Herbert Hoover National Historic Site - Friends Meetinghouse (U.S. National Park Service)

Wooden benches and an iron stove sunlit through double hung windows with reddish trim furnish the plain interior of the Friends Meetinghouse.

NPS PHOTO

Wooden benches and an iron stove provide simple furnishings for the restored Friends Meetinghouse.

Broad, white, frame building with a side porch and two front doors surrounded by a snowscape and leafless trees.

NPS Photo

Herbert and his family worshipped at this Friends Meetinghouse.

Friends Meetinghouse

The Hoover family worshipped at the Meetinghouse built in 1857 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).

The Quakers did not have a paid minister nor did they use music, symbols or sacraments in their worship. Instead, they held services of silent meditation as they waited for the "Inward Light". Anyone who had a spiritual insight could stand and speak before the congregation. Herbert's mother Hulda, a recorded minister (one known for inspired messages), spoke often at Meeting; she also worked for temperance and other causes.

The values of the Quaker faith (PDF file, 58 KB) expressed by his parents and the community played an important role in shaping Herbert Hoover's life. The desire for education, a solid work ethic, the recognition of the duty to help those in need, and a belief in the equality of all people were fundamental to his character.

The Meetinghouse is now two blocks from its original site.

Accessibility

The front entrance to the Friends Meetinghouse is wheelchair accessible, though the doorways may be too narrow for some wheelchairs. The back porch and inside walking surfaces may be slippery when wet. An audio station is at the entrance of the Meetinghouse.

Take a Virtual Tour

This is a stop on the virtual tour of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site.

Next | Back