Herbert Hoover was our 31st president, in which he served from 1929- 1933. He served right when the US went into the Great Depression. He only served one term and lost to Franklin D. Roosevelt when he tried to run for office a second time. Herbert Hoover was born in West Branch, Iowa. He was born into a religious Quaker family. Unfortunately he became an orphan at only 9 years old, but was raised by his uncle in Oregon. After he graduated from Stanford, he went into mining. He actually ended up becoming a mining engineer, working in Australia, where he made most of his fortune in mining. He was one of the first presidents to forgo his presidential salary and donate most of it to his charity. Herbert Hoover met his wife at Stanford, while she was perusing a teaching degree. They got married the day before they left for China. He was under contract to the Chinese government in which he investigated the conditions in Chinese mines and would make his recommendations for improvement. They ended up living in Tientsin. Lou Hoover learned how to speak and write Chinese during their stay. Over the next 14 years, they ended up traveling all over the world. Lou Hoover gave birth to two sons. This presidential library does have a national historical site, in which you can view Herbert Hoover's birthplace cottage, his school house, the blacksmith shop his father owned and worked at, and also can visit the visitor center. The historical site is free. However the presidential library, which is right around the corner, does charge for admission ($10 for adults aged 16 and older, $3 for children aged 3- 15, $5 for seniors, military and college students). After you are done visiting the library, you should head out to the gravesite of Herbert Hoover and his wife. This presidential library is my 12th of 13 libraries that I have already visited (although there are 14 presidential libraries, please note that Obama's is not currently ready and open to the public to visit yet). I really enjoy presidential history and found that this library seems to have less information than the other presidential libraries that I have visited. There is not as much about the president himself growing up and the first wife. Also there is very little information about his children. So it may not take as long to visit this library if you read everything, my husband and I were here about 90 minutes, which includes watching the introductory video near the lobby of the library. Herbert Hoover's youngest Son, Allan Hoover, purchased his father's birthplace cottage and restored it. This eventually lead to the national historical site that I had mentioned earlier and the construction of this presidential library. Overall, I really enjoyed our visit. I especially enjoyed the flour sacks exhibit. This exhibit covered Herbert Hoover's initiative to help provide food relief to children in Belgium and also aid prisoners of war. Part of this program helped to raise funds by selling empty flour sacks that were made of cotton. The flour sacks were made into clothing, accessors, pillows, bags, etc. Some had embroider, some were painted on or stenciled on the fabric. Herbert Hoover was given several hundred of these special decorated flour sacks as gifts, in which you can see some on display in this exhibit. This exhibit has one of the largest collection of WWI flour sacks in the world. read more

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Although I haven't been here since I was a fifth grader in elementary school, when your family from New York City comes out and wants some Iowa culture this is obvious a spot in the area after you've run out of bars, bars, and football. The museum is pretty thorough, interactive, clean, and modern and also has rotating exhibits. If you for some reason wanted to go more than once a decade. Always nice to be able to tour inside the nearby original house and other time era structures on your own, which is a very cool and trusting thing. The price is normal for Iowa. I think it was between 10 and $15 a person for entrance but these days it always changes so make sure to check if that's an issue. I do remember that they have discounts for students and children. read more

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The Herbert Hoover Library and Museum is located on the grounds of the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. It's open daily and has a gift shop! There is admission -- $10 (16+), $5 (seniors, military, college), $3 (6-15) and free otherwise. Additionally, the library and museum is available for meetings, rentals and group trips. (It is fully wheelchair accessible with some available free of charge.) This West Brunch gotta-see has been around over 60 years and has expanded several times. I found it interesting that in1992, former President Ronald Reagan rededicated the Library and Museum due to a renovation project that expanded the library. Which in hindsight, is probably why this 90s kid was driven out here for an elementary school field trip not too long after! The library holds over 300 collections. Come learn from its many collections which include information on: agricultural economics, famine relief, commercial aviation, political journalism, government efficiency and reorganization, isolationism, conservative ideology and U.S. foreign policy. My last visit was in May of 2024, where I chaperoned my daughter's field trip. Don't miss out on the free scavenger hunt that is available to do while in the museum's galleries! I found information about Lou Hoover to be the most interesting, personally. If you find yourself in West Branch and are hankering for some educational content, pop in this Iowan treasure. read more

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Also do the Hoover trail Nice trail experience for remote trails We did that back in the early 1970's Cool place to stop in on vacation trip with the family One of Iowa's many things too see! read more

Here's the thing: the library makes some fairly sweeping statements without offering supporting documentation. Does that make these statements opinion? Are they facts? One might want to proceed with caution, choosing to select additional sources of information as references for learning about this era of American history. The objects on display are sometimes presented with descriptions that do not specify whether they are connected to Hoover; for instance an antique quilt is described with its colors and pattern but we do not know if it belonged to Hoover or has historical significance. read more

Herbert Hoover Library - Museums Near Me - West Branch, Iowa

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This is a phenomenal museum. Such clear story telling, and great displays. I knew very little about Hover and really came away with an appreciation for the man and his accomplishments. I wish we'd had more time here. Allow two hours. read more

Herbert Hoover Library - Exterior - Museums Near Me - West Branch, Iowa

Good collection for the museum, and the walk around the preserved "village" was incredible! read more

Herbert Hoover Library - Historic home. - Museums Near Me - West Branch, Iowa

Aside from Hoover being associated with the Depression I didn't really know much about him. Thankfully, my presidential pass has reciprocity agreements with other museums so I could have a chance to learn more about our leaders! Suffice to say Hoover is quite fascinating! At the age of 34 he was the richest man of his age. He was a mining engineer and traveled around the world with his wife! I suppose because he was an orphan growing up he became incredibly involved in supporting relief efforts during World War I. Regardless the museum/library has (while dated) exhibits interesting anecdotes on his legacy and background. He didn't even take a salary during his presidency! I think my friend and I took about 2 hours reading everything inside the building, but you can also see his and his wife's grave-site, as well as his childhood home, the blacksmith shop, and schoolhouse - though I would drive to those parts. Knowledge is power and while Hoover and Depression are often used synonymous, I believe that was just given the worst deck of cards and that the Depression was bound to happen. Don't believe me, check out his museum and decide for yourself. read more

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This was a great stop to do after the HH National Historic Site. This went more over his life and career and advancements in standardization. I highly recommend you do this after the Birthplace site. It is all indoors and they have a traveling exhibit there too. We learned about his upbringing, life after his parents died, his engineering career into his political career and after. Him and his wife were more philanthropic than I originally thought so it was very nice to see another side of one of our presidents. read more

We came here to pay our respects and knock another library off our list. When you drive up, you notice a major difference between this library and the other ones previously visited. The library is way smaller and way more condensed. When you walk inside the library, the lady at the front desk was super nice. The cost to get in was the cheapest to date at 10 dollars a person. When you walk in, the different sections of the library are very small, concise and simple. This library is not the one that screams millions of things to look at. President Hoover was blamed for a lot of the countries struggles in the depression, which wasn't his fault. He will he remembered for his presidency, but he was a much larger and more successful humanitarian. The grounds are kept clean. I'm guessing this was the first presidential library just because of the size and simplicity. I'm glad I knocked this one off the bucket list. On to the next library which will be hopefully soon. read more

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This was a very intimate and quite amazing presidential library (first official presidential library. Located where HH was born, this peaceful library introduces us not to the man who ran the country and took the burden of the blame for the Great Depression, but to the humanitarian who had a great big heart of empathy for those suffering in need of help. We are introduced to his fascinating life that saw him transform from an orphan at 6 years old to just a 21 year old graduating out of Stanford University and becoming a mining engineer in Australia. We see a man who authored many books and find great artifacts such as a note from Truman recommending that he be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. We also see the first ever presidential telephone! In addition, a short 5 minute walk away is his memorial and resting place overlooking the area. A short drive away also is a model of the home he grew up in. The library offers an interesting 20 minute film about his life every hour. Only $10 for adults and worth the admission fee. read more

Understandably so, many people pass up the opportunity to come to this museum because of what they've heard about President Hoover in history class. But, there is so much more to learn about this UNDERRATED American HERO. Without saying too much, if you take the time to travel to West Branch, you will leave with a positive feeling of shock. Trust me!! read more

Herbert Hoover Library - Museum sign - Museums Near Me - West Branch, Iowa

Never realized how much good things he did in his life. Unfortunately overshadowed by the Great Depression, and deportation of Mexicans. Well worth visiting. Better in warm weather for seeing the outside exhibits. read more

The second Presidential Museum I've visited in my life. Went to Truman library in Missouri. The museum identifies Herbert Hoover as an engineer who went to Stanford, assisted in hunger relief efforts and became a US President during the Great Depression. He served one term and was defeated by FDR or Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Once out of politics, Hoover assisted President Harry Truman with food for world War 2. Herbert Hoover was born in West Branch Iowa and lay to rest here. The Hoover Dam in Nevada is named for his efforts. Special Props to male employee who started Hoover video for me after 3:00. I learned a lot about President Hoover. Museums sometimes overwhelm me as there is so much reading things on the walls. read more

Let's face it! anytime you can learn from the past means a great deal. And the library and its environs are comfortable. Take time to walk around the park as well. read more

Can't really write a full review. We only stopped here for a moment when we had stopped in the area for lunch. We had a chance to look around the grounds and to look at the outside of the library. The grounds and the exterior of the building were really beautiful. I've never been to a Presidential library before, and quite frankly, didn't think my first would be Herbert Hoover's. Next time we drive by we plan to stop in for the full tour. read more

Herbert Hoover Library - Museums Near Me - West Branch, Iowa

Excellent facility. Hoover was a great president and a great man. I've never heard of any of his generosity's until I visited his library.

The Herbert Hoover national historic site is now probably one of my favorite national Park service administered sites. Located in President Hoover's boyhood home town of West Branch this facility is just really well done. Everything is open to the public and easy to access. Start in the visitor center and watch the 12-minute free movie before you take the rest of the self-guided tour. All of it is free except for the museum and library. read more

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Took my 6 yr old grandson for a day trip. Loved walking the grounds and teaching him how simple we lived so many years ago. He had many questions. We picnicked for lunch and then headed into the museum. While he was young to want to read about the different rooms he really enjoyed looking at everything. read more

Excellent museum, just excellent. I'm not sure I completely agree with the coverage of the Hoover Administration response to the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 but the rest of information was fascinating, well researched, balanced and displayed in a visually captivating manner. The museum is lit and spaced and laid out perfectly. Count on about an edifying hour for normal people, two if you're with someone like me, for the inside museum part. Add another hour or so for a leisurely stroll through the grounds. As with all the Presidential Museums I've visited, it's vital American history not just biographical, but also the national and global context. I learned so much about both the man and the time period, and there's a cute little gift shop. If your travels take you anywhere within 200 miles, plan to visit a couple of hours here. read more

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#12 on my Presidential Library tour! Never thought I would have been able to add a visit to the Hoover Library with any trip. Directions from the interstate to the library were easy, and I soon arrived. Had a couple of hours before it closed, enough time to explore. To me the fascinating thing exploring the lives of our Presidents is not what they did during office (you usually heard enough in school of that), but what their lives were before and after the Presidency. Hoover's was no exception. They had a exhibit highlighting World War I and Herbert Hoover's leadership in the Commission for Relief in Belgium, arguably his start in public life and politics. The library overall was on the small side, but it was complete. Very enjoyable look into a President who was overshadowed by his successor and world events. Recommend! read more

Herbert Hoover Library - Exterior - Museums Near Me - West Branch, Iowa

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"The imperative need of this nation at all times is the leadership of Uncommon Men or Women." -- Herbert Hoover, August 10, 1954 I wasn't around when Herbert Hoover (Number 31) was the President of the United States. In some ways, history has not been too kind to him. At the same time, he was a native Iowan and in this part of heaven, that still means a whole heck of a lot. It's also a great opportunity to "go the distance" and explore Presidential History in the context of his Quaker roots. The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is right next to Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and is worth the lovely drive up to West Branch. It was officially opened to the public on August 10, 1962, by Hoover himself on his 88th birthday. Another man of Midwest pedigree (former President Harry Truman) was also present at the dedication. The buck definitely stopped here! I spend a few pleasant and informative hours here, even though I hadn't lived many of the events that are so well depicted here. Yet sometimes it's a good learning experience to look back and you are going forward. read more

The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and Presidential Library in West Branch, IA is a collection of buildings associated with the life of Herbert Hoover, the first president born west of the Mississippi River. If you are driving I-80 and take the West Branch exit, you can't miss this site on the left. The National Historic Site has the house that HH was born in. It was just a small house and it's apparent that HH has come from very humble beginnings. HH and his family were also Quakers and the old Quaker Meeting House that the family attended was moved to the property. There is also other buildings on the property from old West Branch such as a blacksmith shop. The Visitor Center has all the information you need to tour the area. The people there are very friendly and helpful. Visiting the site costs nothing and you can spend several hours there. President Hoover and his wife are also buried on the property. Their graves are set back in a small plot away from the main buildings. There isn't much to see in Iowa, but the HH NHS is a great place to stop while traveling the interstate. read more

Enjoyed my field trip to this site! Friendly for individual guests on their own, and groups. I learned a lot about the president I previously knew only for Hoovervilles during the Great Depression. I found out Hoover might have been one of our most humanitarian presidents! I delighted in ambling around the village--seeing the streets of classic homes, the school, the blacksmith shop, the Friends church, and Hoover's tiny birthplace cottage. I enjoyed the visitor center information from rangers and the displays and videos. Got my passport stamped! I also spent time rambling over to the gravesite, the prairie walk, and the museum and library. This is a great set-up where you could spend an hour or 4 (I spent 4!)! Staff were friendly, blacksmith was a great teacher and speaker, kid in the cabins selling me a T-shirt and a magnet was polite, the day was beautiful! I also enjoyed learning about the town and the area--I had no idea that there were still Quaker churches in existence, much less a boarding school for international students! Thanks, West Branch! read more

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This is a surprisingly interesting presidential library due to the well preserved artifacts and well executed exhibits. Candidly speaking, I didn't care for the president; a lot of his policies and demeanor go against everything I believe and stand for and he had an instinct for disaster. I did enjoy the old stuff and souvenirs and the staff was pleasant. The museum is a touch pricey; it should be FREE especially given his policies and when he was president. LOL read more

My first Presidential Library visit. But won't be my last. Now added to bucket list is visit all presidential libraries. I plan to do those still alive first but I'll get them all I'm sure. Also housed here is the documentary legacy of Rose Wilder Lane and her mother, Laura Ingalls Wilder. Lane was Hoovers first biographer. Many of her papers and books are housed here. This is a woman with a considerable history separate from and intertwined with Hoovers. Never-mind the "little House on the Prairie" series of course. Laura was the writer, Lane was her editor. The Library houses all of Hoovers public papers as well, which can be accessed and used for research purposes as well. Hoover was one of our 2 Quaker presidents. Do you know the other? This library and museum are housed where he was born, and where he is buried today, next to his wife. Its a small historic town that is also a great place to visit. If you happen to come in August you may catch "Hoovers Hometown Days", a weekend celebration each August with fireworks and other fun family activities. Some other fun facts I learned - Herbert Hoover was the first President born west of the Mississippi and the only one, so far, in Iowa He held the FL state record for the largest bonefish caught from 1947 to 1958 Herbert Hoover has a comet and two asteroids named for him He had one brother, Theodore, who was 3 1/2 years older, and one sister, Mary (called May) who was 2 years younger. He was orphaned at age 9 when his mother passed away, his father had a few years earlier. Herbert Hoover was tendered 87 honorary degrees, which may have been a world record during his lifetime. He was nominated five times for the Nobel Peace Prize - in 1921, 1933, 1941, 1946 and 1964. There are currently 53 schools in the United States, 1 in Germany, and 1 in Poland named for Herbert Hoover. He had a degree in geology. So did his wife. Herbert Hoover was the first person to appear on television, on April 7, 1928, in a demonstration transmission conducted between Washington and New York by Bell Laboratories Hoover and his wife, who he met at Stamford, lived in China for 2 years after they were married, picking up enough Chinese to speak it to each other when they wanted "privacy". Herbert Hoover was the first President to have a telephone on his desk in the Oval Office. Post-Presidency Former-President Hoover lived for over 31 years after leaving office, longer than any other Former-President until President Jimmy Carter surpassed him on September 7, 2012. Hours for the Presidential Museum and the National Park are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Year's Day, Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for seniors age 62 and older. Children age 16 and under are free. Come. Learn about American History here. Live a little history. Easy Parking (Review 450) read more

This is a wonderful treasure trove of history. The contents of the library/museum are exemplary and very interesting. The grounds are immaculate. Hoover was an enormously accomplished individual and much of it is chronicled here. This is a can't miss opportunity if you are anywhere in the vicinity of West Branch, Iowa. read more

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I've been to four presidential libraries (Hoover, Eisenhower, Reagan, and Clinton) and this one is probably my favorite. The nearby grounds are a must-see (see associated review). The library is rather small, but is laid out quite well and tells Hoover's story from a perspective different than the one you learned in school. I had no idea he was so involved with so many humanitarian issues, such as providing food for Europe or promoting equal rights. The library also has a section on WWI, which gives great details about that conflict and has some amazing artifacts. Stop here first, then tour the grounds. If I'm passing through again I'll be sure to stop by. read more

I love learning about people our history books taught us were worthless... don't believe what you read in your history book! Anyone who appreciates history or politics should see this museum. Hoover also serves as a good example of simple goodness... a good person with integrity and humility... and a MUCH better president than you may think! read more

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Look up Wikipedia to see who this man is, all I'll say is it's well worth the, ahem, free price, to look around the grounds here at the man's birthhouse, a Quaker chapel, and other historically restored sites that replicate the West Branch of the man's early years. Great for Americana fans, history buffs, kids who need a little bit of edgimication, and citizens everywhere. I haven't been to the museum inside (which is NOT free, I think), but I'm thinking it's good. Almost all presidential museums are. The staff is super friendly, and it's a real easy drive off the I-80. read more

I'm afraid that this museum ran out of money and was turned into a Hooverville, and is now just an open air tent. In memory of the president, I offer these quotes: [Regarding Hoover]: "for six years that man has given me unsolicited advice--all of it bad." "Wonder Boy" -Calvin Coolidge "There could not be a finer one"--regarding Hoover as a Democratic presidential nominee Franklin D Roosevelt, 1919 Famous Hoover quotes: "when in doubt, eat potatoes" "food will win the war [WWI]" Re: sending food aid to Russian Bolsheviks: "Twenty million people are starving. Whatever their politics, they shall be fed!" "We in America today are nearer to the final triumph over poverty than ever before in the history of any land." read more

We really enjoyed our visit to the library. The special exhibit of the First Lady's gowns is not to be missed- it was really interesting! I also loved the exhibits on Food Will Win the War. People working were nice and friendly. The grounds are beautiful! read more

It was only natural to visit here while visiting the Herbert Hoover NHS. Depending on how much time you have to devote, both the NHS and Library can be done on the same day. There is a small entrance fee for the library/museum and the exhibits are self-guided. There are a tremendous number of exhibits to see from Herbert Hoover's life and a lot to read. We spent a good hour or so going through the museum, which was far too fast as there were many things I skimmed. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because some of the interactive videos were not functioning, there were few interactive exhibits, and after experiencing the awesome tour wands at the NHS, had hoped there would be some for the Library. However, this is definitely someplace to visit again and devote more time to exploring! read more

I was on a two week road trip through the central US. This was not on my original travel agenda, but a friend texted that since it was on my way home on the last day of the trip I should stop here. I'm so glad that I did! While at the Clinton Library a few days earlier, I got a passport book for the presidential libraries. You can get your passport book stamped here and at the Hoover National Historic Site on the same grounds, you can get your National Parks passport book stamped. This museum was much more low key than the Clinton library which I had just visited. But it is a perfect representation for President Hoover. I read a lot of books about the presidents, but I was not well versed about Hoover. The museum provided a good overview for me to become acquainted with his life and journey to the White House. The exhibits are well curated. I always enjoy seeing the memorabilia that was once owned by the former occupants of the White House. I lived the visual timeline of his life in the entryway. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained. It's a great place for an enjoyable walk. Since it was the last day of my trip, I only spent about two hours here. I could easily return and spend 1/2 to a full day. It's a fun place for us history geeks. read more

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Hoover=depression, a damn and a song in the musical Annie.... the extent of my knowledge. Our group was seriously impressed by what we did NOT previously know, specifically the humanitarianism! The flour sacks! The lace! Feeding the world! read more

I was pleasantly surprised by the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library. We originally went for the winter time holiday tree display, but I was far more impressed with the museum aspect of the facility. We spent at least two hours walking through the displays and probably needed at least another hour to really finish; we had to rush through the end as the museum was closing at five. I also wish we would have had time to walk around the outdoor area, as the Yelp reviews seem to indicate this is also worthwhile. The museum is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon, especially if the weather is inclement. I have to say this sparked an interest in President Hoover that I will definitely be following up with next time I go to the library. Located just off of I-80, this is a wonderful asset to the Iowa City area. read more

The library AND the the National Park Service sites provided us with a wonderful opportunity to learn so much about President Hoover and American history that we did not know. I am so glad we had a flexible schedule so we could take all the time we wanted here! We started at the National Park Service site, where we thought the ranger was not that friendly and not particularly helpful. He did take a lot of time with a young child who was with parents and grandparents, so maybe he was better with children. We watched a short film about Hoover's life at the NPS visitors' center, and then we walked through the park site, which includes Hoover's original birthplace cottage, the Quaker meeting house in which his family worshipped and restored period homes and a replica of his father's blacksmith shop. I loved the feeling of the restored neighborhood (it is similar to the Abraham Lincoln site in which the whole neighborhood is restored to period). The site is very walkable and all very close together. Even on a cold, windy, wintry day, we were quite happy to go among the buildings on foot after parking at the visitors' center. We learned so much at the library! On our way to the library, I asked my husband what he could tell me about Herbert Hoover, because I have not read much about him. He said he thought he was the president responsible for the Great Depression. But we learned how wrong that was at the library, and we developed an incredible appreciation and admiration for President Hoover while walking through the interpretative timeline of his life and career. A successful businessman, Hoover, who had been orphaned at 9 years old, was always incredibly concerned for children in need. He had a deep and profound belief in volunteerism and social responsibility within a capitalistic society, and led efforts after WWI and WWII to ensure European children, who were endangered by food shortages, were cared for. A rich man, Hoover donated millions to the causes he supported. The library includes a quote of his in a "who said it" game:: Hoover was a proponent of "rugged individualism." But he also said, "The trouble with capitalism is capitalists; they're too damn greedy." There are so many aspects of Hoover's biography the library brought to life: his enduring love affair with his wife, Lou Henry Hoover, his successful career as a mining engineer, his mother's unusual religious leadership role as a Quaker minister in the 19th century, his despondency over the loss of a second term, his rivalry with Roosevelt, his unlikely friendship with Truman that allowed him to contribute his unique organizational talents to rebuilding Europe after World War II, etc. If you visit here, do not miss the graves of Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover on a hill overlooking the library. Though he left West Branch to live in Oregon with family after he was orphaned, he always fondly remembered his Iowa childhood and identified strongly with what he learned as a Quaker child of West Branch. It is moving that after he lived all over the world, he wanted to be buried within view of where he was born. We both really enjoyed this site and would recommend it to anyone. read more

Although a little small, the museum is very interesting. I learned a lot about H. Hoover that was very interesting. It only takes 2 hrs at the most. read more

What a pleasant surprise this place was! We stopped here while in town visiting family. A more extensive museum than what I expected. A variety of displays all set up in a easy to follow way. Informational readings for adults and separate ones for kids. Really liked the temporary exhibit on First Ladies. An incredible temporary exhibit of photos from Mississippi during the Freedom Marches of the mid-60's was eye opening. Nice little gift shop. Beautiful grounds. Oh, and kids under 16 are free! Under 16! When's the last time you saw that? Well worth the stop. read more

Such a nice place!!! My mother and I went and had a wonderful time!! very polite ppl who work there and the price was right!!! I saw the first ladies exhibit and it was soo lovely! read more