Purpose and significance of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

The purpose of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is to:

• Preserve the Birthplace Cottage, Gravesite, and other historically significant properties associated with the life of Herbert Hoover.
• Provide an accessible, dignified, and spacious setting in which visitors can experience the Birthplace Cottage, Gravesite, Presidential Library, and other resources.
• Commemorate and interpret the life, career, and accomplishments of Herbert Hoover in cooperation with other organizations.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is significant because: 

• Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is the birthplace and site of the formative years that set Herbert Hoover on the road to becoming the nation’s 31st President and a global humanitarian. 
• From his birth to age 11, Herbert Hoover’s experiences and associations with his family and the community of West Branch influenced his personality, work ethic, spiritual and moral character, and ambition. These strong traits are evident throughout his public service and private endeavors. 
• Herbert Hoover National Historic Site memorializes Herbert Hoover by encompassing his Birthplace Cottage, Gravesite, Presidential Library-Museum, Friends Meeting House, Blacksmith Shop, Schoolhouse, statue of Isis, tallgrass prairie, and a branch of the Wapsinonoc Creek in a dignified setting in the town of West Branch, Iowa. 
• The involvement of Herbert Hoover, Lou Henry Hoover, their family, friends, and the community was a driving force for the establishment design, and management of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. In this spirit of cooperation, the NPS facilitates the stewardship of this commemorative site.

Source: Herbert Hoover National Historic Site General Management Plan, 2004 (PDF file, 2.1 MB)

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