Achievements of Iowa’s African American Women Will Be Displayed at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Date: April 25, 2011
Contact: Adam Prato, [phone]

WEST BRANCH, IOWA— "Our Sisters' Many Hats", an exhibit celebrating the many roles and achievements of Iowa's African American women will be displayed in the visitor center of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. The exhibit is on loan from the African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids and may be visited daily from May 6 until September 7, 2011. "We are pleased to provide a venue to tell the many stories of Iowa's rich heritage," said Superintendent Pete Swisher. "This is a wonderful exhibit."

"Our Sisters' Many Hats" features the trials and triumphs of more than 20 African American women, told through photos, stories, and interactive elements. It highlights such leaders as LaMetta Wynn, Iowa's first African American female mayor, and Cedar Rapids' famed Civil Rights worker Viola Gibson. To learn more about the African American Museum of Iowa, please visit its website at www.blackiowa.org.

"Our Sisters' Many Hats" will replace "Cedar County, Iowa: A Door to Freedom" a temporary exhibit about the Underground Railroad. May 4 will be the last date to see "Cedar County, Iowa: A Door to Freedom".

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].