Iowa Archaeologist Discusses the History of Fishing in Iowa

Date: June 6, 2007
Contact: Bonnie Blaford, [phone]

On Saturday, July 28, 2007 Herbert Hoover National Historical Site presents archaeologist Douglas W. Jones and his talk “A Fishy Story from Iowa: New Considerations of Prehistoric Fishing Practices in the Eastern Prairie Plains”. The program begins at 1:30 p.m. inside the Visitor Center. Mr. Jones will discuss evidence—such as fish remains, weir structures, and artifacts that may represent fish hooks and fish lures—that suggests fishing played an important role during Iowa’s prehistoric and early historic times. The program is free, though the entrance fee will still apply to visitors wishing to tour the historic site and the presidential library.

Mr. Jones has been a staff archaeologist at the State Historic Preservation Office of the State Historical Society of Iowa, part of the Department of Cultural Affairs for the eleven years. Originally from Jones County, Iowa, he has a Master of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of Iowa and has worked as an archaeologist throughout the Midwest and in South Carolina.

Visitors can take this opportunity to see the exhibit, “Fishing for Fun”, on display in the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Visitor Center through September 30, 2007. The exhibit will look at the favorite pastime of Herbert Hoover, who once wrote, “All men are equal before fish.” “Fishing for Fun” includes the former president’s rods, reels, and other personal items, photos from his fishing trips and a short film of him fishing on few trips. Also on display is “The History of Fly Fishing”, a traveling exhibit on loan from the American Fly Fishing Museum in Manchester, Vermont.

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.