About the Museum
First presidential library west of Mississippi documenting Hoover's life from Iowa farm boy to President. Includes his birthplace cottage and Quaker meetinghouse.
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is one of sixteen presidential libraries operated by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Presidential libraries are not lending libraries in the usual sense; they are archives and museums that preserve the written records and physical history of America's presidents while serving their communities through programs and exhibits. The facility was opened to the public on August 10, 1962, on what would have been Herbert Hoover's 88th birthday. In 1992, the museum expanded from 32,000 to 44,500 square feet.
The Library and Museum sits on the grounds of the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch, Iowa, the small Quaker community where the 31st President was born. The museum's permanent galleries tell the story of Hoover's roughly fifty years of public service, from his career as a mining engineer and humanitarian to his presidency, while a large temporary gallery hosts changing exhibits. The complex also includes a 180-seat auditorium, a multi-purpose room, and a conference room, and the archives preserve documents related to both Herbert Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover.
Planning Your Visit
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is located at 210 Parkside Drive, West Branch, Iowa, on the grounds of the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Please note that, according to the institution, the museum's permanent galleries have been undergoing a complete renovation, with plans to reopen in Summer 2026; the Hoover gift shop's online eStore has remained open during the renovation, and the surrounding National Historic Site grounds maintain wheelchair-accessible areas. Because hours and availability change, confirm the current status before visiting at the official website, hoover.archives.gov.
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