies," honors his many humanitarian accomplishments. "Herbert Hoover's humanitarianism defined him as a man of moral courage, initiative, and compassion," said Pete Swisher, superintendent of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. "His deeds are a reminder of our abilities to make a difference in our communities, or around the world." During and after World War I, Herbert Hoover organized and directed food relief in war-devastated countries, an effort he repeated after the end of World War II. As Secretary of Commerce his leadership of federal disaster relief during the catastrophic 1927 Mississippi River Flood helped propel him to the presidency.

An orphan before his tenth birthday, Herbert Hoover was deeply sympathetic to people in need, especially children. As President, Hoover increased the budget for children's programs and called a landmark White House Conference on Child Health and Protection. The former President became chairman of the Boys' Clubs of America in 1936, a post he held for more than 25 years. In 1946, Hoover's vision for an organization to feed children around the world became UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, a leading advocate for children's welfare and rights around the world.

Many local partners contribute to planning and organizing Hoover's Hometown Days, including the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association, the City of West Branch, Main Street West Branch, the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, and Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. For more information about exhibiting, vending, or visiting during Hoover's Hometown Days, call 319-643-5327.



Last updated: April 10, 2015

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