West Branch, Iowa—Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is hosting a speaker series February 22nd, March 22nd and April 22nd. Covering a variety of topics, these events are held at the visitor center and are free and open to the public.
Geological Insights of the Grand Canyon: February 22nd at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Richard Baker, Professor Emeritus and Former Chairman of the Geology Department at the University of Iowa, will answer questions about the Grand Canyon, such as: When and why did the canyon form? What is happening there today? What is the plant life like in the canyon? Dr. Baker will use visuals to show what can be learned about this beautiful place from the exposures in the canyon walls.
Art’s Historic Role in American Environmental Conservation: March 22nd at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Joni Kinsey, Professor of American Art History at the University of Iowa, will address the significant role of art in influencing the founding of national parks and monuments. From early portrayals of Niagara Falls and Yosemite Valley to recent photographs of Glen Canyon and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, photographs and paintings have been instrumental in helping both citizens and legislators recognize the importance of conservation in America.
LiDar 3D Surface Modeling Meets Hoover Surveying:April 22nd at 2:00 p.m., Adam Skibbe, Geographic Information Systems Administrator at the University of Iowa, will tie Hoover’s surveying experience with today’s modern geographic technology. Audience members will get a chance to go out into the historic site and participate in a LiDAR scan of one of the buildings. The scans will form a detailed, colored 3D image of the building. Skibbe uses his work to focus on “application of Geographic Information Systems to contemporary environmental and social issues.”
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. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/herberthoover or call (319) 643-2541.
