Did you know Presidents’ Day was the first federal holiday to honor an American citizen? Congress enacted the holiday in 1880 to commemorate the birthday of George Washington. In 1971, Presidents’ Day shifted to the third Monday of Feb., falling on Feb. 18th this year. Presidents’ Day is a great reason to learn about the history of our Presidents, especially one right in our own backyard-Herbert Hoover!
Iowa’s only President, the “Great Humanitarian,” grew up in the small Iowa town of West Branch. The 31st President (1928-1933) said, “I carry the brand of Iowa,” remembering the time he stepped barefoot on a hot iron in his father’s blacksmith shop.
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Museum opened in 1962 on Hoover’s 88th birthday, giving visitors a chance to understand the life and times of this “Wonder Boy.” The museum, along with the Hoover National Historic Site and Hoover Association, preserves the legacy of Herbert Hoover through educational programming, exciting events, entertainment, exhibits and attractions. Visitors can tour a one-room schoolhouse, his father’s blacksmith shop and the President’s birthplace and gravesite.
Located at 210 Parkside Dr., West Branch, the museum is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The museum offers guided tours Monday thru Friday to groups of 15 or more and self-guided tours are always welcome. For more information, call 319-643-5301, or visit www.hoover.archives.gov/.
Topics: Spotlight Site
