Orphaned at age nine, Herbert Hoover left West Branch never to live here again. In later years, he returned to his humble birthplace to celebrate his long career of public service. A memorial landscape remains to tell his story: how community, hard work, honesty, and usefulness to others opened a world of opportunity— and the presidency of the United States— to a child of simple beginnings.

The plainly appointed Friends Meetinghouse and the practices within express Quaker values of peace, simplicity, integrity, and service to others.

Friends Meetinghouse

The people of Belgium gave Herbert Hoover the statue "Isis, Goddess of Life" in gratitude for his famine relief efforts on their behalf during the First World War.

Statue of Isis

Exhibit galleries and archival collections tell of the triumphs and tragedies of Hoover’s long career in public service.

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum

Herbert Hoover called his humble birthplace "physical proof of the unbounded opportunity of American life."

Herbert Hoover Birthplace Cottage

Many rural Midwestern towns like West Branch placed a high value on education.

Schoolhouse

Herbert Hoover's father Jesse owned a blacksmith shop similar to the one at Herbert Hoover NHS.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Coralville Lake