Hoover Presidential Foundation

12/19/2025

Yesterday, members of our team joined the Iowa A250 kickoff at the State Capitol in Des Moines.

It was inspiring to see so many great activities and collaborations happening across Iowa as we prepare to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

As Iowa comes together to commemorate this historic milestone, we're excited to play our part. In 2026, we'll celebrate the grand reopening of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, offering an enhanced experience that honors Iowa's only President, Herbert Hoover, and Iowa's remarkable First Lady, Lou Hoover.

Stay tuned as we count down to this historic milestone!

Stay up to date on all the activities across the state in 2026:
https://governor.iowa.gov/america-250

12/19/2025

Spotted at the Iowa State Capitol today on the windowsill, the Hoover Bobblehead!
Iowa pride and American history on full display.

12/17/2025

Celebrating Excellence: Henry Zou Wins National 4-H AI in Agriculture Challenge

We're thrilled to celebrate Hoover Presidential Foundation's Uncommon Student Scholarship recipient Henry Zou from Johnston, Iowa. He captured first place in the Ages 16–18 Division of the 2025 Fall National 4-H AI in Agriculture Challenge.

Henry's winning project, "DeGLS: Automated Detection System for Gray Leaf Spot," is a mobile AI tool that enables farmers to instantly detect gray leaf spot in corn, assess severity, and receive management recommendations. The system allows farmers and researchers to capture an image of a corn leaf and receive an immediate disease diagnosis, severity level, and recommended management steps.

This achievement exemplifies what it means to be an Uncommon Student: combining academic excellence with real-world issues and addressing the challenges. Henry's innovative work demonstrates how the next generation is strengthening food systems and supporting farmers worldwide.

Congratulations, Henry! We're proud to support students like you who are leading the way in innovation and service.

Read more about Iowa's youth leaders in the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/iowa-youth-lead-way-national-4-h-ai-agriculture-challenge

12/16/2025

As we near the holidays, we honor the spirit of humanitarianism.
This video celebrates Herbert Hoover's extraordinary legacy of compassion and service. Known as "The Great Humanitarian," Hoover organized relief efforts to feed citizens of Belgium after World War I World Food Program USA, demonstrating that our greatest calling is to serve those in need.

Through the American Relief Administration, Hoover provided food for roughly 300 million people in twenty-one countries Hoover Heads. His work transcended borders, politics, and personal interest—driven solely by a profound belief in human dignity.

In this season of reflection, may we all be inspired by those who chose compassion over comfort and action over inaction. The spirit of humanitarianism lives on in every act of kindness, large and small.

12/15/2025

State Rep. Ruth Ann Gaines was a 2020 recipient of the Uncommon Public Service Award, created by the Hoover Presidential Foundation. This prestigious award , honors public servants who demonstrate uncommon service to the people of Iowa above and beyond their legislative responsibilities.

A public school teacher for 40 years before taking office, Rep. Gaines decades of service have earned recognition including Iowa Teacher of the Year, the Heritage Legacy Award, and induction into the National Teachers Hall of Fame.

Through her unwavering dedication to education, community, and human rights, Rep. Gaines exemplifies the spirit of service that Herbert Hoover valued throughout his life.

Rep. Gaines has announced she will not seek reelection next year. We wish her all the best in her next chapter and thank her for being a champion for Iowa.

State Rep. Ruth Ann Gaines, who was first elected in 2010, will retire when her term ends in 2026. Story: https://t.ly/s8ag9

12/12/2025

Construction beginning in 1959 📸
The original limestone from Weber Stone Company in Anamosa, Iowa has been carefully matched in both the 1990's renovation and today's major renovation—ensuring architectural continuity across decades of preserving this historic presidential library museum.

Remarkably, Weber Stone Company has provided the limestone for all three builds, with three generations of the same family ensuring the stone's quality and consistency remains unchanged.
This multi-generational partnership represents a beautiful commitment to craftsmanship and historic preservation.

12/11/2025

Historic Legacy: The Iowa Award
Today at the Iowa State Capitol, former Governor Terry Branstad received the Iowa Award. The same prestigious honor that former President Herbert Hoover became the first recipient of in 1951.

President Hoover, born in West Branch, Iowa, set the standard for this award through his lifetime of service. The 31st President's humanitarian work coordinating food relief during and after both World Wars saved millions from starvation, exemplifying the dedication to public service that the Iowa Award honors.

Governor Branstad serves as campaign co-chair for the Timeless Values Modern Experience campaign to renovate the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, continuing the legacy of Iowa's first Iowa Award recipient.

📸Hoover receives the first Iowa Memorial Foundation Award from Ralph D. Evans, head of the Foundation in a ceremony on August 30th at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines.
31-1951-22 Photo courtesy of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Museum.
📸Iowa Award plaque at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch, Iowa.

12/11/2025

Stepping through the new front doors into what will soon be a stunning expanded lobby and reimagined gift shop space.
The future front desk area will be ready and waiting to open the doors and welcome you back in 2026!

12/09/2025

10,000 kitchens across war-torn Europe. Half a billion meals delivered.

"Civilization marches forward on the feet of healthy children." — Herbert Hoover
He didn't just say it. He fed 2 million children to prove it. Hoover understood: a hungry child isn't just suffering today, they're stealing from all of our tomorrows.

He wasn't a politician playing humanitarian. He was a humanitarian who happened to become president. This is the Hoover most people never learned about in school. Not the president. The humanitarian.

Hoover's greatest legacy wasn't written in the White House. It was written in the lives of millions he saved.

12/08/2025

There's something powerful about pausing to reflect on what we are grateful for, and even more powerful when we share it together.

Our Thankful Tree, inspired by Herbert and Lou Hoover's legacy of service, compassion, and commitment to stronger communities, has been growing with heartfelt messages from our members and community throughout Christmas Past last weekend in West Branch.

The Hoovers believed in helping others and giving back, values that continue to guide the Foundation today. The tree will be up in our office through December along with the Festival of Trees display. We'd love for you to visit, read the inspiring reflections, and add your own message of gratitude.
Thank you for being part of preserving a legacy that continues to inspire.
What are you grateful for?

12/07/2025

Live Blacksmith Demonstartions and candy cane forging at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site during West Branch Christmas Past.