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WEST BRANCH, IOWA— On Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., interpreters will demonstrate crafts, games, school teaching, and other activities from life in 19th century West Branch. Games and home crafts demonstrations by costumed volunteers take place near the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Cottage. Visit the 1853 West Branch Schoolhouse for historic school teaching activities. Park ranger Chuck Ping will also demonstrate the art and craft of blacksmithing in the Blacksmith Shop.

“An Old Fashioned Independence Day” is the theme of a free celebration on Friday, July 4th in the auditorium of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. Music from the Marengo Civil War Band will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by a theatrical performance from a “presidential troupe” that includes the likes of Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Mary Ball Washington, John and Abigail Adams, and a beguiling wench known as Molly the Innkeeper. The performance will be repeated at 3:00 p.m.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 of 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.