Herbert Hoover National Historic Site - Faith, Hope, Charity, and Love (U.S. National Park Service)

Herbert Hoover’s Quaker beliefs in the equality of all people and in helping others in times of crisis or need led to his becoming one of the world’s great humanitarians.

Black-and-white photograph of two couples in 19th century clothes approaching a white one-story building.

Herbert Hoover NHS Collection

The Friends Meetinghouse stands today as one of the pillars of Herbert’s upbringing, within view of his birthplace, the Presidential Library, the Statue of Isis, and other reminders of his remarkable journey

Herbert Hoover was influenced greatly by the Quaker belief in the equality of all people, regardless of race, gender, or creed, which was illustrated by equality within the Quaker community and exemplified by Hoover’s remarkable relief efforts. The Quaker community stepped forward to assist the Hoovers after the loss of his father Jesse, and again at his mother Hulda’s death, demonstrating the importance of a strong foundation in faith and family during times of crisis. Hoover’s own famine relief efforts during the World Wars, and his work with the Boy’s Club and other charitable organizations, reflect the Quaker belief in humanitarian selflessness that Herbert learned as a child.