Living History Interpreters Demonstrate 19th Century Crafts, Games, and School Teaching

Date: July 18, 2008
Contact: Adam Prato, [phone]

WEST BRANCH, IOWA— On Saturday, August 16 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.

Living history demonstrations are a collaboration of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association. The Presidential Library Association fosters the collection, interpretation, and preservation of historical resources relating to the life, ideas, values, and times of Herbert Hoover, thirty-first President of the United States. The Association supports both Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum.

In April, Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area awarded the Presidential Library Association with the 2008 Golden Silo for an Outstanding Partner for its role in developing and promoting the living history programs at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Also honored were the dozens of volunteers who perform the demonstrations. The living history volunteers range from pre-schoolers to senior citizen retirees.

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.