Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Long-Range Interpretive Plan Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Long-Range Interpretive Plan

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

January, 2008

Prepared by: National Park Service Harpers Ferry Center Interpretive Planning and the staff of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, DC

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and intrinsic values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The National Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

—n a t i o n a l p a r k s e r v i c e m i s s i o n s t a t e m e n t

Right and front cover: The National Park Service preserves and interprets Herbert Hoover’s birthplace cottage and other places associated with Hoover’s birth and early years in West Branch, Iowa. NPS PHOTO

Inside front cover pages: An oblique-aerial illustration depicts Herbert Hoover National Historic

Site and two of its partners—the Herbert Hoover p e t er son Presidential Library and Museum, and West Branch Main Street—that help preserve the resources and tell the stories of Herbert Clark Hoover, the thirty- first president of the United States. photo by da n iel Contents

Part 1. Foundations Enabling Legislation 1 Site History 2 Park Purpose and Significance 4 Fundamental Resources and Values 5 Interpretive Themes 7 Goals 10 Visitor Experience Goals 11 Visitor Profiles 13 Issues and Influences Affecting Interpretation 18 External Influences 18 Internal Influences 20 Cultural Resource Issues 22 Natural Resource Issues 23

Existing Conditions 25 Facilities 25 Interpretive Media 25 Staffing, Personal Services, and Education Programs 30 Partnerships 31

Part 2. Future Interpretive Program The CIP Process at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site 34 Facilities 35 Interpretive Media (Non-Personal Services) 36 Website 36 Identity and Orientation Signs 37 Wayside Exhibits 39 Exhibits 41 Historic Furnishings (and Small Exhibits) 45 Audiovisual Programs 49 Publications 52

Personal Services 54 Interpretive Staff and Interpretive Programs 54 Education Programs 55 Special Events 55

Parkwide Interpretive Themes/Personal Services/Media Matrix 56 Partnerships 58 Library Needs 59 Collection Needs 59 Research Needs 60 Implementation Plan 61 Non-Personal Services (Media) 61 Personal Services 65

Planning Team 66 co lle ct i on ry m e mo ry con gre ss a m eri c n of th e library f r om photo

Part 1: Foundations

“My country owes me nothing. It gave me, as it gives every boy and girl, a chance. It gave me schooling, independence of action, opportunity for service and honor. In no other land could a boy from a country village, without inheritance or influential friends, look forward with unbounded hope.” —p r e s i d e n t h e r b e r t h o o v e r Enabling Legislation

On August 12, 1965, Congress passed Public Law 89-119, establishing Herbert Hoover Na- tional Historic Site. The Act reads:

AN ACT

To establish the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in the State of Iowa.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that, in order to preserve in public ownership historically significant properties associated with the life of Herbert Hoover, the Secretary of Interior may acquire the necessary acres of land or interest in land (including scenic easements) in or near West Branch, Iowa, by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, transfer from a federal agency, or otherwise. Such property shall be known as Herbert Hoover National Historic Site.

Sec 2. The Secretary of the Interior and the Administrator of General Services may enter into agreements which provide for the (1) transfer of lands and other property, except the Herbert Hoover Library Build- ing, from the administrative control of the Administrator to that of the Secretary without transfer of funds; and (2) use of the Administrator of portions of facilities constructed by the Secretary.

Sec 3. The secretary shall administer the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in accordance with the act approved August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 535), as amended and supplemented, and the Act approved August 21, 1935 (49 Stat 666).

Sec 4. There are authorized to be appropriated not more than $1,650,000 for land acquisition and development in connection with the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site as provided in this Act.

Approved August 12, 1965.

Almost seven years later, Omnibus Act, P.L. 92-272 (86 Stat. 120; April 11, 1972) authorized an increase in the development and land acquisition ceilings of the site.

Right: Scenic vistas at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site complement the historical elements of the park.

Opposite: 1928 Chicago Daily News Inc. image of Herbert Hoover during his service as U.S. Secretary of photo Commerce. nps

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 1 Site History

While Herbert Hoover National Historic restoring the home to its 1870s appearance. Site (NHS) was established as a unit of Mr. Hoover admitted he could remember the National Park Service (NPS) in 1965, little about the cottage in which he lived the story of the development of the site only until shortly before his fifth birthday, actually begins with Herbert Hoover’s 1928 adding that “this isn’t my idea, but would presidential nomination, which sparked please Mrs. Hoover, who is the one who public interest in the modest house in West wants to have the old home restored.” By Branch, Iowa, where he had been born the following summer, plans were approved 54 years earlier. Shortly after Hoover’s and restoration of the cottage began, nomination, curious people began visiting along with construction of a caretaker’s West Branch to view the candidate’s lodge behind the cottage. Much of the birthplace. Mrs. Jennie Scellars, who owned restoration was based on Mrs. Hoover’s the birthplace, soon opened the house to original research. Restoration of the tours, eventually charging 10 cents per cottage was completed in November 1938, person and also selling souvenirs. Mrs. with additional landscaping finished the Scellars recorded 1,750 visitors in her guest following year. book in the month following Hoover’s nomination. On the suggestion of Mrs. Hoover, the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Society was in- Hoover’s election ensured continuing inter- corporated in 1939, in order to acquire and est in the birthplace, with more than 34,000 administer the birthplace cottage on behalf visitors having toured the site by mid-1931. of the Hoover family. Allan Hoover subse- Many of the visitors were European tourists quently conveyed the deed to the property who appreciated Hoover’s famine relief ef- to the society and represented the family on forts in World War I. the organization’s board of directors. The Herbert Hoover Birthplace Foundation was The Hoovers had expressed interest in formed in 1954 as a national support group purchasing the home from Mrs. Scellars for the Birthplace Society. The two organi- as early as 1928. In 1930 Hoover family zations merged in 1958. friend and well-known Des Moines Register cartoonist “Ding” Darling made inquiries In subsequent years, the society purchased into the property on behalf of Mrs. Lou several small properties near the cottage. In Henry Hoover. Darling reported that the 1951 a 25-acre tract adjacent to the property house was “in apple-pie order” and that was purchased to become Herbert Hoover Mrs. Scellars was doing a good job of Park. Part of this land later became the site conducting tours. However, she was not of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library interested in selling because she enjoyed and Museum, built with funds raised by the giving tours as well as the extra income the Birthplace Foundation. The Library and tours provided. Museum, which opened in 1962, was at that time operated by the U.S. General Services Following Mrs. Scellars’ death in June of Administration (GSA). 1934, the Hoovers commissioned West Branch resident Fred Albin, a childhood In 1964 the Birthplace Foundation deeded friend of Herbert Hoover’s, to purchase 28 acres of land, including the cottage, to the property on their behalf. Mr. Albin GSA. The foundation and its successor completed the purchase in July of 1935 and organization, the Herbert Hoover Library conveyed the deed to the Hoovers’ younger Association, have continued to support the son, Allan, the following October. site through the present day.

In the spring of 1937, the Hoovers arrived Herbert Hoover’s death in October of in West Branch to begin the process of 1964 prompted interest in establishing

2 I National Park Service co lle ct i on ry m e mo ry con gre ss a m eri c n of th e library f r om photo

National Photo Company image of a national historic site in his honor. An the establishment of a “village green” area chief justice William H. Taft adminis- tering the oath of office to Herbert April 1965 National Park Service report, downtown, was better received. This brief Hoover on the east portico of the U.S. Capitol, March 4, 1929. “A Proposed Herbert Hoover Birthplace served as a basis for the park’s 1970 Master National Historic Site,” concluded that Plan. the West Branch site had “unquestionable national significance” and should be added The NPS began acquiring additional to the National Park System. Public Law 89- properties in 1966, and in 1970 GSA 119, dated August 12, 1965, authorized the opened a combination visitor center and establishment of Herbert Hoover National U.S. Post Office building. By 1971 the NPS Historic Site. had acquired approximately 115 acres of land and 35 historic structures. That same In 1966 the NPS produced a master plan year, a transfer of all GSA property, except brief for the park. This plan proposed the Herbert Hoover Library and Museum, converting the area directly north of the to the NPS was completed. In 1975 the birthplace cottage into a representation NPS negotiated a life estate agreement for of an 1880s Iowa village neighborhood, the adjacent Thompson Farm property, along with other significant property increasing the park’s size to 186.8 acres. The acquisitions. Residents of West Branch park’s Master Plan was amended in 1977, strongly objected to this original plan, which and a new General Management Plan was they felt seriously eroded the local tax base. approved in 2004. GSA turned over the An amended brief, which proposed less combination visitor center and U.S. Post taking of commercial properties along with Office to the National Park Service in 2005.

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 3 Park Purpose and Significance

The 2004 Herbert Hoover National Historic years that set Herbert Hoover on the Site General Management Plan (GMP) road to becoming the nation’s thirty-first states that natural and cultural resources president and a global humanitarian. of the park serve as symbols of significant events that influenced the character and n From his birth to age 11, Herbert career of Herbert Hoover, and that those Hoover’s experiences and associations resources will be maintained. The purpose with his family and the community of of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, as West Branch influenced his personality, stated in the GMP, is to: work ethic, spiritual and moral character, and ambition. These strong n Preserve the birthplace cottage, grave traits are evident throughout his public site, and other historically significant service and private endeavors. properties associated with the life of Herbert Hoover. n Herbert Hoover National Historic Site memorializes Herbert Hoover by n Provide an accessible, dignified, and encompassing his birthplace cottage, spacious setting in which visitors can gravesite, Presidential Library and experience the birthplace cottage, grave Museum, Friends Meetinghouse, site, Presidential Library and Museum, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, statue if and other resources. Isis, tallgrass prairie, and a branch of the Wapsinonoc Creek in a dignified setting n Commemorate and interpret the life, in the town of West Branch, Iowa. career, and accomplishments of Herbert Hoover in cooperation with other n The involvement of Herbert Hoover, organizations. Lou Henry Hoover, their family, friends, and the community was a driving The 2004 GMP also states that the park is force for the establishment design, significant because: and management of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. In this spirit of n Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is cooperation, the NPS facilitates the the birthplace and site of the formative stewardship of this commemorative site.

Park staff and their partners such as the Herbert Hoover Association

interpret the life, career, and accom- photo plishments of Herbert Hoover. nps

4 I National Park Service Fundamental Resources and Values

The fundamental resources and values of part of initiating a Resource Stewardship Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Strategy (RSS) process. These fundamental (NHS) are specifically designated resources resources and values will serve the same and values in the foundation for all planning function for all subsequent park program and management at the park. The particular and implementation plans. The park’s features, systems, processes, experiences, fundamental resources and values include scenes, sounds, smells, etc., that are key the following: to achieving the park’s purpose and maintaining its significance constitute its 1. Birthplace Cottage and Grounds fundamental resources and values. In short, The modest birthplace cottage in which these are the resources and values that—if Herbert Hoover was born remains a absent—would cause the historic site not be tangible artifact of his humble beginnings. a unit of the National Park System. 2. Gravesite Park staff members are responsible for The final resting place of Herbert Hoover identifying and defining their park’s and his wife Lou Henry Hoover, chosen by fundamental resources and values. the President, lies on a hillside overlooking Although identifying and defining a park’s the birthplace cottage. fundamental resources and values has been a routine step early in the development 3. Vista of NPS general management plans since The vista between the cottage and gravesite, 2004, identification may take place at originally conceived by President Hoover, any time when not specifically included illustrates that anyone can start from a in the park GMP. The 2004 GMP for simple life and achieve great things. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site predates the consistent inclusion of a 4. Quaker Meetinghouse foundation for planning and management The Quaker Meetinghouse, with its lack of that included fundamental resources and ornamentation in both architecture and dé- values designation. Consequently, the cor, provides visitors an opportunity to ex- fundamental resources and values for the perience the quiet contemplative space and historic site were developed in 2005 as values that were important in Hoover’s life.

One of the park’s fundamental resources is the gravesite of Herbert Hoover and his wife, Lou Henry Hoover, at a location selected by the Hoovers to overlook a vista toward Herbert Hoover’s birthplace cottage. NPS PHOTO

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 5 NPS PHOTO

The purpose of interpretation is to 5. Serene and Simple Setting values not primary to the park’s purpose establish a caring relationship between park visitors—such as these The park presents the opportunity for and significance are also important to young visitors with a park ranger— and the park’s resources so that all visitors to experience the serenity of the park management. These other important of the park’s resources can be pre- landscape and explore the simplicity of the resources and values include: served for future generations. small town rural character with all of their • The statue of Isis and associated formal senses (dynamically). The ability of visitors plantings. to immerse themselves in the simplicity of • Design of the east façade of the Herbert the time and experience the serenity of the Hoover Presidential Library. place is fundamental. • The cultural landscape, archeology, and other structures as listed on the National Although not specifically identified above, Register of Historic Places and List of the park’s fundamental resources and values Classified Structures. also include by association archeological • Park museum collection objects on resources with a direct connection or display. co-location to original sites within the • Natural/rural aesthetic of the recon- park, such as deposits associated with the structed prairie and adjacent open space. birthplace cottage. This is also the case for • Reconstructed prairie plant community. objects on display from the park’s museum • Stream and riparian community. collection that have an inherent association • Setting associated with the Thompson to the life of President Hoover. The second Farm. home of the Hoovers from 1879 to 1884, • Thompson Farm landscape in harmony the House of Maples, was razed in 1923 with adjacent zones. and an archeological investigation has not been completed on the site. This location The fundamental resources and values and has potential for producing significant other important resources and values are archeology that could be associated with the in agreement with the Asset Priority Index fundamental resources and values. (API) within the Facility Management Software System (FMSS). The API affirms Other Important Resources the relationship of the park resources to and Values the priorities set in the GMP and reiterated Although fundamental resources and values in the RSS, and establishes those priorities are those things around which the park within program areas other than resource is based, other important resources and stewardship.

6 I National Park Service Interpretive Themes

Themes define the most important ideas intangible meanings that today’s visitors or concepts communicated to park visitors may relate to the park’s resources. During about Herbert Hoover National Historic a planning workshop in February 2007, Site. Interpretation strives to establish a car- the staff and partners of Herbert Hoover ing relationship between a person and the National Historic Site brainstormed this list park’s resources and stories by provoking as first step in creating the park interpretive understanding, appreciation, and multiple theme statements detailed on the following perspectives. The chosen approach for the pages. The park’s interpreters, partners, and park’s interpretive and educational pro- media specialists should use this list and the grams is to offer opportunities for visitors to interpretive theme statements as a starting make their own intellectual and emotional point when developing personal services connections to meanings inherent in the programs, educational programs, and park’s resources. interpretive media for the park’s visitors.

Tangible and Intangible Concepts interpretive theme statements Tangible resources are objects and places, Themes define the park’s most important or people and events that once had a ideas to be communicated to the public. physical presence. Intangible meanings are They convey the tangible/intangible commonly felt emotions, relationships, meanings and universal concepts inherent in or values associated with those tangible the park’s resources. resources. Through knowledge or emotions experienced before a visit to Herbert 1. Simple Beginnings Hoover NHS, visitors are able to connect Theme statement: “In no other land could personal meanings with its resources. a boy from a country village, without inheritance or influential friends, look The following table shows some of the forward with unbounded hope.” park’s tangible resources and some —Herbert Hoover

Tangible Resources Intangible Meanings

Birthplace Cottage Family, home, simplicity, humble beginnings, difficult, potential

Cradle and Highchair Birth, childhood, authentic, useful, craftsmanship

Gravesite Death, love, dignity, simplicity, “connection” to the birthplace

Flagpole National identity, accomplishment, achievement

Vista/Grounds Long life, coming “full circle” back to early years at West Branch

Friends Meetinghouse Faith, spirituality, values, religion, equality

Blacksmith Shop Opportunities, technology, work ethic, livelihood, craftsmanship

Schoolhouse Education, learning, knowledge, childhood, memories

Historic Homes Community, neighbors, comfort, security, mobility, nostalgia

Trails/Boardwalks Setting, connection to the past

Downtown West Branch Opportunity, small town life, neighbors

Statue of Isis Symbolism, gratitude, art, power, idolatry

Creek Fishing, discovery, restoration, natural processes, stewardship

Prairie Rebirth, reconstruction, nature, conservation, beauty, destruction

HH Library Legacy, elevation (of elected officials)

HH Museum Revelation, fulfillment, accomplishment, life potential

Picnic Shelter Leisure, development of youth (the scouts built this shelter…)

Thompson Farm Farming, work ethic

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 7 Sub-themes (Specific themes that can be • Though Herbert Hoover was separated the basis of a personal services program or from his older brother, Theodore, and media product): younger sister, Mary, at an early age, • Born into a family of modest means, a their “family connection” was never co lle ct i on person has a life of unlimited potential in broken. As they grew to adulthood,

ry m e mo ry the United States. they became an extended family with • Parental beliefs and lifestyles influence additions of husband, wives, and their children’s lives and have a lasting children. impression, even if the time they all live • Herbert Hoover’s life in Oregon with

con gre ss a m eri c n together is short. his uncle’s strict and structured lifestyle of • It takes a family and a community to gave Herbert perseverance and strength

library library raise a child: parents, aunts, uncles, to pursue his dreams and succeed in life. Portrait of Mrs. Herbert Hoover (Lou neighbors and friends with like beliefs to • A person never knows what path their Henry Hoover) taken between 1928 and 1933. guide a child to adulthood. life will take them down and how that • Hulda Hoover’s belief in her Quaker one life can make a difference in the faith, family, and higher education gave world. her children a foundation and direction to their lives after her death. 4. Adversity Leads to Opportunity • Hoover rose to greatness, despite Theme statement: Herbert Hoover’s loss humble beginnings. of his parents in early childhood influenced his self-reliant character and his 2. Family and Fellowship future concern for the physical and social Theme statement: Growing up in West well-being of the youth of all nations. Branch, Herbert Hoover saw his parents, Sub-themes (Specific themes that can be family, and others in leadership roles, the basis of a personal services program or which instilled in him a drive to become a media product): leader and a success. • The Second Hoover Home (the “House Sub-themes (Specific themes that can be of Maples”) represented the hopes the basis of a personal services program or and successes of the young Hoover media product): family, but the deaths of Jesse and • Hoover’s childhood in a well-educated Hulda Hoover and the separation of Quaker community, where members the Hoover children set Herbert on a demonstrated leadership and a strong new course that provided him with even work ethic, coupled with a series of life greater opportunities. experiences, developed a man of vision • Hulda Hoover used her talent, deter- and ambition, capable of unprecedented mination, endurance, and enterprise achievement. to raise and support three children, to • Childhood and family influences, as become a Quaker spiritual leader, and demonstrated symbolically by cultural to champion temperance and women’s resources on site, affected Hoover’s suffrage; she provided a model of self- character and public accomplishments. reliance that Herbert later emulated and • Hoover observed that every member of a promoted. community has the responsibility to give • The tragedies and upheavals of Herbert back to that community, be it a town, a Hoover’s childhood years in West nation, or the world. Branch influenced his desire to meet personal adversity and massive global 3. Triumphs and Tragedies tragedies and turn them into great Theme statement: A child that grows personal triumphs despite tremendous up in a life of adversity takes a path obstacles. that requires personal endurance and • Herbert Hoover’s greatest assets— perseverance. strongly held ideals of individual Sub-themes (Specific themes that can be initiative and private responsibility— the basis of a personal services program or proved to be a weakness during media product): his presidency, when the profound

8 I National Park Service challenges of the Great Depression • Living the philosophy of “waste not, overwhelmed his policies and actions. want not,” the rural town lifestyle re- • Because of his early experiences as a quired the wise use of resources at hand. child, Herbert Hoover expressed his • Humble beginnings created in Hoover co lle ct i on empathy and concern for the welfare a connection to nature and natural

ry m e mo ry of children around the world, as resources, which influenced his choice represented by the statue of Isis and of career and recreation, and made the exhibits of the Herbert Hoover him look to the natural processes for Presidential Library and Museum. solutions to poverty and hunger (e.g.,

con gre ss a m eri c n Victory Gardens). of 5. Faith, Hope, Charity, and Love • Herbert Hoover’s boyhood activities

library library Theme statement: Herbert Hoover’s and natural pursuits led to a lifelong Portrait of Mr. Herbert Hoover taken Quaker beliefs in the equality of all appreciation of outdoor recreation and around 1928. people and in helping others in times of conservation. During his presidency, crisis or need led to his becoming one of Hoover added three million acres to the world’s great humanitarians. the National Park Service (expanding Sub-themes (Specific themes that can be the NPS by 40 percent), oversaw the the basis of a personal services program or National Park Service reorganization of media product): 1933, and added 2.3 million acres to the • Herbert Hoover was influenced greatly U.S. Forest Service. by the Quaker belief in the equality of all people, regardless of race, gender, or 7. A Memorial and a Legacy creed, which was illustrated by equality Theme statement: The influence of within the Quaker community and Herbert Hoover, Lou Henry Hoover, exemplified by Hoover’s remarkable and their family shaped the development relief efforts. of the presidential memorial area in • Hoover’s famine relief efforts during order for the public to gain a fuller World War I and World War II, and understanding of Hoover’s life. his work with the Boy’s Club and other Sub-themes (Specific themes that can be charitable organizations, reflect the the basis of a personal services program or Quaker belief in humanitarian selfless- media product): ness that Herbert learned as a child. • The site’s memorial landscape and its • The Quaker community stepped elements symbolize American ideals forward to assist the Hoovers after of religion, education, hard work, the loss of Jesse, and again at Hulda’s community, and entrepreneurship as death, demonstrating the importance of Herbert Hoover saw them and lived a strong foundation in faith and family them. during times of crisis. • The landscape design and historic furnishings are a deliberate effort to 6. Nature and Stewardship commemorate and celebrate Herbert Theme statement: Herbert Hoover’s Hoover’s accomplishments and ideals, experience living in a rural environment rather than an attempt to fully recreate in early childhood shaped his interest the setting of his youth. in the natural world, which influenced • The landscape and historic furnishings his choice of career and the recreational reflect the wishes and direct involvement activities he pursued throughout his life. of the Hoover family, and especially Lou Sub-themes (Specific themes that can be Henry Hoover, as they expressed them the basis of a personal services program or during the site’s development from 1935 media product): to 1966. • Quaker values and beliefs recognize • As additions to the historic landscape, “God’s creation” as beauty, the gravesite, the statue of Isis, and demonstrated on site through the the Presidential Library and Museum cultural landscape features and the connect Herbert Hoover’s early proximity of the prairie to the gravesite. childhood to his later accomplishments.

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 9 Goals

Goals describe management’s intent in Accessibility Goals offering interpretive and educational The following acts and their amendments programs and services. This section may are the laws that apply to the federal also contain objectives that define specific government. outcomes for interpretive and educational programs (DO-6, page 8). 1. The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-480) requires all buildings and Management Goals facilities built or renovated in whole or in The Government Performance and Results part with federal funds to be accessible Act (GPRA), enacted in 1993, requires to, and usable by, physically disabled federal agencies to establish standards for persons. Since 1968 official standards for measuring performance and effectiveness. making buildings accessible have been The law requires federal agencies to develop developed and the U.S. Architectural and strategic plans describing their overall Transportation Barriers Compliance Board goals and objectives, annual performance has been created to monitor and enforce plans containing quantifiable measures of compliance with the law. their progress, and performance reports describing their success in meeting those 2. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act standards and measures. of 1973 (P.L. 93-112), as amended, is more encompassing than the Architectural The following long-term goals were Barriers Act. While the Architectural prepared as part of the planning process Barriers Act requires physical access to required by GPRA. Annual Performance buildings and facilities, Section 504 requires Plans prepared by the park staff establish program accessibility in all services provided future benchmarks for visitor satisfaction with federal dollars. The act itself is very and visitor understanding. Attainment of brief. It states: these benchmarks is measured with annual park visitor surveys. “No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall, solely by Long-term Goal IIa1a: By September 30, reason of disability, be excluded from the 2011, 95 percent of visitors to Herbert participation in, be denied the benefits of, Hoover NHS are satisfied with the or be subject to discrimination under any appropriate park facilities, services, and program or activity conducted by Federal recreational opportunities. Financial Assistance or by any Executive Agency.” Long-term Goal IIb1: By September 30, 2011, 89 percent of Herbert Hoover NHS visitors Further, National Park Service (NPS) policy understand the significance of the park. mandates that interpretive programming be developed in accordance with NPS Long-term Goal IIb2: By September 30, 2011, Director’s Orders 42, and that interpretive 96 percent of Herbert Hoover NHS visitors media be developed within the NPS are satisfied with facilitated programs in the Accessibility Guidelines for Interpretive park. Media (which can be accessed through this website: http://www.nps.gov/hfc/ accessibility).

10 I National Park Service Visitor Experience Goals

Visitor Experience Goals describe • Interact with paid staff and volunteers opportunities for the public and suggest how who are professional and courteous, interpretation may change the way visitors leaving a positive impression of the park will think, feel, or act as a result of their park and the National Park Service. experience (DO-6, page 9). • Understand that Herbert Hoover NHS is a unit of the National Park System, The desired outcome of Herbert Hoover and part of the overall Herbert Hoover NHS operations is to manage visitor- experience in West Branch, Iowa. resource interactions so that the resources • Access the park facilities and programs will remain unimpaired for the enjoyment given the full range of visitor abilities of future generations while ensuring that and disabilities. opportunities exist for the widest variety • Enjoy a variety of recreational activities of current visitors to forge meaningful that do not interfere with other people connections with those resources. The and do not adversely impact the park’s park’s facilities, interpretive media, website, resources. personal services, and education programs • Safely enjoy their visit by learning about provide visitors with information as well as and following safety guidelines and park interpretive, educational, and recreational rules and regulations. opportunities. • Use all their senses during their park experience. Visitor Experience Goals for All Park • Find opportunities for solitude and Visitors personal discovery. All park visitors should have the • Gain an appreciation and understanding opportunity to: of Herbert Hoover NHS by learning • Easily find orientation information about the park’s natural and cultural on Hoover-related websites, outside heritage. the park, and within the park at • Discover their own personal connec- both Herbert Hoover NHS and the tions to the meanings and significance Presidential Library and Museum. inherent in the natural and cultural re- • Receive information about attractions sources of Herbert Hoover NHS. and services in West Branch and nearby • Receive balanced and accurate informa- towns. tion that includes multiple perspectives.

One of the basic visitor experience goals of the park is for all visitors to, not only find their way around the park, but to discover their own personal connections to the mean-

ings and significance inherent in the photo

park’s resources. nps

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 11 During the spring and fall each year, more than 10,000 students—as many as seven school groups per day—visit Herbert Hoover NHS and the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. photo nps

• Purchase publications and educational Service and the Presidential Library and materials through the park’s cooperating Museum. association and Presidential Library • Participate in educational experiences bookstore that will enhance their that provide opportunities for experience, and extend the impact of intellectual and emotional connections their visit. to resource meanings. • Demonstrate stewardship by enjoying • Safely enjoy their visit by learning about park resources in a manner that protects and following safety guidelines and park and enhances the natural and cultural rules and regulations. resources. • Demonstrate stewardship by using park • Contribute to the stewardship of resources in a manner that protects Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. and enhances the natural and cultural • Understand how Herbert Hoover resources. NHS works in partnership with the • Contribute to the stewardship of Presidential Library and Museum, Herbert Hoover NHS. the Hoover Association, and the local community; and that visitors have an Virtual Visitor Experience Goals opportunity to support these entities by Visitors who access information about Her- joining the Hoover Association. bert Hoover NHS through its website on the • Have a seamless experience provided by internet should have the opportunity to: the National Park Service, the Presiden- • Easily navigate the park’s website to plan tial Library and Museum, the Hoover a visit and/or to learn about the park’s Association, and the local community. natural and cultural resources. • Gain an appreciation and understanding Education Experience Goals of Herbert Hoover NHS by learning Visitors within educational groups should about the park’s natural and cultural have the opportunity to: heritage. • Participate in curriculum-based • Find interpretive opportunities for education programs that include pre- intellectual and emotional connections visit and post-visit activities. to resource meanings. • Use the park as an outdoor classroom • Print the park map, download forms, and conduct educational activities on and print photos. their own. • Contact the park through an e-mail link. • Participate in a coordinated, teacher- • Link to the Presidential Library and directed educational experience using Museum’s website and other appropriate materials provided by the National Park websites.

12 I National Park Service Visitor Profiles

This broad description of park audiences includes both actual and potential audiences—in- park, out-of-park, and education audiences (DO-6, page 9).

Herbert Hoover NHS Annual Visitation Figures, 2001-2006

2001 183,640 2004 182,545

2002 191,812 2005 152,214

2003 183,364 2006 127,859

Average visitation from 2001 to 2006 was 170,239.

Herbert Hoover NHS Monthly Visitation Figures, 2006

January 5,422 April 9,398 July 13,894 October 9,075

February 3,867 May 15,070 August 17,333 November 7,415

March 4,505 June 9,863 September 10,175 December 21,042

Total visits (from Monthly Public Use Reports) for 2006 was 127,859.

Seasonal Trends the end of October. Weekends may remain Spring: By late March, visitation from the quite busy with local and regional visitors. general public increases on most weekends, Visitation often spikes on federal holiday depending on weather conditions. On weekends such as Columbus Day, Veterans weekdays from the first week in April Day, and Thanksgiving. through mid-June, about seven or eight school groups from public schools, private Winter: Visitation on winter weekdays schools, and home schools from the region drops considerably, and weekend visitation (i.e., Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, the “Quad from local and regional visitors depends on Cities,” and many smaller towns) take the severity of the weather. However, the field trips to Herbert Hoover NHS and the month of December is one of the highest Presidential Library and Museum. Most of visitation months of the entire year because the groups are fourth and fifth grade classes of holiday-related visitors and two special who are learning an “Iowa Pioneer History programs: “Christmas Past,” a three-day unit.” High school classes at the Advance event that can draw 3,000 to 5,000 visitors; Placement (AP) level also visit the park and a Library and Museum event primarily and Library and Museum for educational for pre-school children that can draw 2,000 programs. or more. After these special events and the holidays pass, remaining winter visitation is Summer: Once schools close in mid-June, typically low. the park may be busy daily with national visitors on vacation or regional visitors Analysis of Visitor Group Types on day trips. Summer visitation peaks in (as observed by Herbert Hoover NHS staff) August, highlighted by “HooverFest”—a one-day event that often draws between West Branch Neighbors (about 2 percent of 5,000 and 8,000 visitors. total visitors) Characteristics: Park neighbors who live in Autumn: After schools reopen in West Branch and the nearby vicinity. September, school groups return to the park Use of Herbert Hoover NHS: Park neighbors on weekdays with about four to five groups rarely visit the park for its historic resources; per day from just after Labor Day through most come simply to walk their dogs, use

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 13 the picnic shelter, or walk the prairie trail Many have little or no knowledge of the site or loop road. The town of West Branch before their visit. sometimes uses the (NPS-owned) Village Issues: Visitation for this group is Green for local celebrations. decreasing, possibly because fewer families Issues: Many local visitors think of Herbert drive cross-country on their vacations Hoover NHS as a village park, not a national which may be due to high gas prices. Many photo historic site that is a unit of the National “fly over” the Midwest instead. nps All of the contemporary and historic Park System; most do not pay their park buildings at Herbert Hoover NHS, entrance fee. Education Groups (about 8 percent of total such as the schoolhouse with its ramp, are accessible to visitors in visitors*) wheelchairs. The park is working to assure that all interpretive media Local Users (about 50 percent of total (* this is the NPS percentage; the figure for and programs are accessible to all visitors) the Presidential Library and Museum is 20 visitors who have a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Characteristics: Local users who live in Iowa percent, which is 10,000 students out of their City, Cedar Rapids, the “Quad Cities,” and 50,000 annual visitors.) many nearby small towns and villages. Characteristics: Schools and other groups Use of Herbert Hoover NHS: Many of the from cities and counties within a one-hour local users are “repeat visitors” who come drive. to the park for special events and special Issues: During these students’ 3.75-hour exhibits. Most of these local visitors first experience, students typically spend most came to the park when they were children of their time at the Presidential Library and on school bus trips. Museum, and the historic site experience Issues: Most local users know the park is at the end of their visit. With the staff at story, respect its resources, and pay their the Library and Museum scheduling about entrance fees. seven school groups each weekday during the spring (and four or five groups per day Regional Users (about 25 percent of total on autumn weekdays), the interpretive visitors) staff at Herbert Hoover National Historic Characteristics: People who live in Iowa Site is challenged to keep up with their end (outside of those areas described above), of each groups’ visit. Also, these school Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, visits are more similar to traditional “field and Missouri. trips,” rather than “educational program” Use of Herbert Hoover NHS: Residents opportunities. of these states are closest to Interstate 80 (going east-west, and Interstate 35 (going “Virtual” Visitors (not “counted” in the north-south). Most of these visitors are park’s visitation data) first-time visitors. Characteristics: Local, national, and interna- Issues: Most regional visitors are not aware tional visitors who “visit” the park through that Herbert Hoover National Historic computers in their homes or offices via the Site is a unit of the National Park System; park’s website. many have heard about or seen signs for Use of Herbert Hoover NHS: These “virtual” the new “Silos and Smokestacks National visitors have no impact on the park’s Heritage Corridor” (that includes Herbert tangible resources. However, they do impact Hoover NHS), but do not understand this park staff in the time required to create, “corridor.” update, and maintain the park website. Issues: The number of virtual visitors National/International Vacationers (about continues to increase each year; as these 15 percent of total visitors) numbers rise, the importance of the Characteristics: Visitors from the United Herbert Hoover National Historic Site States (other than those states listed above), website increases correspondingly. The and a small percentage of international park website can provide useful visitor visitors (mostly from Asia and Russia). orientation to visitors that might encourage Use of Herbert Hoover NHS: Most are on comprehensive visits to all the Hoover- a summer vacation. Many use the park as a related sites in West Branch, including the rest stop while driving along Interstate 80. downtown area.

14 I National Park Service 2007 GPRA Visitor Survey Each summer, Herbert Hoover National Historic Site distributes visitor survey cards to selected visitors for one month, and the data is compiled by the University of Idaho as a report for the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993. Each year’s survey reflects visitor opinion about park facilities, services, and recreational opportunities. The results of the 2007 GPRA Visitor Survey are summarized below (the GPRA Visitor Survey results from 1998 through 2007, are available at www.psu.uidaho.edu/vsp.profile):

2007 Overall Quality of Facilities, Services, and Recreational Opportunities

Very good: 82% Good: 16% (98% satisfaction: combined Very Good and Good) Average: 2% Poor: 0% Very Poor 0%

2007 Specific Ratings of Facilities, Services, and Recreational Opportunities

Category Approval Ratings

Park Facilities Very Good Good Average Poor Very Poor

Visitor Centers 82% 16% 2% 0% 0% Exhibits 81% 17% 2% 0% 0% Restrooms 76% 20% 4% 0% 0% Walkways, Trails, Roads 81% 17% 2% 0% 0% Camp/Picnic Areas 72% 23% 3% 2% 0%

Combined Facilities: 79% 18% 2% 0% 0%

Visitor Services Very Good Good Average Poor Very Poor

Employee Assistance 85% 10% 4% 1% 0% Interpretive Programs 78% 20% 2% 0% 0% Park Map or Brochure 78% 19% 3% 0% 0% Value for Entrance Fee Paid 70% 23% 7% 0% 0%

Combined Visitor Services: 78% 18% 4% 0% 0%

Recreational Opportunities Very Good Good Average Poor Very Poor

Learning About Nature, History, etc. 69% 27% 3% 0% 0% Outdoor Recreation (and Sightseeing) 58% 38% 4% 0% 0%

Combined Recreational Opportunities: 66% 30% 4% 0% 0%

Comments on Visitor Surveys, 2006 “To preserve President Hoover’s boyhood Within the GPRA Visitor Survey in 2006, home and his presidential legacy and that these selected comments are samples of period of history.” what some visitors wrote in response to the following: This park was established “To connect with Hoover’s childhood because of its significance to the nation. environment and to follow his path to In your opinion, what is the national becoming the 31st President.” significance of this park? “To honor the memory of President Hoover “It makes me know the great work of Herbert and to show appreciation for his service to the Hoover and what he did for this country.” nation with the Hoover Commission and the world with Belgian relief.” “The home town and life of an American

Virtual park visits are on the rise, President. Sharing how a very small life “Boyhood of President Hoover and its effect increasing the importance of the became very big.” on his presidency.” park website.

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 15 NPS PHOTO

Once schools close in mid-June, “He illustrates the community and life that a “It increased my knowledge of President the park may be busy daily with national visitors on vacation or future president had lived in. … a farming Hoover and his life and the culture of the regional visitors on day trips. town in the 1870s.” early- to mid-century.”

“Recognition of a U.S. President—his early “Extremely important to provide positive role years and impact upon our country.” models for children to preserve our history for our citizens.” “To help people realize that even the president is just a common citizen with family roots.” “Showing how someone of more humble beginnings can make a good name for “Very important. As a foreigner, it was themselves.” interesting to learn about one of USA’s presidents.” “Background on Herbert Hoover and why he wasn’t that bad of a president. He was a “It is … a historic site showing the lifestyle victim of bad timing with little congressional of the people. The Quaker church was very support.” interesting, too.” “Serenity of the park—Quaker feel. Beautiful “Help show us about Herbert Hoover and open area. It explained Herbert Hoover’s life what made him great. I am so proud of our outside his Presidency. His World War I and national parks.” World War II efforts on famine.”

16 I National Park Service “Helps to understand the man when you (3) The times. What were the times understand his beginnings and background.” like? How did the times affect the president? How did the president “Its educational value: Hoover is a largely affect the times? What were the misunderstood man who was much maligned. times like for people like me? This park helps correct that misreading.” For many respondents, this detail makes “A beautiful, well-kept park … essential to visiting a presidential library more the enjoyment, learning, and accessibility for appealing because it personalizes things. families.” By learning and seeing that this person, who led our country, had a wife and “Hoover was a great philanthropist who kids, too, makes it easier to have some contributed greatly to the needs of the world.” connection beyond him being just a historical figure. “We enjoyed the Birthplace. The rangers were very helpful.” Comments from some of the focus group participants included the following: 2006 Visitor Survey by the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum “It’s a personal connection to the past. You In 2006 the Herbert Hoover Presidential saw the house and everything. They made it Library and Museum (the park’s primary more real, I guess.” partner) conducted a Visitor Survey through the National Archives and Records Admin- “There are all these exhibits of all these old istration (NARA) Office of Presidential Li- things. Things of Hoover, and you think braries. Using group interviews, the survey ‘Geez, he lived here. This stuff really belonged yielded the following key findings: to him.’”

• Most non-visitors … might be more “… I find that the Hoover exhibits were inclined to visit if they knew the museum actually considerably informative, because I was more about the times and the knew almost nothing.” context of the presidency and not solely about the individual. “I took my son and I thought it was very educational for him. To know that there • Many feel the museum itself is static is something like this close out here in the and “doesn’t change,” although there boondocks of Iowa. He thought it was pretty is interest in knowing what temporary cool, too.” exhibits are there. “… the pride that you get about seeing • More specifically, [the brochure] should Hoover here in Iowa and there’s a museum let visitors know that the library will here in Iowa …” give them a sense of the man holding the office, the context of the experience In reference to the Herbert Hoover and the long-term impact of his actions Presidential Library and Museum being on and decisions while in office—beyond the grounds of the national historic site, what they may know from headlines and some said: history books. They want to know: (1) The man. What was he like? What “It’s well built, it’s well planned out.” made him tick? How was he like me? (2) The family. What was his upbring- “… It’s well maintained. It’s really a work of ing? Was it like mine? What was his art.” route to the White House? How did his community influence him? How For more information on this visitor survey, did his family experience his presi- contact the Herbert Hoover Presidential dency? Library and Museum.

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 17 Issues and Influences Affecting Interpretation

This section includes influences and opportu- historic sites and museums. Management nities inside and outside the park that affect at both Herbert Hoover NHS and the interpretation and education (DO-6, page 9). Presidential Library and Museum continue to wrestle with this issue of how to achieve There are issues and influences, both inside effective security without creating barriers and outside the park, that affect the Herbert to visitation. Hoover National Historic Site interpretation and education programs. Many of these Related to this issue, the need for effective are issues that the park’s interpretive efforts security within historic sites and museums can help park managers to solve or mitigate. has increased the requirement for Others are issues that may influence the background checks for all staff members park interpretive programs, and park man- and volunteers. Staff members have come agers need to consider these when planning to accept these measures as part of their the park’s future. employment. The cost to the park to process background checks affects the budget, External: Issues and Influences from programming, and staffing. If background Outside Herbert Hoover NHS checks are applied to the park’s volunteers, this might limit the volunteer pool because National Economy many potential volunteers probably feel this During difficult economic times, people are is an unwanted intrusion into their life. likely to cut back on the money they spend on travel and recreation, resulting in fewer World Wide Web vacations, vacations spent close to home, The World Wide Web is an important or both. Conversely, in a strong economy, outreach tool considering the national people have more money to spend on travel and worldwide increase in use of websites. and recreation. Changes in gasoline prices The National Park Service’s content and other travel-related costs also influence management system (CMS) for all NPS how people spend their vacation and leisure areas is administered from Washington, time. This issue affects the site’s interpretive D.C., and organizes all NPS websites’ main efforts in the decrease in visitation to educational components (the History and Herbert Hoover NHS noted from 2004 Culture and Nature and Science sub-sites) through 2006 when annual visitation into one-size-fits-all categories. The park dropped from 182,545 (in 2004) to 152,214 staff would prefer to have more flexibility (in 2005) to 127,859 (in 2006). to organize these sub-sites along its own interpretive themes. Homeland Security One of the delicate challenges facing Decreasing Museum Visitation Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Statistics tell the story. Visitation to and the Hoover Presidential Library and museums and historic sites in the United Museum in the twenty-first century is States increased steadily from 1932 to maintaining the proper balance between 1987—more than half a century—without homeland security and customer service. any indication that there was trouble on All federal employees—indeed all citizens— the horizon. But beginning in the late accept the need for effective protection 1980s—and more precipitously after against a multitude of potential threats 2001—attendance at museums in general, to life and property. Terrorism can strike and history museums and historic sites in anywhere at anytime, even in a small town particular, has decreased. For example, after in a rural state. Although historic sites and a successful opening year, the new Abraham museums are open invitations to large Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, numbers of visitors, barriers to admission Illinois, has experienced declining visitation; or security checkpoints are rare in most however, the Ronald Reagan Presidential

18 I National Park Service Library and Museum in Simi Valley, years, the state has been deeply and vocally California, as well as many NPS sites are concerned about the exodus of talented examples to the contrary. But overall, young Iowans who graduate from local visitation is dropping and that is a cause for colleges and universities but are unable to concern. find jobs in the state. As Iowa’s population declines, the potential local visitation to The possible causes for this decrease in West Branch’s Hoover-related sites also visitation to historic sites and museums over declines. This issue cannot be solved the past two decades are numerous. Without locally. It simply needs to be noted when question, there is a greater demand on the forecasting visitor expectation levels and time of contemporary families. Organized resource allocation. sports and related activities, the nature of blended and single parent households, Many of the local residents of West Branch the impact of interactive technology such live in this community and commute and as video gaming, all have contributed to work in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids the decline in interest. Surveys by Harris area. Many residents enjoy living in a rural Interactive and other forms indicate that community and the accessibility to their only about 60 percent of the nation has any work within a reasonable commuting interest in visiting a historical museum, and distance. only half of that number will visit historical museums more than once in their lifetime. The industrial area on the south side of Therefore, the nation’s historic sites and Interstate 80 provides employment for museums are competing for the attention of West Branch residents as well as commuters a relative small percentage of the American from a 50-mile radius. More industry is population. being developed, including a wind turbine manufacturing facility in the industrial park. Midwest Population Although Herbert Hoover had no control Regional Competition over the location of his hometown or his West Branch is located within 50 miles of birthplace, that location has affected visita- larger population centers that promote tion. Quite simply, Herbert Hoover National several attractions, including more than 20 Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presi- museums. As a result, the level of competi- dential Library and Museum are located in tion for attracting visitors is extremely high. a rural county of fewer than 20,000 indi- This issue is compounded by the small bud- viduals. Although the neighboring county gets for advertising by West Branch and its to the west, Johnson County, has a popula- Hoover-related sites. However, this issue tion close to 100,000 and is growing, the can also pose many opportunities for West overall number of individuals living within Branch to promote more locally, building a 50-mile driving radius of West Branch is relationships with the communities and relatively small to support a presidential mu- businesses surrounding the town that can seum and historic site. To supplement local help out with their support. visitation, West Branch and the Hoover- related sites need additional visitors from Public Perception neighboring states. Visitation from people As the public drives along Iowa’s roadways through the Midwest and throughout the and sees miles and miles of corn and soy United States (even though the park is just bean fields, the lasting impression of the off I-80, which presents the site with a large state is that it is strictly an agricultural state pool of potential visitors) has traditionally with no cultural history. This impression been low, perhaps because Iowa fares poor- often does not encourage motorists to leave ly as a “vacation destination.” Interstate 80 to visit and learn about the history and culture of Iowa. This public Also, like many Midwest states, Iowa perception impacts the potential visitation faces the challenge of sustaining a steady to West Branch and the interpretation they population base. For more than forty receive at the Hoover sites.

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 19 Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Present-day West Branch needs to reflect Area (NHA) the bustling town of Hoover’s youth. As Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage a step in that direction, the community Area—which encompasses 37 counties in of West Branch was recently accepted northeast Iowa—has become the most well- into Main Street Iowa, an economic known NPS entity in Iowa since the NHA development program design to encourage was established as an affiliated NPS area in business growth through historic 1996. Iowa has only two other NPS units, preservation and rehabilitation. Main Herbert Hoover NHS and Effigy Mounds Street West Branch intends to capitalize on National Monument (NM), both located the Hoover sites’ heritage tourism when in eastern Iowa. These two NPS units are developing its niche market. not well known to most visitors. Silos and Smokestacks NHA, due to the nature of “Branding” of West Branch and the Hoover their large geographical coverage and the sites visible presence of their “NPS arrowhead” The Hoover Association is interested in entry signs on major highways, have become helping the Hoover-related entities “brand” the most “visible” presence of the NPS in their sites. Not only should the public have a Iowa. better perception of the national importance and designations of the Hoover Presidential As the two traditional NPS units within Library and Museum and Herbert Hoover Silos and Smokestacks NHA, Herbert NHS, they should also connect the city of Hoover and Effigy Mounds would be well West Branch with them. Marketing them served by partnering more with the NHA. together—but at the same time separately— Perhaps staffing and funding at these NPS will help promote all the West Branch entities could be used to enhance the opportunities to visitors. mission of all three and increase the overall public awareness of the National Park An effective partnership between the Service within the state of Iowa. Also, the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, “branding” of the NPS units in Iowa could Herbert Hoover NHS, and historic West be enhanced if all three NPS units partner Branch would improve the experience more closely. for all visitors as this partnership would create a seamless visit from the library and West Branch museum to the historic site and then to Although the relationship of Herbert the businesses downtown. By creating a Hoover National Historic Site and the city seamless visit, visitors can very easily view of West Branch is improving, many local West Branch as one historic attraction. residents view the NPS presence in their community as an obstacle to fully utilizing Internal: Issues and Influences from the community’s resources, in particular, within Herbert Hoover NHS its park settings. Many residents also resent that the potential tourism and commercial Staffing activity brought into West Branch by the Herbert Hoover NHS has three interpretive Hoover Presidential Library and Museum staffing issues. The first issue is whether and Herbert Hoover National Historic Site or not the park will continue to post an stays at the two primary Hoover sites (i.e., interpreter at the birthplace cottage during most park visitors go to the library and the spring, summer, and fall. Posting museum and/or the historic site and then an interpreter at the cottage provides get back into their vehicles without seeing opportunities for informal interpretation other community sites.) However, other there, but severely limits the interpretive residents attribute the lack of tourism and staff’s flexibility in offering guided tours or commercial traffic flowing from the Hoover informal interpretation in other locations sites to the community as a reflection of in the park. The second issue is how to best the lack of amenities the community has to use the time of the park’s two permanent offer. interpreters. These two interpreters have

20 I National Park Service photo nps

These signs direct visitors driving numerous support duties (e.g., payroll, furlough gardener position is hired in 2007. along Parkside Drive to parking opportunities at Herbert Hoover NHS, fee deposits, bookstore, volunteer However, based upon the park’s Budget the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, and on Main Street in the management, website maintenance, special Cost Project Model for the next five years, city of West Branch. A comprehen- event planning, purchasing) as well as there will be fewer opportunities to hire or sive sign plan is needed to coordinate the future signs that will lead their core duties of planning, developing, retain the current staffing levels of seasonal visitors who are driving to the park and presenting formal programs; updating employees (unless the National Park and then direct them while walking within the park. in-house publications and other media; Centennial Challenge provides increased and improving the interpretive skills of funding in Fiscal Year 2008 and beyond, or themselves and the seasonal employees. if the Fiscal Year 2008 Seasonal Initiative The third issue is the park’s low level of provides funds to hire additional seasonal interpretive staffing in the spring and early employees). According to an Operations fall, when large school groups come to the Evaluation in January 2007, the park’s site for guided tours of the park grounds in permanent staff members “wear too many conjunction with their visit to the Hoover hats” and it is difficult for them to address Presidential Library and Museum. If the the many collateral duties of permanent park sets limits on these school groups employees at a smaller park such as Herbert tours, it will limit one of the park’s biggest Hoover NHS. sources of visitor attendance. Core Analysis Budget Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is Based upon the park’s current “Living currently scheduled for a Core Operations Within Our Means – 85 Percent Plan,” the Analysis in Fiscal Year 2008. The purpose park will be fully staffed after the subject-to- of a Core Operations Analysis is to identify

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 21 each park’s essential operational functions Accessibility and create the most efficient organization Historic structures present challenges and necessary staffing levels to operate when dealing with accessibility (e.g., trying the park at a safe and professional level. to maintain the integrity while providing The park is currently operating within the wheelchair accessibility). Also, the park’s approved “Living Within Our Means – 85 current cultural landscape has a number Percent Plan.” These processes apply to the of issues with grades and surfaces. The staffing concerns shared throughout. park is trying to address these issues with PMIS funding requests to mitigate these Park Sign System accessibility concerns. The recommendations from the Operations Evaluation in January 2007 included “the Fee Collection park’s outdoor interpretive signs do not Because Herbert Hoover NHS cannot follow the standards of the NPS Graphic practically maintain an entrance “gate” Identity Program; Highway directional collection station, a large percentage of signs leading off of Interstate 80 and on the park’s visitors evade paying the park’s Parkside Drive do not appear functional entrance fee—either purposefully or or adequate.” The park’s 2004 General unknowingly. Enforcement of getting non- Management Plan recommended that the compliant visitors to pay their fee would be park develop a sign system working together time-consuming, expensive, and a signifi- with the Hoover Presidential Library and cant public relations concern. The NPS’s Museum and city of West Branch officials to increasing focus on generating fee revenues resolve signage issues leading to and within throughout the National Park System cre- the park. ates a hardship on sites such as Herbert Hoover NHS because federal fees remit- Volunteers tance and accountability require a great Proper coordination and supervision of deal of time. Visitors pay fees either at the volunteers is time-consuming. There is an Hoover Presidential Library and Museum expectation that the volunteer coordinator or Herbert Hoover NHS, but one payment is the de-facto volunteer supervisor for covers the fees at both sites, as agreed upon every division who will recruit, refer for with a memorandum of agreement between placement, schedule, train, and supervise all the two Hoover sites. There is also a chal- volunteers. lenge in assuring that fee collection costs are reasonable relative to gross fees collected. Birthplace Cottage There are concerns related to placement Cultural Resource Management of waysides near the birthplace cottage. Issues within Herbert Hoover NHS However, through careful planning and compliance, there should be an opportunity Landscape Management Plan to explore the appropriate placement of There are several areas in the park that waysides to enhance non-personnel services require landscaping attention. The area for park visitors. around the visitor center and post office has not been addressed with any type of Prairie landscape management plan. Those areas The prairie was reconstructed from land lack an attractive, as well as manageable, that had been row cropped since before landscape. The demonstration prairie Herbert Hoover’s birth and represents a garden is appealing to visitors and an land cover that was quickly disappearing attractive addition to the visitor center during Hoover’s childhood. Although parking area; however, the area surrounding it serves a practical purpose (erosion the parking lot and post office require better and water control), the prairie is not a landscape planning. The trees in front of functioning ecosystem nor does it have the visitor center create shade during the historical integrity associated with the summer, but block the NPS Arrowhead and period of significance. signage on the building.

22 I National Park Service The plantings around the park’s historic biologist funded by the Midwest Regional structures and residences would be Office is duty-stationed at the Herbert more attractive if there was a landscape Hoover National Historic Site and is management plan developed for plantings available to consult on the park’s resource and maintenance of the vegetation around management issues on a part-time basis. the houses utilized as offices. Interpretation of the park’s natural photo resources would be more effective with a nps Herbert Hoover Creek meanders Museum Collections and Sharing Resources permanent natural resource manager at the through the verdant spring landscape at Herbert Hoover NHS. The NPS museum collections are currently historic site. stored in four different locations. Garvin Cottage, the principal storage area, does not Volunteers meet all NPS standards for museum storage, People who ask for one-shot or short-term and is overcrowded. The other areas are volunteer projects often ask for resource severely deficient as artifact storage spaces. management work. Although most of the The NPS Midwest Region Museum Collec- volunteer work in the prairie (e.g., pulling tion Curatorial Facilities Implementation out white sweet clover, removing woody Strategy advises that items should be stored shrubs, collecting seeds, etc.) would not at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library require much training or supervision, the and Museum or at other nearby institutions. park staff still does not have anyone to The park will be storing park-generated oversee those projects. Also, the anticipated archival materials and a few artifacts at the arrival of background checks for all library, and has inquired about museum volunteers who use government computers storage space at other institutions. may hinder volunteer recruitment; it will certainly slow down the program’s Museum artifacts displayed in the four administration. historic structures which contain artifacts are constantly subject to unacceptable Special Events temperature, light, and humidity levels. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site has Correcting these conditions would be come to depend on special emphasis days costly and would raise issues with National such as Public Lands Day to address some Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of the park’s natural resource management compliance as well as aesthetic and needs using volunteers. Although special procedural issues (e.g., leaving building events are popular, they require a large doors open during the day). amount of staff time and resources to plan and manage. Grants and External Funding There are several grant opportunities avail- Hoover Creek able to the Hoover-related sites in West Herbert Hoover NHS has a stream running Branch, but few grant writers on staff at the through the park known as “Hoover Hoover Association, the Herbert Hoover Creek.” A “Stream Restoration Project” Presidential Library and Museum, or the for Hoover Creek is the park’s highest historic site to coordinate the effort. Many priority for projects and it is listed as a line- grant opportunities pass because of limited item construction project. The magnitude staff resources and skill sets to develop ap- and the costs of this project are not well plications. Consequently, possible grant understood by the local community and revenue totaling several thousands of dollars by some Hoover Association trustees. This remains unrealized for the Hoover sites. project is complex and necessary to protect significant resources within the park and the Natural Resource Management Issues local community. within Herbert Hoover NHS Heartland Network Staffing Herbert Hoover NHS is part of the Herbert Hoover NHS does not have Heartland Network Inventory and a natural resource manager. Instead, a Monitoring Program, which is an

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 23 photo nps

Yellow coneflowers bloom in the opportunity for the park to reach educators understood by the local community even af- tallgrass prairie with the red barn of the Isaac Miles farmstead in the throughout Iowa. Although the Heartland ter repeated efforts to explain this practice. distance. Although the park includes 80 acres of restored prairie, Network has a good communication plan, Also, the prairie signs should be changed this resource is not a functioning the information is not being applied to from “Native Prairie” to “Restored Prairie” ecosystem and it is not historically associated with the park’s period of optimal interpretive use. The park/regional or “Reconstructed Prairie.” significance. biologist has provided guidance and assistance on the interpretive products, but Balance of Natural and Historical Programs much of it does not get implemented once it The “restored prairie” in Herbert Hoover leaves this individual’s hands. National Historic Site does not serve as a functioning ecosystem, nor is it a historical Exotic Species feature that is associated with the early Exotic (invasive) species became a major years of Herbert Hoover; also the park’s issue when the restored prairie was created existing creek is different today than at this park where much of the cultural in Hoover’s boyhood years because of landscape has manicured lawns. Although local development. Because these natural a strain on the park’s staffing and budget resources are not historically significant to resources, the prairie and its native and the Hoover story, the question has been invasive species is a great educational tool raised, “How much time and effort should for public awareness because invasive plants be devoted to interpreting these natural are such well-known issues. resources?” Perhaps one answer to that question is that natural history programs Prairie Burning allow park interpreters to expand beyond The park’s prescribed fires on the prairie the Hoover story and include some are opportunities for interpretive and edu- interpretation of the mission of the National cational programs with the local community Park Service—as long as these secondary and school groups. The prescribed fire stories stay in balance with the primary program and associated costs are not well Hoover stories.

24 I National Park Service Existing Conditions

This brief summary and evaluation estab- brochure); and 26 for wayside exhibits. lishes a point of departure for future personal To supplement the MIDS information, services, media development, and facility the following brief sections summarize proposals. The park’s existing media should the park’s current interpretive media be inventoried and updated in the Media conditions. Inventory Database System (MIDS) (DO-6, page 9). Exhibits The park does not have any permanent Facilities exhibits. Within the 797-square-foot lobby, there are three large exhibit boards Visitor Center with park-made exhibits (with titles, The visitor center for Herbert Hoover Na- photographs, and captions) that interpret tional Historic Site is within a 9,150-square- the prairie and Herbert Hoover’s early life foot building that also features office space in West Branch. Just beyond the octagonal for the park’s interpretive staff, storage information desk in the middle of the lobby space for cooperating association sales are Plexiglas exhibit cases with a scale model stock, and other interpretive program replica of Hoover’s birthplace cottage and needs. This building was built in 1970 by blacksmith shop and another with two the General Services Administration (GSA) modern Hoover balls (i.e., medicine balls) and leased to the National Park Service and and photographs of U.S. soldiers who still the U.S. Post Office for 35 years. GSA trans- play Hoover ball in Iraq. (A combination ferred the building to the NPS in 2005; the of tennis, volleyball and medicine ball, NPS now leases the back end of the building Hoover-ball was invented by a White House to the U.S. Post Office for their West Branch physician to keep Hoover physically fit.) office. The lobby also contains an information board on the park’s fees and a donation box. The visitor center portion of this building has approximately 5,250 square feet that Through a short hall and door beyond the includes, a lobby and information desk, lobby is a 639-square-foot exhibit room restrooms, an exhibit room (for traveling (approximately 20 by 30 feet). This room is exhibits), an audiovisual room, and a sales used for traveling and temporary exhibits space for Eastern National (EN), the park’s that the park staff arranges to be changed cooperating association. two or three times a year. The room has two “false fireplaces” that were made for Interpretive Media a temporary exhibit, track lighting on the ceiling, and outlets in the floor and on all Media Inventory Database System Summary four walls. Media conditions for all NPS areas are now listed in the Servicewide Media Inventory Audiovisual Programs Database System (MIDS); the listing of The park’s primary audiovisual program is media conditions for Herbert Hoover shown in the visitor center’s 23-seat theater NHS is listed in MIDS under “HEHO” that is located down a short hallway behind in the Midwest Region. The park’s MIDS the lobby’s information desk. The 12-minute summary reflects the center’s current media videotape program (in a DVD format), conditions. As of 2006 there were 42 records titled “Adventure and Great Undertakings: for interpretive media at Herbert Hoover Herbert Hoover’s Childhood in West NHS: four for historically furnished areas; Branch,” was produced in 1998 by Odyssey eight for audiovisual programs; one for a Productions of Portland, Oregon, with planning document (a GMP); one for an funds provided by the Hoover Association, exhibit area (the park visitor center); one for Association of Partners for Public Lands, a publications record (for the park’s unigrid and a National Park Service Challenge Cost

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 25 Share Grant. This audiovisual program is are 11 by 8 inches and 8 by 6 inches. All of played using a DVD player system on a 10- the etched-and-anodized interpretive signs by 6 -foot screen that has a caption board were produced and installed in 1990 an underneath. 1991.

The park has a second audiovisual program The park also has three bulletin board/

photo that is available to school groups on cases. One (that was within the park’s nps request. This 24-minute program (which Village Green area until 2006) is currently The park’s visitor center, which has approximately 5,000 square feet for was originally a slide/sound program from in storage; the other two bulletin cases are visitor use, is small compared to the 44,500-square-foot Hoover Presiden- the 1980s that was converted to videotape) located at one of the picnic pavilions and tial Library and Museum. is titled “An Introduction to the Herbert in the visitor center hallway next to the Hoover National Historic Site and the restrooms. Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum.” Wayfinding Signs Herbert Hoover NHS has the following The park also has seven audio stations that Vehicular Signs: are played via push button in or near six of the park’s historic structures (birthplace There are three signs along Interstate-80 cottage, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, (I-80) near exit 254. The first sign that Friends Meetinghouse, gravesite/prairie, motorists see on I-80 about 4 miles west and the Isis statue) and the park orientation of exit 254 has four lines and reads “Exit wayside next to the visitor center parking 254 Herbert Hoover National Historic Site lot. These audio tracks are played through Presidential Museum Exit 4 Miles.” The standalone sound systems, and operated by second sign on I-80 is for the radio station push buttons—most of which are next to with visitor information and reads “Hoover aluminum interpretive signs. The birthplace Historic Site Visitor Information Tune cottage audio station does not include an Radio To 690 AM;” this sign is close to Exit interpretive sign. 254. The last sign motorists encounter on I-80 near exit 254 states “Herbert Hoover Wayside Exhibits National Historic Site Presidential Museum The park’s one low-profile, 36- by 24- Exit 254.” These signs do not have the NPS inch wayside exhibit is located at the arrowhead logo on them which would southwest corner of the visitor center’s help motorists understand that Herbert parking lot along the walkway that leads Hoover NHS is a unit of the National Park from the visitor center and/or parking lot System; nor do these signs have the logo/ toward the park’s historic structures. This seal associated with the Hoover Presidential orientation panel, titled “Herbert Hoover,” Library and Museum which would help was produced in 2000 and uses the same motorists distinguish the difference between aerial-oblique art that was done for the park the two primary Hoover-related sites in folder as its primary graphic; it also has four West Branch, Iowa. photographs that show some of the park’s primary resources. The end of the ramp on exit 254 on I-80 has a small sign that reads “West There are also 22 small interpretive etched- Branch, Hoover Museum” with arrows and-anodized aluminum interpretive signs pointing toward the town’s main street. located throughout the park. These 22 This sign does not indicate that the panels are considered “interpretive signs” “Hoover Museum” is the Herbert Hoover because they only contain words and do Presidential Library and Museum, nor does not have graphics; therefore, they are not it indicate that Herbert Hoover NHS (which technically “wayside exhibits.” The largest surrounds the Presidential Library and of the interpretive signs are in the park’s Museum) is also nearby. prairie area and are 24 by 18 inches and 17 by 11 inches. Most of the interpretive The secondary visitor access to West Branch signs are in the historic district and these is the Herbert Hoover Highway. Motorists

26 I National Park Service may already be traveling on this highway buses, and commuter parking but can be or may have embarked on this route used for overflow parking for cars. There unintentionally from I-80. Signs to the park are no international parking symbols on are located east of West Branch, west of these signs. town, and at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 6 and Downey Road. Along the Herbert For motorists taking a right turn onto photo Hoover Highway, a sign that reads “Visitor Parkside Drive from Herbert Hoover nps The park currently contains 22 Center” is located at the intersection of Highway, a sign to turn in to the NPS visitor etched-and-anodized aluminum Parkside Drive and Main Street/Herbert center parking lot is directly across the “interpretive signs” (i.e., similar to wayside exhibits, but containing Hoover Highway that directs motorists street from the entrance to the parking lot; only text) like this one attached to the white picket fence outside Her- to the NPS visitor center. The sign has a this gives motorists little warning before this bert Hoover’s birthplace cottage. small NPS arrowhead logo (a faded decal), turn. but does not indicate that the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is also Most of the signs along Parkside Drive nearby. seemed to have been made at different times, as they have different fonts, some The National Park Service visitor center feature all upper-case letters, and the text is located off of Parkside Drive. Whether is aligned differently. Most of the signs motorists come from Herbert Hoover along Parkside Drive have old style NPS Highway or I-80, they all are directed to this arrowhead logos placed on them. road. Parkside Drive is short, so motorists have little time to decide where to go to (and Once motorists park their vehicles in the park their vehicles) whether they are going parking lot across from the NPS visitor to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library center, there are some directional signs that and Museum, the NPS visitor center, or are similar in size and design as the road to West Branch’s Main Street. These three guide signs on Parkside Drive. The parking locations are close together and motorists lot’s directional signs are very low to the need clear and understandable directional ground, so if a car or person is standing in signs to help make their decisions. front of the sign, it could be easily missed. However, most visitors easily find their way The first sign most motorists see along to the NPS visitor center next to the parking Parkside Drive is the park entrance sign that lot or the park orientation wayside exhibit reads “Herbert Hoover National Historic off the southwest corner of the parking lot. Site and Presidential Library and Museum.” This painted brown wooden sign is on a The visitor center for Herbert Hoover stone base which has the NPS arrowhead National Historic Site is a brick building logo and the Presidential Library logo on the corner of Parkside Drive and Main mounted on the stone side column. There is Street. The NPS owns this building and a large grassy area in front of this sign, but shares part of the building space with the no pull-off or shoulder for motorists to stop U.S. Post Office facility for West Branch. to take a picture of the sign. The visitor center has an aluminum NPS A secondary group of signs for motorists arrowhead logo and the site’s name on the coming from I-80 down Parkside Drive building. The name and arrowhead help help direct visitors to the Library and to identify Herbert Hoover NHS as a unit Museum, the National Historic Site, and of the National Park System. However, West Branch’s Main Street. The directional the NPS arrowhead is the old style logo signs to the Library and Museum and NPS and needs to be replaced. There is also a visitor center are directly across from their recently produced and installed identity respective entrances, giving motorists little sign for the visitor center to the right of the time to decide where to go. The NPS visitor building’s entrance. This sign has the new center has a parking lot designated only for NPS arrowhead and has been designed cars. Across the road, a second parking lot is using the new NPS UniGuide Standards. designated for recreational vehicles (RVs), However, because this sign is very close to

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 27 the building and partly hidden, it is easily page with NPS maps) missed by motorists passing the visitor Traffic and Travel Tips (include center on Parkside Drive coming from I-80 parking info) and not seen at all by motorists coming from Bicycling Information (with link to Herbert Hoover Highway. For those visitors state bicycle route map) who see this sign, many of them (especially (2) Operating hours and seasons those who missed the large entrance sign (3) Fees and reservations on Parkside Drive) have their picture taken Permits (regulations, procedures, and next to this NPS facility identity sign. Inside permit applications) the visitor center is the park’s entrance Picnic Shelters (regulations and fee sign (which is the same fee sign as the reservations forms) Library and Museum). (4) Things to do Outdoor Activities The main orientation to the park is the Indoor Activities orientation wayside exhibit near the For Kids southwest corner of the parking lot. This Guided Tours is the only orientation for visitors who Schedule of Events (searchable arrive after the visitor center closes. As calendar) visitors walk through the historic core, Nearby Attractions there is a safety sign that reads “Caution: (5) Things to know before you come Walks Slippery When Wet or Icy” and a Getting Around few directional trail guide signs. The lack Your Safety of signs within the park’s historic core Weather purposefully avoids placing any unnecessary Pets (extensive regulations and safety intrusions on the landscape. tips) Accessibility There are few other signs currently within Goods and Services (links to area the historic core area. Small, routed plastic services for visitors) signs that read “Push Button For Program” • Photos and Multimedia (with Braille strips above them) are hidden (1) Photo gallery (one album of within the barrels and wood boxes that approximately 30 scenic photos) hold and hide interpretive audiotape (2) Virtual tour (about 10 pages of speakers, and these signs fit in nicely with photographs and text of grounds and the surroundings so that they are not too buildings) noticeable. Besides the seven audio stations, • History and Culture (links to other approximately a dozen interpretive signs Hoover sites, link to HSR on NPS provide basic information about the park’s History page) historic structures. • Nature and Science (content carried over from old Natural Resources Profile Website Pages) The Herbert Hoover NHS website (www. (1) Animals nps.gov/heho) is linked to the National Park Birds Service (NPS) ParkNet website. In 2005 and Fish 2006, the NPS created uniform in-depth Mammals websites for all NPS areas using a program Reptiles called Common Spot. The Herbert Hoover (2) Plants NHS website currently has these features: Grasses Trees and Shrubs • Homepage Wildflowers • Plan your visit (3) Environmental Factors (1) Directions (by car, air, train, bus; Fire Regime driving distances from nearby cities; Hydrologic Activity GPS locations) Nonnative Species Maps (link to HFC’s cartographic Water Quality

28 I National Park Service (4) Natural Features and Ecosystems Publications Prairies and Grasslands The park’s official brochure began as a Rivers and Streams 16-panel mini-folder in 1968. In 1980 Soils Harpers Ferry Center (HFC) developed • For Teachers a “unigrid brochure” for Herbert Hoover (1) Plan A Field Trip (almost the same NHS in a “B-3” size and printed it in a four- information found on HHPLM site) color format. In 1999 HFC redesigned the (2) Materials (downloadable PDFs of brochure to an “A-6” format and added new three curriculum guides; links to text and images. In 2006 HFC shipped to the HHPLM curricula) park a supply of 35,000 brochures, which is • For Kids the park’s allotment for two years. (1) Be a Junior Ranger • News The front of the current park brochure (1) News Releases features a piece of color art of the Hoover (2) Archive of old and out-of-date news birthplace cottage at the top and a series releases of historic photographs of Hoover and his • Management family descending down the right side. The (1) Laws and Policies (summary of bottom of the front side has text blocks with regulations, downloadable PDF of photographs of Hoover’s “Life of Public CFR and Compendium) Service” and his “Uncommon Partnership” (2) Park Planning (link to PEPC, plus with his wife, Lou Henry Hoover. The downloadable PDFs of GMP, Prairie brochure’s back side contains an aerial MP, Fire MP, Hoover Creek Stream oblique piece of the site’s historic core area Mgt. EIS) at the top with a text block describing a (3) Jobs (links to USAJOBS, Volunteer. “Walking Tour” in the center. At the bottom gov; downloadable employment of the brochure’s back side is a simple park forms, posting of vacant positions) map and a section on “Information for the • Support Your Park Visitor and Researcher.” (1) Bookstore (w/link to EN online bookstore) The park staff has also written, designed, (2) Join Our Friends (link to HHPLA) and printed (using in-house resources) a (3) Volunteer (volunteer opportunity series of site ulletins that provide a summary data from Volunteer.gov) of specific park topics. These site bulletins (4) National Public Lands Day include topics such as “Quaker Heritage,” (5) Artist-in-Residence Program “The Painting” (that interprets Hoover’s • Site Index presidential portrait painted in 1929), • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) “Lawn/Prairie Conversion,” “Furnishings • Bookstore from the Birthplace Cottage,” “Fascination • Contact Us With Stone” (that interprets the scale model • Did You Know? (10 vignettes displayed in the visitor center of Hoover’s Birthplace one at a time on the bottom of each Cottage that is made entirely of small pieces page) of lapidated stone), and “Volunteer Oppor- tunities.” These site bulletins are available at The Herbert Hoover National Historic the visitor center’s information desk. Site website is ranked seventh on a Google search of “Herbert Hoover” Other free-of-charge, park-produced websites. However, the first six websites publications include rack cards on the (e.g., WhiteHouse.gov, Wikipedia, and park’s living history events, the park’s the Presidential Library sites) emphasize Junior Ranger program booklet, a self- Hoover’s presidency, while the Herbert guiding folder for the park’s Prairie Trail, Hoover National Historic Site website and publications on the other NPS areas in emphasizes its particular resources: the Iowa—Effigy Mounds National Monument birthplace cottage, historic core, gravesite, and Silos and Smokestacks National and its commemorative landscape. Heritage Corridor.

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 29 The park also distributes free publications demonstrations. With this amount of that are printed by the Herbert Hoover stock and implements, this area sometimes Presidential Library and Museum, the appears more like a storage area than a Hoover Library Association. working operation.

A large number of Hoover-related The schoolhouse has period furnishings

photo educational publications are offered that include student desks, a teachers nps Historic furnishings from the late for sale to visitors through Eastern desk, a stove, blackboards, a wash table, 1800s in the schoolhouse interior National (EN), the park’s not-for-profit bookshelves, and presidential images of include students’ desks, a teacher’s desk, books, and other items cooperating association. Sales items can Washington and Lincoln. typically found in a school during Hoover’s early life in West Branch. also be purchased on-line through the EN bookstore’s website that is linked to Staffing, Personal Services, and the park’s website. A percentage of the Education Programs sales through EN’s bookstore are donated The table below shows the interpretive back to the park’s interpretive division positions at Herbert Hoover National for publications, blacksmith supplies, and Historic Site in Fiscal Year 2007. traveling/temporary exhibits. Personal Services Historic Furnishings Interpretive employees listed below make Herbert Hoover’s birthplace cottage has informal visitor contacts and present formal a number of original and period pieces of interpretive programs year-round at a historic furniture and objects in its two variety of locations throughout the park. rooms and summer kitchen area. Prominent These locations include: among these objects are the birthplace cradle and highchair. Information Desk – most park informal contacts occur at the visitor center desk. The Quaker Friends Meetinghouse has more than two dozen period benches and Roving Contacts – most of the park’s two stoves. The attached cry room also roving contacts along the park’s trails and contains rocking chairs and cradles. boardwalks occur during the summer months when staffing is at its peak. The blacksmith shop has mostly reproduction items along with a few period Guided Tours – these are offered to school pieces. Most of the iron stock is supplied groups in the spring and fall, and to all by EN for the blacksmith/demonstrator summer visitors. Herbert Hoover National to shape into horseshoes, hooks, and Historic Site staff presents seven guided other implements as part of his historic tours each day.

2007 Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Interpretive Division Staff

Position Title Status Grade FTE*

Chief of Visitor Services Permanent GS-12 1.0 Lead Park Ranger (Interpretation) Permanent GS-9 1.0 Park Ranger (Interpretation) Permanent GS-9 1.0 Park Ranger (Demonstrator) Intermittent GS-5 0.4 Park Guide (Seasonal) Seasonal GS-4 0.5 Park Guide (Seasonal) Seasonal GS-4 0.5 Park Guide (Intermittent) Intermittent GS-4 0.3 Park Guide (Intermittent) Intermittent GS-4 0.3 Park Guide (Intermittent) Intermittent GS-4 0.2 Park Guide (Intermittent) Intermittent GS-4 0.2

Total FTEs: 5.4

* FTE stands for Full-Time Equivalency (one work-year: 2,080 hours). Plus, in FY 2006, about 70 volunteers (Volunteers-In-Parks) donated 2,215 hours to the park. Most of these volunteer hours (1,960) were for Interpretive programs and the rest were spread among the Administration, Maintenance, Cultural Resources, and Natural Resources Divisions.

30 I National Park Service Blacksmith Demonstrations – these are “Volunteers in Parks” (VIP) program which offered throughout the spring, summer, and provides volunteers to all park divisions. fall seasons by a park ranger-demonstrator Volunteers are recruited through word in the blacksmith shop. of mouth, local partner organizations and publications, and NPS websites. Artists-in-Residence – this summer program includes interpretation and formal Institutions presentations. Herbert Hoover NHS staff members work closely with the following park partners: Special Events – annual special events include Hooverfest (a one-day event held Herbert Hoover Presidential Library during the first weekend in August) and and Museum: The Library and Museum Christmas Past (a West Branch-wide event is one of the park’s primary partners, as held on a Friday evening, Saturday evening, the Library and Museum pre-dates the and Sunday afternoon on the first weekend establishment of the national historic of December). site in the 1960s and is located within the park’s boundary. The entrance fees paid Children’s Programs – the park staff offers at the Library and Museum or the park a Junior Ranger program year-round and covers both, as most visitors combine some tours to school groups April through mid- elements of each during their visit to West June and from Labor Day through October Branch, Iowa. The Library and Museum’s each year. goal is to inspire, educate, and entertain visitors. The exhibits in the Library and Education Programs Museum, such as the Humanitarian and Ranger-led Programs – as described Enterprise galleries, complement those of previously, school tour programs are offered the National Park Service in interpreting in the spring and fall months. Typically, the this uncommon man. Tours of the exhibit park staff will present seven to eight school galleries provide visitors with in-depth tours each spring weekday, and four to five information of the life and accomplishments school tours each fall weekday. of Herbert Hoover. The Library and Museum also has a large auditorium which Off-site Programs – are not currently enables their staff to show films and sponsor offered by the park staff. However, special events and presentations. remote learning opportunities can be arranged through the Herbert Hoover Herbert Hoover Library Association: Presidential Library and Museum and the The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Iowa Communication Network, whose Association is one of the park’s other equipment is in a nearby house owned by primary partners. The purpose of this the Library Association. Association is to foster the collection, interpretation, and preservation of historical Curriculum Materials and Lesson Guides resources relating to the life, ideas, values, – the park has two versions of the “Parks As and times of Herbert Hoover; and to Classroom” binders with park background promote public education about and and activities, as well as “Teaching With appreciation for Herbert Hoover, support Historic Places” lesson guides. The park also the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library has a Tallgrass Prairie curriculum and self- and Museum and the National Historic guided (stapled) activity sheets for school Site at West Branch, Iowa. The offices groups. for the Association are located in a 1903 historic house within Herbert Hoover Partnerships NHS and across the driveway from the Library and Museum. The Association Individuals sponsors its own programs and activities, Volunteers in Parks (VIP): The park’s and provides program and financial paid staff is supplemented though the support for the Library and Museum and

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 31

photo nps

Main Street in West Branch is adja- Herbert Hoover NHS. The Association that encourages downtown economic cent to the park and is part of the Main Street Iowa program designed has recruited volunteers for the costumed development through historic preservation. to encourage economic development and historic preservation. interpreter program and has hired living The park is building a partnership with this history scripted actors to assist with on-site group to improve the connection between Right: In the 1930’s, President and Mrs. Hoover purchased and re- interpretation to enhance the experience of the park and the downtown area adjacent to stored the birthplace cottage, which our visitors to the site under the guidance of Hoover said was “physical proof it. Main Street West Branch contributes to of the unbounded opportunity of the park’s interpretation division. the interpretation and promotion of Herbert American life.” Hoover NHS through special events that are West Branch – Main Street Iowa co-sponsored with the park and its primary Program: In June 2006 West Branch was partners. Many of the park’s volunteers are selected as one of 37 Iowa communities to also volunteers on one of the Main Street participate in Main Street Iowa, a program committees.

32 I National Park Service ch ri stoph er lig ht photo by

Part 2: Future Interpretive Program

This part of the long-range interpretive plan describes the mix of facilities and services, both non- personal (media) and personal (programs), that are necessary to communicate park themes and facilitate identified visitor experiences (DO-6, page 9).

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 33 The Comprehensive Interpretive Planning Process at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

The Comprehensive Interpretive Planning theme statements were expanded to three process is not a recipe, but a guide to effective, levels) and other foundation sections (e.g., goal-driven planning. The LRIP defines the visitor profiles , issues and influences, and overall vision and long-term (5 to 10 years) existing conditions) were discussed during interpretive goals of the park (DO-6, page 6). the workshop and sections drafted later by the HFC interpretive planner, park staff In developing this Long-Range Interpretive members, and partners. Plan (LRIP) as part of the Comprehensive Interpretive Planning (CIP) process, an Second, a three-day Long-Range individualized planning process was devised Interpretive Planning Recommendations that collected input from employees from Workshop was held in March 2007 to all the park’s divisions and representatives develop ideas to improve the visitor from the park’s three primary partners: the experience for Herbert Hoover National Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Historic Site visitors through the park’s Museum, the Hoover Library Association, personal services programs and interpretive and West Branch – Main Street. media. This workshop also included input from a variety of park partners. First, because Herbert Hoover National Historic Site recently approved a new The recommendations from the March 2007 General Management Plan (GMP) in 2004, workshop are summarized on the following park management decided to use some pages along with a strategy to accomplish sections of the GMP as a beginning point them over the next 5 to 10 years. Later in for this LRIP. During a three-day LRIP the CIP process, the staff from Herbert Foundations Workshop in February 2007, Hoover National Historic Site will devise a the participants revisited and revised some series of Implementation Plans that will be of those foundation sections (e.g., the based on this LRIP.

On February 13-15, 2007, and March 27-29, 2007, Herbert Hoover NHS held Comprehensive Interpretive Planning workshops in West Branch, Iowa, where park staff and about a dozen representatives from park partners and outside NPS offices discussed and proposed the recommen-

dations that are contained within photo this Long-Range Interpretive Plan. nps

34 I National Park Service Facilities

Facilities experience” from the time visitors leave The potential use of facilities or media for Interstate 80 and enter the city of West education purposes should be explored here Branch, approach the entrance road to the (DO-6, page 9). Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, and reach the visitor center and A “Seamless” Hoover Experience in West parking lots for Herbert Hoover National Branch, Iowa Historic Site. Although the workshop As a result of the LRIP workshops in 2007, did not result in any recommendations the park staff used the CIP process to to change the buildings or facilities of make choices that will enhance the park’s the National Park Service, the Hoover future visitors’ experiences as they interact Presidential Library and Museum, or the with the park’s and partners’ facilities, city of West Branch, the emphasis of all the their interpretive media, their personal workshop participants’ input was to create services opportunities, and their education a “seamless” Hoover-related experience for The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is one of Her- programs. every visitor to West Branch, Iowa. bert Hoover NHS’s major partners in telling the stories of Herbert Clark Hoover, the thirty-first president Throughout the workshops, participants The following pages of this document of the United States, and provide allowed themselves the opportunity to present recommendations for creating this a “seamless” Hoover experience in West Branch for its visitors. consider the entire “West Branch visitor seamless experience. photo nps

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 35 Interpretive Media (Non-Personal Services)

This section assesses the need for interpretive • In the short-term, put the Hoover family media which includes exhibits, waysides, tree on the park’s website. In the long- signs, publications, audiovisual programs, term, work with the Hoover Library historically furnished areas, mass and/or Association to scan their published book electronic media (DO-6, page 9). on Hoover’s genealogy. This should include securing all permissions for use Website and to post it on the web. An ever-increasing percentage of park visitors are web users who visit the park’s • Continue to advertise events at the website (www.nps.gov/heho) to access pre- park. For special events, place them in visit information. Many of these “virtual a prominent location since the “Things visitors” never actually come to the park, to Do” and “Events” sections are within but have their needs met solely through the several layers of the site. park’s website. Other visitors contact the park via telephone or mail to ask for basic • Partner with the Hoover Presidential park information and orientation materials. Library and Museum to create teacher The objective of all pre-visit contacts is lesson plans for the park’s website the same: to help visitors make informed as well as the Library and Museum’s choices before they leave home. Orientation DVD.

To satisfy the information needs of visitors • Produce a new virtual tour of the park who contact the park before they visit, park on its website based on the on-site staff will continue to answer phone calls portable audio tour for this web-based and mail requests in a courteous and timely tour. Building upon the initial layer of manner. the on-site portable audio tour, this web- based tour could have multiple layers To satisfy the basic and in-depth needs that visitors can select. Topics of these of those who visit the park’s website, layers should have consistent design the staff will implement the following and be based on interest. For example, recommendations: relevant quotes or sound bites from the Presidential Library and Museum’s • Maintain the upgraded website for Her- archive could be included as a layer, and bert Hoover NHS and assess the amount segments from subject-matter experts and kind of content it contains—espe- can be included as another layer. cially how the website will increase its interpretive opportunities. • Post the digital renderings of the park’s primary artifacts and exhibits, studies, • Develop a formal comprehensive and reports. The historic studies and website plan that can be referred to for reports can be put online by the NPS consistency and direction, particularly in Historian when this employee sends the case of staff turnover. updates of recent additions to the NPS online library and when photo-docu- • Place a counter on the website so that menting the park’s artifact collection (as park staff knows how many hits it will be done in conjunction with new receives. These figures may be used visitor center exhibits). in the future to justify further web- development and future funding. • Other potential website improvements include: • Place links on the web that take users (1) Populate the History and Culture site to the other relevant sites within and (i.e., publish the People, Places, and outside of the National Park Service. Stories pages).

36 I National Park Service (2) Link repetitive elements so that it provided by Herbert Hoover NHS, the must be updated only once (e.g., Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, accessibility information where it the Hoover Association, and the West appears on the accessibility page Branch Historic District. Signs within the and pages describing facilities and park will help visitors safely enjoy their buildings). visit by learning about and following safety photo (3) Improve the virtual tour with full- guidelines and park rules and regulations. nps Signs along Interstate 80 should page photos of structures, and links be replaced with new signs that to in-depth interpretation. Overall Recommendations represent both organizations with their full names—Herbert Hoover (4) Update the FAQs by linking each • Design a parkwide sign plan that National Historic Site and the Her- bert Hoover Presidential Library and question to the web page with the identifies the park as a unit of the Museum—and their agencies’ re- question’s answer. National Park System and provides spective logos to show their shared partnership. (5) Add maps links to the directions orientation for all visitors, whether they page (routes to airport, train station, enter the park in a vehicle or on foot. from nearby cities). (6) Add PDFs of Junior Ranger booklet • Secure funding and implement the (when revision is complete), all parkwide sign plan as described in the historical studies (to History National Park Service UniGuide Sign and Culture site), and all park Standards. The standards include park management plans and documents identity, motorist guidance, and visitor (to Park Management site). Also, information signs. All NPS arrowhead add annual budget information, logos should be updated to the new interpretation of HTLN’s I&M style. data, photo gallery and virtual tour of selected items in the museum Highway and Road Sign Recommendations collection, and online editions of any • Replace all park-related signs on both new interpretive media (e.g., exhibits, I-80 and the Herbert Hoover Highway. waysides, site bulletins). Signs should state the full name of the historic site (Herbert Hoover National Identity and Orientation Signs Historic Site) and the full name of the Before visitors can enjoy a meaningful Library (Herbert Hoover Presidential park experience, they need to find their Library and Museum). These signs way to the park, determine where the should represent both organizations experience begins, and take care of their with their respective logos and show basic necessities. These visitor experience they share a partnership. issues such as agency identity, wayfinding, and orientation must be addressed before • Assure that road guide signs meet Cap interpretation can be effective. Effective Heights of the UniGuide Sign Standards. highway and road guide signs, as well as Cap Heights of text on road guide signs pedestrian orientation and information, are are determined by the speed limit. Also, the first steps toward providing basic visitor all available parking areas should be experience needs. clearly stated on the signs and include international parking symbols. Identity and orientation signs will address several visitor experience goals. Adding • Use the NPS arrowhead logo on all signs the NPS arrowhead logo to highway signs outside park boundary, or where park will help visitors understand that Herbert boundaries are unclear, to help identify Hoover NHS is a unit of the National Park that Herbert Hoover NHS is part of the System. Road guide signs will allow visitors National Park Service. to easily find and access the park’s facilities and enjoy a full range of recreational • Assure consistency from highway guide activities. Coordinating signs for all entities signs on I-80 and Parkside Drive signs involved in the visitor experience will leading to Herbert Hoover National allow visitors to have a seamless experience Historic Site; assure consistency in the

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 37 names used on all exterior and interior • Create two small identity signs for the signs. Starting at the end of the I-80 exits entrances to the Hoover Presidential and continuing on Parkside Drive, the Library and Museum and Herbert directional signs need to include the Hoover National Historic Site just Main Street Historic District of West beyond the primary identity sign. Move Branch. the current NPS UniGuide Standard visitor center sign closer to Parkside • Update signs along I-80 to conform to Drive. Replace the outdated NPS the UniGuide Sign Standards. These arrowhead logo next to the visitor standards have been approved by center’s wall-mounted letters. Federal Highway Administration. The first Hoover-related signs on I-80 should Parking and Visitor Center be placed farther from West Branch Recommendations for visitors traveling long distances. • There are two National Park Service This first sign should be located on I-80 parking lots: one next to the visitor before the Herbert Hoover Highway exit center and the other across Parkside to let motorists know to stay on I-80 and Drive. The one next to the visitor leave on exit 254. center is for cars only; trailers, RVs, and buses must park in the larger parking • For motorists who decide to exit off lot across Parkside Drive. The signs I-80 to the Herbert Hoover Highway, should direct visitors to the cars-only lot directional signs to the park should start first, followed by the lot for buses and soon after the I-80 exit and continue RVs. Directional signs and pedestrian down into West Branch’s Main Street. crossing signs should be created using Signs further out should give mileage small brown-and-white trail guide signs. to let visitors know how far they need All signs must be mounted at standard to travel. Signs that direct motorists height above grade level. through West Branch should include both Hoover-related sites and logos. • Update the park’s entrance fee panel Signs should be placed before the (just inside the visitor center) to reflect intersection of Main Street and Parkside the current UniGuide Sign Standards Drive to forewarn motorists. Include and the standardized text from the street names on the signs (e.g., Right on Washington Fee Office. Parkside Drive). • Create a kiosk near the Herbert Hoover • Keep the identity sign along Parkside National Historic Site visitor center that Drive that includes both the historic site would include panels that address time- and library. Update this identity sign related options, safety, regulations, and to the UniGuide Sign Standards and directions to the Library and Museum include the two agency logos to reflect and West Branch. that these two Hoover-related sites are separate but share a partnership. • Update trail guide signs around the historic site and Library and Museum • Create a vehicle pull-off with five that meet UniGuide Sign Standards. parking spaces along Parkside Drive Include NPS arrowhead logos if they are near the identity sign, as recommended near the edge of the park boundary to in the park’s 2004 General Management allow the visitor to know when they are Plan. Create an orientation kiosk at entering and leaving the park. the identity sign at the pull-off along Parkside Drive. This kiosk should have • Create signs that provide safety three panels, each one to represent one warnings, accessibility information, and of the partners. These panels and their park regulations for each of the park map(s) will orient visitors to the Hoover- entry points so that the signs do not related sites in West Branch. intrude on the park’s historic core area.

38 I National Park Service Wayside Exhibits Herbert Hoover National Historic Site was designed as a commemorative landscape. Orientation Waysides at the Park Entry The site was designed primarily by Herbert Points Hoover and his wife, Lou Henry Hoover, After visitors arrive at Herbert Hoover in the 1930s. The Hoover family made a NHS, take care of their basic needs, and number of decisions that created a more perhaps enter the visitor center to view the meaningful experience than might not have film and exhibits, most walk to experience otherwise been here. These decisions are the park. Visitors start their park experience addressed in Theme #7 – A Memorial and from one of three locations: the Herbert a Legacy: The influence of Herbert and Lou Hoover NHS visitor center parking lot, the Henry Hoover and their family shaped the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum’s development of the presidential memorial parking lot, or from West Branch’s Main area in order for the public to gain a fuller Street. Upright orientation panels should be understanding of Hoover’s life. located where visitors enter the park from these three primary parking locations. The Hoovers and the early park planners did not intend to restore the site to its These orientation panels should emphasize appearance in the mid- to late 1800s, but to the experience from where the visitors provide a glimpse of historic West Branch begin their visit and allow them to easily when Downey Street had horse drawn find additional orientation information wagons and foot traffic. The birthplace at Herbert Hoover NHS, the Hoover cottage is where Jesse and Hulda Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, and and their family lived, and spent much of near West Branch’s Main Street. The map their time outdoors as did other families used on the orientation panels should be on Downey Street. Jesse’s blacksmith shop the same used on (or, at least a map that was a prosperous business here. Quakers complements) the park’s unigrid brochure. built the schoolhouse in 1853 and used it as This same map should be used on a (future) an interim Friends Meetinghouse until the indoor exhibit inside the visitor center, larger Friends Meetinghouse—the center of and on a (future) publication that will this predominantly Quaker town—was built supplement a (future) audio tour guide. in 1857.

These orientation panels will briefly Wayside exhibits should be used judiciously introduce the site to visitors who have not along Downey Street, so as to not intrude yet had an indoor experience (at either visually on this historic scene. Where the NPS visitor center or the Presidential wayside exhibits are employed to interpret Library and Museum) and will provide an an important site-specific story, the abbreviated version of what visitors can do wayside’s base and panel should be placed in limited amounts of time (e.g., less than in a setting that allows it to blend in with the one hour, two to four hours, and more than scenery. The park staff will experiment with four hours). The information provided on ways to achieve this delicate balance. these orientation panels will be provided in more detail on (future) indoor exhibits in When wayside exhibits are used, one of the visitor center and library-museum, and their strengths is showing visitors what they perhaps on a (future) free handout. cannot see today. In the case of Herbert Hoover NHS, what cannot be seen today Interpretive Waysides in the Core Historic are the people who lived in West Branch Area and the ways they spent their time. Wayside Experiencing the park’s historic core area exhibits provide an opportunity to develop along Downey Street is the highlight for original illustrations (or use historic photo- most visitors to Herbert Hoover NHS. It is graphs) to bring these landscapes to life. here where visitors interact with the primary resources in the park’s commemorative For example, an illustration of the setting. birthplace cottage could show a summer

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 39 day where Hulda Hoover is hanging laundry Wayside Exhibit Considerations near the garden she tends. Herbert Hoover’s The recommended panel material for sister Mary might be nearby, while “Bert” wayside exhibits for Herbert Hoover is and brother Tad are playing stickball in the porcelain enamel. This material is the best yard or heading off to the blacksmith shop. for long-term investment—even though the When developing new illustrations, it is initial outlay is more expensive than other important that the pieces of art make visitors materials. Porcelain enamel has a life span feel as if they are standing just beyond the of about 25 to 30 years or more. However, scene. Also, historic photographs might porcelain enamel should not be used in show wagons along Downey Street to help areas where vandalism may occur. The interpret life in a bustling town like West other materials—inkjet prints embedded in Branch. fiberglass and high-pressure laminate—are less expensive for the initial outlay but Sites that should be considered for low- require periodic replacement. The cost profile, interpretive wayside exhibits of replacing panels produced in either of include: these materials will need to be included in • birthplace cottage the park’s regular maintenance plan. The • blacksmith shop selection of panel material should be made • schoolhouse before a funding request is submitted for • Friends Meetinghouse fabrication. • Downey Street • Second Hoover Home (“House of the Panel Material Recommendations Maples”) Core area—porcelain enamel—since this area is nearest the visitor center and park Wayside exhibits in these locations can operations, and it is more easily overseen by not only address the site-specific stories at park staff. Included in this category is the each locations, but also support the park’s Hoover gravesite. primary interpretive themes such as Theme #1 – Simple Beginnings: “In no other land Orientation panels, panels outside of the could a boy from a country village without core area, along the loop road and panels inheritance or influential friends, look within the town of West Branch—inkjet forward with unbound hope.”, and Theme #2 embedded fiberglass or high pressure – Family and Fellowship: Growing up in West laminate—as these areas are outside of daily Branch, Herbert Hoover saw his parents, park operations and get more after-hours family, and others in leadership roles, which visitation. instilled in him a drive to become a leader and a success. By depicting the Hoover family’s Wayside Exhibit Recommendations simple lifestyle, service to the community, During the next five to 10 years, the park commitment to education, and strong staff should work on the following tasks: Quaker faith, these low-profile interpretive wayside exhibits can be both site-specific • Request funding and for a parkwide and thematic. These wayside exhibits can wayside exhibit proposal (that lists and also be part of a complete visitor experience describes the agreed-upon wayside by complementing a (future) publication exhibits that will be produced), a and a (future) audio tour guide. wayside exhibit plan (that includes final text and layout designs for each wayside Wayside Exhibits in West Branch exhibit), and production (that will Herbert Hoover National Historic Site staff produce the final panels and bases, as should work with the City of West Branch well as create any art or maps that may to help them develop wayside exhibits near be recommended). Hoover-related historic sites in the city including the railroad station, cemetery, the • Once funding is secured for the second Friends Meetinghouse, and various wayside proposal stage, arrange for the downtown businesses. interpretive specialist from the Midwest

40 I National Park Service Regional Office (and/or wayside exhibit together offer visitors a rich and complete specialists from HFC) to visit the park experience—one that neither alone could and—along with the park staff—develop provide. The fact that the two areas are a parkwide wayside exhibit proposal. administered by two different agencies can make it difficult to coordinate the services • Once funding is secured for the wayside offered to visitors. The areas have separate photo planning stage, let a contract through infrastructures, budgets, staffs, facilities, nps The birthplace cottage may be en- HFC to plan, design, and prepare and administrative concerns. However, they tered only through the front door. production-ready files for all the are united in their desire to interpret and There are three entrance steps to the front door. An audio station is proposed wayside exhibits. preserve the legacy of Herbert Hoover, and available inside the front door. A photograph book showing the inte- visitors who come with a desire to learn and rior is available both at the cottage • Once funding is secured for the wayside be inspired will want to enjoy experiences at and the visitor center information desk. production stage, let a contract through both sites. HFC to produce and ship the final panels and bases to the park (for park In terms of exhibit development, it is maintenance to install). recommended that the staffs responsible for exhibits, and interpretation in general, Exhibits establish ongoing communication and collaboration in all activities related to Herbert Hoover National Historic Site exhibit development. Where possible, the and the Hoover Presidential Library and areas can share resources and eliminate Museum unnecessary duplication of effort. Perhaps a Most visitors to Herbert Hoover NHS standing committee comprised of staff from start their visit by entering either the NPS both areas could meet quarterly to discuss visitor center or the Hoover Presidential issues and initiatives related to exhibits and Library and Museum. As this Long-Range other interpretive media or services. The Interpretive Plan guides Herbert Hoover Superintendent could appoint a designated NHS toward its future interpretive media lead interpreter to serve as liaison to the and programs, the Hoover Presidential Library for media-related issues. The park Library and Museum is beginning a major should collaborate with the Library on rehabilitation of their exhibits. the design of exhibits on Hoover’s life in West Branch as part of the Library’s major The staffs of the Historic Site and rehabilitation of their exhibits. Advice the Library should communicate and from technical media specialists at Harpers collaborate with each other as planning Ferry Center could be made available to the progresses on these two exhibit programs Library if requested for activities such as to assure that the exhibit experiences are evaluations of existing media, brainstorming complementary. The 500-square-foot on exhibit plans, or selection of contractors NPS visitor center should emphasize the for future work. interpretive themes of this LRIP related to Hoover’s boyhood and the commemorative The Library exhibits contain a rich array of nature of the historic site. The much-larger artifacts and supporting exhibit materials, 3,000-square-foot Presidential Library and and many successful exhibit techniques Museum should emphasize the themes of are employed. Some of the exhibits are in Hoover’s years as student, businessman, need of rehabilitation, and the team did humanitarian, politician, president, and note issues related to readability of text and statesman. However, each facility should lighting. introduce visitors to the broad outlines of Hoover’s life so that people visiting only These LRIP recommendations are based one facility will still have an opportunity to on the assumption that the ideal visit to the experience an accurate portrayal of the man. park includes a visit to the Library—and vice versa. It also makes sense to avoid The LRIP team believes the Library and duplicating exhibits in the park that already Herbert Hoover National Historic Site exist at the Library. If the park sees the

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 41 Library exhibits as an extension of its own retained. Modifications to the desk or its exhibits, then the park can better utilize storage areas should be made to make the its own limited exhibit space to treat its desk function better for staff and visitors. primary themes. As part of any new exhibit planning project in the visitor center, all of the functions Approach to the NPS Visitor Center operating in the space should be analyzed to Exhibits in the NPS visitor center will not be determine which are necessary and which effective if visitors do not enter the visitor may be eliminated. In addition to the desk, center. First-time visitors approaching the it is assumed that the park should retain visitor center from Interstate 80 may find a passport stamp station and a donation difficulty in determining the right place box. Items like these are often produced at to go. The team recommends that sign different times and do not always present planning be done to insure that directions a coordinated look. A comprehensive are as clear as possible, and that visitors redesign of the space could provide for are able to understand the choices they a coherent location for functions and a will be making in turning into the Library professional look. versus the NPS visitor center. Because trails connect the two areas, it is possible Orientation to the Hoover sites—both the to see both sites from either entrance road. park and the Library—should be available Visitors may park at one site and walk to the in the lobby area in the form of brochures other. and maps, and also in an exhibit format that would allow visitors to see at a large As visitors approach the visitor center scale the visitor facilities, historic structures, parking lot entrance on Parkside Drive, monuments, roads and trails, and their there are several factors which may affect relationship to the town and highway. An their impression of the site and their orientation exhibit would assist groups in decision to stop. The visitor center is small planning their visit, and could be used as a and adjoins a post office. The parking lot visual aid by rangers. resembles a post office lot. Trees partially screen the building from the street. The The team recommends that exhibits and historic grounds and walkways near waysides suggest proposed tour routes of the birth cottage—which might attract the Hoover sites, and that this information visitors—are not clearly visible from the be reflected in the park brochure. The street. There are no large features that might visitor center lobby can be one of the associate the site with Herbert Hoover. The portal locations for starting walking tours; team recommends that the park consider other portals would be in the town of West developments that might remedy this such Branch, and at the Library. The tour should as a larger park identification sign, a statue make sense starting from either the Library, of Hoover, or a banner(s) with a large the town, or the visitor center. graphic of Hoover and imagery reflecting his presidency. The building may not be In addition to the information desk and large enough to accommodate a banner orientation functions, the team recommends effectively, but consideration might be that the lobby be used to present a powerful given to installing one or more standards and engaging impression of Herbert near the street that could carry the banners Hoover. The painting of Hoover currently and attract visitors to the park entrance. displayed in that space is not in a central Any artwork or graphics would need to be location, and is partially obscured by tastefully done and sited. If not, they could reflections on the picture frame glass. detract from the site. As visitors enter the lobby currently, the Visitor Center Lobby view they face is of doors leading to other The information desk in the lobby serves spaces, a donation box, and the book store an important function and should remain. nook. Below the Hoover painting on the The desk itself is relatively new and may be right are cased models of the birth cottage

42 I National Park Service and blacksmith shop. The painted cinder The team recommends that the lobby not block walls give the space a utilitarian look. be used for temporary exhibits, especially In a new exhibit design it may be possible graphic exhibits posted in a bulletin-board to create an exhibit wall which introduces style. The team believes that the larger Herbert Hoover, and which partially screens gallery spaces at the Library might be a more the bookstore and the block walls. suitable location for display of changing

photo exhibits featuring Hoover-related works nps The people of Belgium gave the The exhibit in this room should feature of art, artifacts, or professionally designed bronze statue of Isis, ancient Egyp- large images, perhaps high-resolution traveling exhibitions. If smaller temporary tian goddess of life, to Herbert Hoover for his work on their behalf photos of Hoover at several periods of exhibits are needed at the park, cases, during the First World War. At the start of the war, Hoover organized his life, and perhaps using a few powerful frames, and templates for them can be and directed the Commission for quotations which reflect the park’s primary designed in conjunction with the design of Relief in Belgium, which helped feed millions of people in Belgium and themes. These exhibits would not contain new exhibits. Space for these will be limited. northern France and saved count- detailed content, but would convey in a less lives. concise way to all visitors entering the site Exhibit Room the principal significance of Hoover and the It is recommended that the main exhibit historic site. Visitors would quickly learn room in the visitor center be devoted that Hoover was a United States President to permanent exhibits that focus on the (1929-1933), that he was born here, that he principal themes of the park, and that are is buried here, and that his life and legacy not fully interpreted in the Presidential are commemorated here. As is done at the Library exhibit galleries. The exhibits Library, there should be an impression of here would be an extension of the lobby memorialization in the room, with some exhibits introducing Herbert Hoover. exhibit elements being interpretive and Topics might include (1) the birth and informational, and others commemorative. boyhood experience of Hoover; (2) the At the Library there is a presidential seal commemoration of Hoover in West Branch; engraved on the glass doors at the main and (3) an introduction to the specific entrance. Something similar could be buildings, sites, monuments, and resources displayed at the entrance to the NPS visitor in the park, the town, and at the Library center—and reinforce a link between the where visitors can walk in the footsteps of two sites. Hoover, and see artifacts and documents associated with his life. In general, the team believes that Herbert Hoover the man—his images and words— The park’s exhibit planning team will make should be more present in the visitors’ park the final decisions about exhibit content, but entry experience. The national historic site’s the LRIP team recommends that exhibits theater program is effective in this respect, in the visitor center be closely related to but some will not see the film. If visitors the park and town landscape. The Library do not quickly take an interest in Herbert exhibits will provide more coverage of Hoover, they will not be drawn to see his Hoover’s various careers and his specific birthplace, grave, artifacts, papers, and involvement in many aspects of American hometown. and world history. The park’s emphasis is more site-specific, enabling visitors to find It is recommended that the team include deeper meaning at places such as the birth in any new exhibits identification of the cottage, the statue if Isis, and the Hoover park as a unit of the National Park System, graves. and perhaps identify other NPS sites which interpret and commemorate United States The models of the birth cottage and the presidents. It might make sense to locate blacksmith shop currently displayed in the this function near the National Park Service lobby are well done, and could be adapted passport station. All NPS arrowheads to help tell the story of the commemorative should be properly scaled and placed, and landscape in the exhibit room. The exhibit should conform to the new graphic identity room could also contain a conservation- standards. quality case that could display artifacts

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 43 related to Hoover on loan from the of importance. Certain artifacts can be Presidential Library, the National Archives, showcased by offering walk-around viewing, the Hoover family, or other sources. These and jewel-case lighting. Illumination of display objects could be linked to specific light-sensitive objects can be intermittent, themes or anniversary celebrations, and controlled by proximity sensors. interpretive events could be promoted to coincide with the installation of the objects. If the planning team represents the commemorative landscape in the exhibit This plan recommends that some structures room through any kind of map, model, or in the park be interpreted through historic interactive program, we recommend that furnishings exhibits. In most instances there be some form of tactile element that reproduction furnishings objects will be would be accessible to those with visual used in order to protect original objects impairments. Every major exhibit should be from theft, damage, or environmental paired with some kind of device to provide conditions that would damage the objects. audio description of the exhibit and its The team believes it is important for visitors interpretive or informational content. All to see original Hoover objects, especially audio experiences should be accompanied those from the park collection. by captions for those with hearing impairments. Hoover’s highchair and cradle have specifically been mentioned as good All exhibit elements should be physically candidates to be displayed in the exhibit accessible to those with mobility room where they can be protected, and impairments. where the effects of light, accretions, temperature, and humidity can be If the exhibits in the Herbert Hoover controlled. Original objects can serve as National Historic Site visitor center are major icons of Hoover’s life in West Branch. effective, they will succeed in encouraging If the proper environmental conditions more visitors to see the many historic sites cannot be controlled throughout the room, in the park’s commemorative landscape and then the team recommends that cases with at the partner sites. original Hoover artifacts be actively or passively controlled within the cases. Bookstore The planning team believes that the Determining the provenance of Hoover bookstore should provide a level of items may need to be done before decisions interpretation and information that is vital are made to display them. The intent will be to the interpretive program, and which can to allow visitors to see authentic items, and not be delivered as well through any other not just reproductions. If the park does not medium. The selection of books and related currently have a collection that will provide items need to be relevant to the park and the good interpretive opportunities, then the National Park System. While a “book-on- park might consider acquiring or borrowing a-wall” exhibit can be a bad thing, a book items for use in new exhibits. in hand can be a great way for visitors to learn more about Hoover and the park, and The team recommends that the exhibit to take the park’s stories home with them. room not be burdened with telling all the Bookstore items can help visitors share their stories and covering all the interpretive park knowledge and experiences with their themes in any detail. As in the lobby, there families and friends. should be ample circulation space, and a number of neutral spaces in the room The current association sale area has shelves to avoid a crowded feeling. The use of a and walls of light colors—whites and few low-tech electronic displays could grays—which do not show the books to the help reduce the clutter of scores of small best advantage. In addition, the recessed pictures and text blocks. Lighting should lights with bright flood lamps fill the entire be controlled to highlight exhibit features area with a diffused light. It is recommended

44 I National Park Service that the design of the bookstore shelving, and design of their new exhibits dur- finishes, and lighting be incorporated into ing the facility’s major rehabilitation of the next redesign of the visitor center their museum exhibits. Request that an exhibits. An intermediate action would be NPS representative participate in the to replace the standard can fixtures with museum’s exhibit planning and design adjustable cans that can be aimed at the process. photo books, and replace the flood lamps with nps The antique furnishings of the birth- smaller, halogen clear-lens spot lamps. • Rely primarily on the Library and place cottage commemorate the Museum for special exhibits through simple lifestyle of the young Hoover family. West Branch Exhibit Opportunities collaboration and joint-sponsorship The team recommends that the town of between the NPS and the Library staff. West Branch be encouraged to develop an This would provide more space for exhibit interpreting the booming spirit of permanent exhibits in the NPS visitor the town at the time of Hoover, wayside center using the space presently used for exhibits and/or an interior exhibit in one special exhibits. of the downtown buildings, and perhaps replicate the interior of the farm implement Presidential Library and National Historic store. Site Exhibit Recommendations • Develop an orientation exhibit (either The National Park Service visitor center indoor or outdoor) at both the Library and its exhibits are envisioned as providing and Museum and the NPS visitor center. a hub for experiencing the Hoover story One purpose of this exhibit will be to at a variety of locations in the immediate recommend what visitors can do if their area. The intent is to prepare visitors for visit is less than one hour, or if it is one an enjoyable visit to the historic site and to four hours, or if it is more than four resources beyond the visitor center. hours.

During the next five to 10 years, the West Branch-related Exhibit park staff should address the following Recommendations recommendations: • Encourage West Branch to interpret the town’s prospering spirit of the National Historic Site-related Exhibit 1870s and 1880s, either using wayside Recommendations exhibits or an interior exhibit in one of • Develop a striking entry experience the downtown buildings; perhaps West near the entrance to (or just inside the) Branch could replicate an interior of Herbert Hoover NHS visitor center Jesse Hoover’s farm implement store that would focus attention on Herbert (using his inventory) as case study of Hoover with an image of Hoover using a local entrepreneur switching from an artistic medium such as a painting, a blacksmithing to farm implement mural, an indoor sculpture, or an outside retailing. statue. Historic Furnishings (and small • Research and develop permanent ex- Exhibits) hibits in the park visitor center that concentrate on Hoover’s boyhood in West Visitor Center and NPS Exhibit Space Branch and also cover the commemora- As described in the previous section on tive and preservation aspects of the park. Exhibits Recommendations, the focus of Include Hoover’s original cradle and the larger, future exhibits in the NPS visitor highchair in these exhibits. center will be the early childhood of Her- bert Hoover, and the Hoover family’s role Presidential Library-related Exhibit in preserving and commemorating his boy- Recommendations hood years in West Branch. The new exhib- • Collaborate with the Hoover Presiden- its will use the expertise of a Historic Fur- tial Library and Museum on the content nishings specialist for the following roles:

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 45 • Conduct new research upon which to Hoover Birthplace Cottage including: base the visitor center’s new exhibits (1) Original (manuscript) probate as an early step during the planning inventories, 1880 and 1884. process. The content, graphics, and (2) Review Ketchum (1972) and artifacts found during the research Davidson (1974) Historic should help determine the content of the Furnishings Report sections. new exhibits. (3) Research at the Hoover Presidential Library and possibly at Stanford. • Contract to make replicas of the original (4) Stanford University Archives for the cradle and highchair (that would then be Hoover family and Maud Stratton’s displayed in the birthplace cottage), and papers related to the restoration of move the original cradle and highchair Herbert Hoover NHS, etc. to the visitor center to be displayed as the primary iconic artifacts in the new • Submit a PMIS request for funds to visitor center exhibits. produce a Historic Furnishings Report for the birthplace cottage that is based • Research the Hoovers’ commemorative on an accurate cost estimate. efforts and restoration approach of the 1930s and 1940s, and the NPS planning • Conduct a Historic Furnishings Report documents of the 1960s. with the 1930s-1940s as the period of interpretation. Historic furnishings research could also be helpful in developing an interactive The Historic Furnishings Report should computer game (with a title such as “If include a recommendation to produce rep- You Were Lou, What Would You Do?”) to licas of the original highchair and cradle encourage visitors to consider the decision- for the birthplace cottage’s historically fur- making choices made by Hoovers’ wife, Lou nished interior. Because the cottage does Henry Hoover, in the 1930s. This interactive not have its historic color on the exterior, computer game could also be placed on the lacks its historic ceiling, and lacks wallpaper, park’s website and/or be a component of the interior furnishings of the Hoover birth- the park’s future education program. place cottage should take a commemorative approach, and not attempt to portray the Hoover Birthplace Cottage furnishings as historically correct. • Review, consolidate, and assess the park’s information the Hoover birth- • Develop a small interior exhibit or place cottage in the Historic Structures a wayside exhibit (and perhaps the Report, the Historic Furnishings Report, park’s website) to show the historically and structure-related memos and studies correct appearance of the exterior done since the Historic Structures Re- and/or interior of the cottage. If a port including: wayside exhibit is developed for this (1) “Condition Survey and Treatment site, consider using a foreshortened Recommendations” by Alan O’Bright photograph of the vista from the Hoover and Bill Harlow, December 1989. gravesite to the birthplace cottage to (draft only?) emphasize the commemorative nature of (2) July 22, 1992 memo from NARO the site and the care taken to keep trees Building Conservation Branch from compromising this viewscape. regarding the Birthplace Cottage’s wallpaper and paint samples. • If personal interpretive services are (3) June 8, 1992 “Second Paint Analysis” halted at the birthplace cottage, consider by David Arbogast. reworking its exhibit and historic furnishings to improve access and allow • Prepare a cost estimate (and Scope more space inside for visitors. The of Work) with HFC for a Historic current year-round restricted access Furnishings Report (HFR) for the reduces the quality of park visitors’

46 I National Park Service photo nps

The Friends Meetinghouse—where experiences. (Although there are barriers (1) Assess need for stoveboards. Hoover and his family worshiped in the late 1800s—may need a new in the other core buildings, they are not (2) Cry house furnishings need to be Historic Furnishings Plan to, among other reasons, assess the potential quite as obstructive.) improved and completed. replacement of the 1870s benches (3) Assess and possibly replace the with reproduction benches. Friends Meetinghouse historic benches with reproduction • Review and assess the old Historic Fur- benches designed to represent the nishings Report (Heather Huyck, 1973 style of the 1870s in terms of finish, and Betsy Duncan-Clark, 1977) for the date, and style. Friends Meetinghouse. Also, review and assess the park’s files and historic • Develop portable interior panels (and structure materials on the Friends Meet- a complementary wayside exhibit inghouse and cry room, and determine outdoors) to provide a minimum amount if an update of the structure’s paint and of interpretation while maintaining a finishes is needed. quiet experience within the historically stark appearance of the structure’s If above assessments indicate a new Historic interior. Furnishings Report is needed, obtain cost estimate from HFC and prepare a PMIS • Explore potential for providing request to conduct a Historic Furnishings interpretation here (and throughout Report for the Friends Meetinghouse and the park’s historic core area) through a cry room. If such a report is not necessary, menu of programs available via “Guide address the following items individually: by Cell” (see AV recommendations).

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 47 Blacksmith Shop and Woodcrafting Shop not available in the 1970s when the • Review and assess the blacksmith shop’s previous Historic Furnishings Reports outdated Historic Furnishings Report were done. Also, research is needed to (Ed Bearss, 1973). If this assessment determine if this was a Quaker school, indicates that a new Historic Furnishings or Quaker-influenced in some way; if so, Report is needed, get an accurate cost this information needs to come through estimate from Harpers Ferry Center in all interpretive media, possibly and prepare a PMIS request for funds including furnishings. to conduct a Historic Furnishings Report for the blacksmith shop and • Research the schoolhouse (not through woodcrafting shop. a full Historic Resource Study, but something close to it) to learn about • Develop portable interior panels how the Schoolhouse was used as a (and a complementary wayside community center and religious meeting exhibit outdoors) to interpret Jesse location. (HFC could do this if the park Hoover’s blacksmithing business does not have time.) and the commemorative role of the blacksmith shop and woodcrafting shop • Based on the findings of the bulleted reconstruction in 1957. recommendations above, priorities can be set and an informed decision made • Transform the blacksmith shop’s on how to interpret the schoolhouse. appearance from a store room to a Should it be all historically furnished working area to avoid the current “over- or partially historically furnished, and furnishing problem” of the Blacksmith what content(s) should be emphasized? Shop that has an open storage of Also, this decision might include non-furnishings blacksmithing items portable interior exhibit panels (and that have “accumulated” in the shop a complementary wayside exhibit over this years. Review and continue outdoors to interpret the building’s interpretation of Jesse Hoover as commemorative role) to interpret the a blacksmith and this late 1950s role and importance of education to reconstruction of his blacksmith shop. the Hoover family, the community, These larger interpretive messages and the nation. These exhibits might should include stories of the Hoover also interpret its historic functions family, Jesse as a business man, a brief as a community center and a place history of blacksmithing in West Branch, for religious meetings. Exhibits in and the archeological findings at the site the schoolhouse might also consider of Jesse’s original blacksmith shop. including a reader rail, an audio feature with quotations from Hoover, and a Schoolhouse video showing a teacher working in the • Assess the schoolhouse’s Historic school during the 1880s period when Furnishings Reports (Ed Bearss, 1973, Hoover lived in West Branch. Heather Huyck, 1973 and Betsy Duncan- Clark, 1977) to determine if an updated P.T. Smith House Historic Furnishings Report is needed • Consider using the first floor of the (or if just a List of Recommended P.T. Smith house to have unstaffed Furnishings will suffice). A research base interpretive exhibits related to the is needed before determining a need for Hoover family’s life in the “childhood a new Historic Furnishings Report, a list home” (the “House of the Maples”). of Recommended Furnishings revisions, or any interpretive media is developed. • As an alternative, consider developing Research is especially needed to find the P.T. Smith’s first floor as classroom out more about Herbert Hoover and exhibit rooms with educational exhibits his teachers because historic newspaper that would be open as an unstaffed area articles with teachers interviewed were (similar to the approach used at the

48 I National Park Service George Washington Carver Discovery • Remove the audio stations at the birth- Center in its classroom exhibit rooms). place cottage, the Blacksmith Shop, the Schoolhouse, the Friends Meetinghouse, Audiovisual Programs and the Isis statue and replace them with Since the park’s first visitor facilities were a portable audio tour (described on the established in the early 1970s, Herbert following page). The existing outdoor Hoover NHS has utilized numerous audio stations are not reliable, difficult audiovisual (AV) products to interpret to locate, awkward in their presentation, the site’s stories. The freestanding audio and/or take too much space. stations were installed at specific sites in the 1980s, and the park’s current AV program Portable Audio Tour shown in the visitor center auditorium The PMIS revision for the current was produced in 1998. In 2006 the park audio station project will include this staff submitted Project Management recommendation: Information System (PMIS) statements to request funding to revise some of these AV • Develop and produce a portable audio programs and some work has begun. The tour (approximately 30 minutes long) list below and on the following pages list that can also be re-purposed for other these proposed revisions to existing AV interpretive uses. This audio tour should programs and products, proposed PMIS cover theme 1 (Simple Beginnings), funding requests, and additional AV element theme 2 (Family and Fellowship) and recommendations. theme 7 (A Memorial and a Legacy).

Freestanding Audio Stations Equipment for this audio tour is a part There are currently seven audio stations of this PMIS statement and is currently on the park’s grounds. While exploring the proposed as traditional handheld devices site, visitors may push the buttons on these with headphones and touch pads. However, audio stations to start any of these audio- before this project gets underway, the park only programs. The park submitted a PMIS staff should discuss this with the Herbert statement for funding to upgrade and revise Hoover Presidential Library and Museum to all seven of these audio stations. However, determine if this is the best method to play based on the discussions and decisions back the audio tour considering distribution made during the LRIP workshop in March logistics at both locations. Also, if the public 2007, the PMIS statement is being revised to is offered listening devices, the devices address the following recommendations: must have assistive listening capabilities for visitors who have hearing loss. Potential • Revise the audio programs at the visitor audio tour systems to be considered for this center parking lot and gravesite. These audio tour include “Guide by Cell,” Ipods, revisions include writing new scripts and and MP3 players. producing new programs, as well as the evaluation and recommendations for Audio Description of the Audio Tour equipment upgrades and their eventual Once the portable audio tour described purchase and installation. above is produced, it is recommended that the park: • Develop and produce a third new audio program for the Herbert Hoover • Develop a second audio tour that Presidential Library and Museum’s includes audio description for people parking lot. This message shall be with low vision or who are blind. Also, similar to the audio station at the visitor to provide the same content as the center parking lot. This includes script portable audio tour, this second audio development and production of the tour will include navigational instruction program as well as recommendations as well as descriptions of what the and the purchase of equipment and buildings look like and what can be seen eventual installation. within them.

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 49 Audio Tour Brochure and Map • Consider replacing it by 2015. If so, Along with the development of a portable submit a PMIS statement and cost audio tour, it is also recommended that the estimate in 2012. park develop the following: Recently, the park submitted a PMIS • To supplement the audio tour, develop statement as a response to NPS Director an audio tour brochure that includes Mary Bomar’s memo of October 20, 2006, a map (see this recommendation in the on the “Audiovisual Accessibility Initiative Publications section). for Visitors with Disabilities.” If this PMIS statement garners funds, the money will If a new map is developed for the park’s be spent to ensure that the park’s current unigrid brochure, the ability to utilize or audiovisual program and auditorium are augment this map for multiple purposes meeting accessibility requirements. The should be considered for consistency. This funding from this PMIS, if approved, will map may also be used as the foundation for cover the following improvements: the web-based virtual tour discussed below. • Display captions on the caption board at all times. Primary Audiovisual Program Shown in the • Audio describe the audiovisual program. Visitor Center’s Auditorium • Provide equipment for assistive listening “Adventures in Great Undertakings,” and audio description upon request. produced in 1998, is an effective program • Advertise available accessibility features that is currently shown in the Herbert in multiple formats, including at the Hoover National Historic Site visitor center front desk, on the web, and in any future in a separate auditorium. It is recommended park newspapers and/or site bulletins. that the park: Universal symbols for accessibility features may be accessed at www.nps. • Evaluate this current audiovisual gov/hfc/carto/map-symbols.htm. program for its effectiveness in about • Produce a script for visitors to use upon 2012; and request for pre-visit preparation or while

Park management recently submitted a funding request to upgrade the park’s current audiovisual program and auditorium to insure they meet current accessibility requirements including caption board upgrades, an audio description of the

audiovisual program, and assisted photo listening equipment nps

50 I National Park Service on site. (Note: providing a script is not • If it is decided to continue to use this considered an alternative to displaying TIS, ensure that the script be short and captions at all times.) succinct in order for visitors to hear • Provide regular staff training to ensure the message at least once in its entirety that they can operate all accessibility before they reach the site. features and equipment and can provide appropriate guidance to visitors request- • As technology improves, obtain a new ing these features. TIS system to improve reception.

Orientation Video from Herbert Hoover Promotion of the Park Presidential Library and Museum The park can utilize AV products and The Presidential Library and Museum technology in numerous ways to promote currently sends a videotape about Herbert the park as well as provide off-site access to Hoover NHS to school groups that have a wider audience. For this effort, creating scheduled an on-site visit to West Branch. a comprehensive promotion plan that This current videotape is outdated and does can be referred to by current and future not meet the needs of park staff, teachers, or staff is recommended in order to more students. Therefore, it is recommended that formally document past, current, and the park: future activities and goals as well as defined partner relationships and activities. The • Discuss with Library and Museum following specific promotional activities are staff the goals and funding related to recommended: producing a new pre-visit, student- focused AV program that would increase • Produce an off-season Winter Film the students’ interest in visiting the park Festival (when visitation is low and staff (rather than simply provide a video has time to coordinate this event), based tour of the site). This AV program on themes related to the site and/or should cover specific park themes (to be Hoover, such as fishing, the prairie, and discussed by both staffs and decided on presidential topics. (Copyright issues later). This program could be produced should be researched and considered.) in a DVD format that would have Also, consider coordinating with Effigy the primary theme-focused program Mounds NM when advertising this event followed by chapters that could also since this park’s staff has experience in promote the park’s secondary stories conducting film festivals. (e.g., the restored prairie), provide lesson plans, and include other interpretive • Contact local broadcasting affiliates to opportunities. aide in the promotion of “Hooverfest” and other park special events and Radio Station activities. The current Traveler Information System (TIS) radio station at 690 AM provides • Decide on the park’s future use of the information about the site, but it is long Iowa Communication Network (ICN), and the reception uneven. A new script, which utilizes older technology that narrated by a professional, is being written enables the park staff to have video in 2007. Before this new script is finished, it conferencing with school groups. is recommended that: • Develop relationships with tourism • The Traveler Information System should boards throughout the state of Iowa be evaluated to find out what percentage and provide audiovisual material of visitors use it, to help determine its appropriate for the promotion of the effectiveness, and help decide if Herbert park throughout the state. Hoover National Historic Site should continue using the TIS radio station • Develop relationships with other system. potential partners including the

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 51 Kirkwood local cable access channel • Consider developing standalone audio and local colleges with communications, stations (similar to the current stations, film, video, and/or broadcast but with updated audio technology) departments whose students might at the schoolhouse and the Quaker be willing to develop audiovisual Meetinghouse. products for the park. This may include videotaping presentations and special If this idea is considered, it is recommended events with edited introductions for that these audio stations be evaluated after broadcast on the local access network. the portable audio tour has been produced to evaluate (1) how effectively the audio Audiovisual Materials within New Exhibits tour interprets these sites; and (2) if these It is recommended that audiovisual standalone stations “compete” with the exhibit elements be considered during portable audio tour. the exhibit planning and design phase for new permanent exhibits at the visitor Publications center. All audiovisual elements must meet Visitors typically use publications in two Section 508 compliance, be captioned ways: for information and orientation and audio described, and make assistive during their visit, and for in-depth listening equipment available. These interpretation following their visit. The recommendations include the following: majority of on-site publications are free- of-charge, with the primary one being • Because the Quakers are an important the park’s NPS unigrid brochure. To part of Hoover’s experience story, a help upgrade the park’s free publications three- to five-minute video introducing program, the interpretive staff should take the Quakers, their values, and beliefs the following actions: may be produced. However, it is important not to idealize the Quakers, • Request that HFC redesign the park’s but show a candid portrait and their NPS unigrid brochure (and possibly context within the overall history of expand the brochure from its current Christianity. “A-6” format to a larger “B-4” or “B-6” format) so that the brochure includes a • Produce a short video about the self-guided tour of the national historic blacksmith shop and blacksmithing. site and the West Branch Historic District. This self-guided portion of • Produce a continuous loop of a montage the brochure should include all the of West Branch. Using selected historic park’s outdoor interpretive locations photographs, contemporary images in a coherent sequence, and then lead should be photographed at that same visitors into historic West Branch to the angle and distance so that the old image historic business district, the site of Jesse can dissolve into the new image, giving Hoover’s farm implement store, the site visitors a comparison of what the town of the historic railroad station, and the looked like during Hoover’s time and cemetery. The tour should make sense today. whether visitors start their self-guiding tour from the NPS visitor center or the • Either through an interactive program Library and Museum. or at individual sound stations, produce sound bites and dramatic readings of • Develop a new map for the park’s quotes as they relate to Hoover growing unigrid brochure that does not use the up in West Branch. aerial-oblique art approach. This new map should be expanded to include Additional Audio Features at the more of historic West Branch and more Schoolhouse and Quaker Meetinghouse of the park’s prairie and “House of As the portable audio tour is being devel- the Maples” site. This map should be oped, it is also recommended that the park: produced in a digital form that can be

52 I National Park Service re-purposed on the park’s website and • Schedule an annual meeting each winter in-house park publications. with park partner representatives (who have the primary responsibility for their • Consider combining the park’s site bul- organization’s in-house publications) letins into a small park newspaper (one to review each partner’s current folded sheet of four pages). If done, this publications and proposed updates, newspaper might become a joint venture redesigns, and reprinting plans. with the National Park Service, Hoover Library, Hoover Association, and the • Design a brand identity for combined City of West Branch to support the publications among the four principal seamless visitor experience that would partners. promote all Hoover-related attractions in West Branch. This newspaper could • Develop an in-house park brochure include historic and contemporary pho- that includes a map to supplement the tographs, safety reminders, articles on audio tour (see recommendation in the resource management issues, and a wel- Audiovisual section). This brochure come from head officials of the park, the could provide the user with the numbers Library and Museum, the Hoover As- and locations of each audio tour stop sociation, and the City of West Branch. and some brief information about each

The National Historic Site planted This newspaper would be printed only stop. Also, the park should develop an or preserved most of the trees and once a year, but inserts could be printed in-depth brochure for visitors who are shrubs as part of the cultural landscape that commemorates Herbert two or three times through the year to hearing impaired so that they can receive Hoover. Placement of trees and update program schedules and special the same information that is heard shrubs tend to enhance the character-defining features of the park. event announcements. within the interpretive audio tour. p e t er son photo by da n iel

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 53 Personal Services

Interpretive Staff permanent interpreters from staffing The interpretive staff at Herbert Hoover the information desk (so they can plan NHS essentially consists of two full-time interpretive events, etc.). permanent park rangers (interpreters), one intermittent cultural demonstrator (black- Interpretive Programs and Personal smith), and six park guides (seasonals); all Services are under the direction of the park’s chief • Provide interpretation at the birthplace ranger who also supervises the park’s law cottage and historic core area with a rov- enforcement and resource management ing interpreter during the summer and programs. These employees present inter- other busy visitor times. Without an in- pretive programs, provide roving contacts, terpreter stationed at the birthplace cot- staff the information desk, plan and support tage, no one will be available to answer special events, and perform a myriad of oth- visitor questions and encourage visitor er interpretive duties. A recommendation consideration of the personal meanings from a Midwest Regional Operations Evalu- reflected by the cottage. The roving in- ation in January 2007 stated that “the park terpreter at this duty station should re- should consider ways to enable the perma- main in the vicinity of the cottage to pro- nent park ranger-interpreters to spend more vide an opportunity for that employee of their November to April time on full to accompany visitors inside the cottage. performance work.” Toward this goal, it is (As an alternative, the park could use a recommended that the park: STEP interpreter or continue using the park’s law enforcement ranger/s and/or • Collect data for permanent and seasonal maintenance worker/s who attend to the interpretive staff’s time use and compile historic grounds to provide interpreta- a time use analysis. Use the analysis to tion. Also, keep a supply of the park’s assist decision making about allocating brochures in each maintenance vehicle scarce hours for the two permanent and patrol car.) interpreters, as well as the efficient use of the park’s seasonal employees. • If park management decides not to continue staffing the birthplace cottage, • Consider hiring a Student Temporary then revise the exhibit and historic Employment Program (STEP) furnishings to improve access and allow employee/s from an area university or more space inside for visitors. college (at a GS-3 or GS-4 level). Use the STEP interpreter/s to lead walking • Incorporate the commemorative layout tours from the National Historic Site of the site into all park interpretive talks. into West Branch Historic District. Ask local partners to assist with funding by • Each winter, plan the park’s interpretive adding funds through the park donation program schedules for the spring, account. STEP interpreter/s could also summer, and fall. be considered to help staff the birthplace cottage. • Publish and promote the annual interpretive program schedule and post • Request an increase the park’s budget the daily schedule at the visitor center for interpretive seasonal staff to provide and Hoover Presidential Library and personal interpretive services at the Museum. birthplace cottage and the historic core around Downey Street. • Schedule ranger-led programs to start soon after the 12-minute AV program • Shift a seasonal interpreter from the (shown on the hour) concludes at the summer to the winter to relieve the two visitor center; lead a 30- to 40-minute

54 I National Park Service photo nps

A reconstructed Blacksmith Shop— guided tour of the grounds; conclude • Convene an education meeting with similar to the shop that Herbert Hoover’s father, Jesse, operated in the tour at the Library and Museum in Herbert Hoover National Historic Site’s the 1870s—is located within the park and offers blacksmith demon- time for visitors to watch the 22-minute primary partners to develop a realistic strations by a park ranger in period film that starts every hour on the hour education proposal within staffing dress through the spring, summer, and fall. at the Hoover Presidential Library and limits that will improve the combined Museum’s theater. education experience at the park, the Library and Museum, and downtown • Lead tours to the West Branch Historic West Branch. The park should District on Main Street during the collaborate with its partners—especially summer or other high visitation times. the education specialist at the Library and Museum —to develop a seamless Education Programs educational experience at all Hoover- The park’s education program has not related attractions. had a formal curriculum-based approach since the park’s education specialist Special Events transferred in 2005 and that position was • Complement the Hoover Presidential abolished. Without an education specialist Library and Museum’s special to champion and guide its development, this events (scheduled on Memorial Day, program cannot be fully accomplished. To Independence Day, Labor Day, or other move the park back on track in its education times) with NPS ranger-guided tours program, it is recommended that the park: that start from the Presidential Library and Museum. • Request Parks-as-Classrooms (PAC) funds through the Midwest Regional • Continue and adapt the park’s role in Office to help refine old and develop Hooverfest, Prairie Heritage Day, A new educational programs, and organize Christmas Past, Uncommon Student, a workshop with local teachers to Living History, and other special events. coordinate/implement educational materials. • Assist and advise the Hoover Library Association on its tour • Continue to use current, as well as new script and approach to living history and emerging technologies, for distance events. Continue training living learning and outreach to schools. Build history volunteers to assure quality upon existing program outlines. interpretation.

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 55 Parkwide Interpretive Themes/Personal Services/Media Matrix

Theme Personal Services Wayside Exhibits Exhibits

1. Simple Beginnings Guided Tours, Roving Birthplace Cottage NPS-VC Exhibits (increase Contacts, Education Group (core area WE) emphasis) “In no other land could a boy from a country village, Programs/Children’s Pro- HHPLM Exhibits (reduce without inheritance or influential friends, look forward grams, Living History Pro- emphasis) with unbounded hope.” —Herbert Hoover. grams, “Christmas Past” Special Event

2. Family and Fellowship Guided Tours, Blacksmith Shop (core NPS-VC Exhibits (increase Roving Contacts, area WE), Schoolhouse emphasis) Growing up in West Branch, Herbert Hoover saw his Education Group, (core area WE), Downey HHPLM Exhibits (reduce parents, family, and others in leadership roles, which Programs/Children’s Street (core area WE), emphasis) instilled in him a drive to become a leader and a success. Programs, Blacksmith Shop West Branch (WE project Demonstrations with city?)

Second Hoover Home NPS-VC Exhibits (reduce 3. Triumphs and Tragedies Guided Tours, (core area WE??) emphasis Roving Contacts, HHPLM Exhibits (increase A child that grows up in a life of adversity takes a path Education Group emphasis) that requires personal endurance and perseverance. Programs/Children’s Programs P.T. Smith House First Floor Exhibits

4. Adversity Leads to Opportunity Guided Tours, NPS-VC Exhibits (reduce Roving Contacts, emphasis) Herbert Hoover’s loss of his parents in early childhood Education Group HHPLM Exhibits influenced his self-reliant character and his future Programs/Children’s (increase emphasis) concern for the physical and social well-being of the Programs youth of all nations.

5. Faith, Hope, Charity, and Love Guided Tours, Quaker Meetinghouse NPS-VC Exhibits (reduce Roving Contacts, (core area WE) emphasis) Herbert Hoover’s Quaker beliefs in the equality of Education Group HHPLM exhibits all people and in helping others in times of crisis or Programs/Children’s (increase emphasis) need led to his becoming one of the world’s great Programs humanitarians.

6. Nature and Stewardship Guided Tours, Roving Prairie Trailhead (upright NPS-VC Exhibits (reduce Education Group WE??) emphasis) Herbert Hoover’s experience living in a rural Programs/Children’s HHPLM Exhibits (reduce environment in early childhood shaped his interest in Programs, “Hooverfest” Prairie Trail emphasis) the natural world which influenced his choice of career Special Event, “Prairie (trailside WEs??) and the recreational activities he pursued throughout Heritage Days”, “National his life. Public Lands Day”

7. A Memorial and a Legacy Guided Tours Hoover Gravesite (core NPS-VC Exhibits (increase “Artists-in-Residence” area WE??) emphasis) The influence of Herbert Hoover, Lou Henry Hoover, and Special Programs HHPLM Exhibits their family shaped the development of the presidential (reduce emphasis) memorial area in order for the public to gain a fuller understanding of Hoover’s life.

Safety, Orientation, and National Park Service Messages Guided Tours Herbert Hoover upright/B. NPS-VC Exhibits Information Desk cases at VC parking lot, (orientation and NPS While not primary themes, these message are key to all Roving Contacts outside HHPLM, and Main emphasis) visitors. Street; Signs on highways

56 I National Park Service Parkwide Interpretive Themes/Personal Services/Media Matrix

Theme Historic Furnishings AV/Digital/Web Publications

1. Simple Beginnings Birthplace Birthplace Cottage Unigrid Brochure Cottage furnishings (and Audio Station (part of Site Bulletin; maybe “In no other land could a boy from a country village, small interior exhibit future Audio Tour?); VC (future) Newspaper for without inheritance or influential friends, look forward panel?) Auditorium “Film”; Park and Partners with unbounded hope.” —Herbert Hoover. AV in Future Exhibits; Audio Tour Publication in HEHO’s Website

2. Family and Fellowship Blacksmith Shop Blacksmith Shop and Unigrid brochure Furnishings and Schoolhouse Audio Audio Tour Publication Growing up in West Branch, Herbert Hoover saw his Demonstration Area (and Stations (part of the Jr. Ranger Booklet parents, family, and others in leadership roles, which small exhibit?) future Audio Tour?); EN Sales Items instilled in him a drive to become a leader and a success. Schoolhouse and VC Auditorium “Film”; Meetinghouse Furnishings AV in Future Exhibits; (and exhibit panels?) in HEHO’s Website

(Part of the park’s future Unigrid brochure 3. Triumphs and Tragedies Audio Tour?); Audio Tour Publication

VC Auditorium “Film”; Jr. Ranger Booklet A child that grows up in a life of adversity takes a path AV in Future Exhibits; EN Sales Items that requires personal endurance and perseverance. in HEHO’s Website; HHPLM VC “Film”

4. Adversity Leads to Opportunity Statue of Isis Audio Unigrid brochure Station (part of Audio Audio Tour Publication Herbert Hoover’s loss of his parents in early childhood Tour?); VC Auditorium Jr. Ranger Booklet influenced his self-reliant character and his future “Film”; AV in future EN Sales Items concern for the physical and social well-being of the Exhibits; in HEHO’s youth of all nations. Website; HHPLM VC “Film”

5. Faith, Hope, Charity, and Love Quaker Meetinghouse Quaker Meetinghouse Unigrid Brochure Furnishings (and small Audio Station (part of Site Bulletin; maybe Herbert Hoover’s Quaker beliefs in the equality of portable exhibit panels?) Future Audio Tour?); VC (future) Newspaper for all people and in helping others in times of crisis or Auditorium “Film”; Park and Partners need led to his becoming one of the world’s great AV in Future Exhibits; Audio Tour Publication humanitarians. in HEHO’s Website

6. Nature and Stewardship (Part of the park’s future Unigrid Brochure Audio Tour?); Site Bulletin; maybe Herbert Hoover’s experience living in a rural VC Auditorium “Film”; (future) Newspaper for environment in early childhood shaped his interest in in HEHO’s Website Park and Partners the natural world which influenced his choice of career Audio Tour Publication and the recreational activities he pursued throughout his life.

Gravesite/Prairie audio Unigrid Brochure 7. A Memorial and a Legacy station (part of future Site Bulletin; maybe Audio Tour?); VC (future) Newspaper for The influence of Herbert Hoover, Lou Henry Hoover, and Auditorium “Film”; Park and Partners their family shaped the development of the presidential AV in future exhibits; Audio Tour Publication memorial area in order for the public to gain a fuller in HEHO’s Website understanding of Hoover’s life.

Safety, Orientation, and National Park Service Messages VC Parking Lot Wayside Unigrid Brochure Audio Station (part of Site Bulletin; maybe While not primary themes, these message are key to all future Audio Tour?); (future) Newspaper for visitors. HHPLM Orientation Park and Partners; Video; TIS Radio Station; Volks March Guide in HEHO’s Website

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 57 Partnerships

Eastern National Cooperating The Hoover Library Association Association The Hoover Association promotes the Eastern National (EN) has been Herbert Hoover-related sites and will continue Hoover National Historic Site’s officially to partner with the national historic site, recognized cooperating association since the Library and Museum, Main Street August 10, 1973. The association’s purpose West Branch, and the local community is “assisting or advancing historical, to enhance the opportunities available scientific, educational or interpretive to attract visitors to the site and the local work. …” The association will continue community. The Hoover Association will to sell a variety of publications and other also be expanding fundraising efforts to educational items, support the park’s be able to further assist the park and the cultural demonstrator (by buying supplies Library and Museum with programs and for the blacksmith shop operation), projects for the future. Numerous programs and sell items produced by the cultural and projects have already been identified as demonstrator. The park intends to pursue needs of the park and Library and Museum. a scope of sales statement and work more The partnership will continue to develop closely with EN in the future on sales items. and expand in the future.

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Main Street West Branch and Museum The partnership with Main Street West The partnership with the Library and Branch will further grow and develop as Museum will continue to expand as we the vision for Main Street continues to be work together through the Comprehensive implemented by the board of directors Interpretive Planning process to ensure that and their four committees’ focus through we are complementing each other’s efforts organization, business improvement, design, to promote the life and ideals of President and promotions. There will continue to be Herbert Hoover. Opportunities to enhance opportunities to expand involvement, as visitors experience to the area through well as the other entities at the Hoover site. partnering will continue. School tours, Ways to collaborate and work together to interpretive programs and special events, attract visitors to the Hoover site and West including “Hooverfest” and Naturalization Branch, Iowa, will be sought. Special events Ceremonies, are just a few of the activities that continue to attract visitors will be that promote the seamless experience to improved upon, such as “Hometown Days,” Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. “Hooverfest,” and “A Christmas Past.” photo co lle ct i on

Chicago Daily News, Inc. photo of U.S. Secretary of Commerce Herbert m e mo ry Hoover on a 1928 visit to a corn field. Hoover’s humanitarian efforts during and after World War I and service as Secretary of Commerce made him a highly respected figure.

He easily won the presidency in con gre ss a m eri c n

1928, but the bright prospect of his of administration was soon overshad- owed by economic disaster. library library

58 I National Park Service Library Needs

The park’s library consists of approximately begin the process of finalizing the 8,000 volumes of hard-bound books, with cataloging of the entire Herbert Hoover other material in the form of periodicals, National Historic Site library. bound and unbound reports, binders of other papers and reports, and a host of • Finalize a library scope of collection. other reference materials. Plans to get the entire library cataloged in 2009 with the • Acquire a broader base of reference cooperation of the NPS Library Program material including new information on will begin in 2008. In support of this effort, a area’s pioneer and homestead history, library scope of collection has been drafted. city of West Branch history, and update In addition to park staff, a volunteer may other reference materials. assist with the cataloging. It is recommended that park staff take the following steps to • Digitize all Herbert Hoover National upgrade the library: Historic Site library materials to make them more accessible to park staff and • Recruit a Volunteer-In-Park to receive researchers, and to save room in the NPS Library cataloging training and park library.

Collection Needs

The park has more than100,000 objects in meet standards for temperature, humidity, its museum collection, including specimens, or light levels. While the visitor center has archives, objects, images, and artwork. heat and air conditioning, humidity levels While about 32,000 objects are kept at the are not within curatorial standards based Midwest Archeological Center, and an on the limited monitoring done. Light additional 1,800 archeological specimens levels in the lobby area also exceed museum currently are stored at the University of standards. Iowa, the park retains possession and curatorial/storage responsibility for most of The Midwest Region Museum Collections the collection. Curatorial Facilities Implementation Strategy calls for HEHO collections to be The collection facilities do not have moved to the Herbert Hoover Presidential sufficient environmental controls to Library and Museum or to a university in maintain the optimum environmental the region. While the Hoover Library and conditions (temperature, humidity, and Museum has agreed to store the park’s light). The chief storage area, Garvin archival records and possibly a few artifacts, Cottage, is heated and air conditioned but it cannot store the whole collection. does not always meet temperature and Inquiries into using storage facilities at relative humidity standards. The storage other institutions have been unsuccessful. space is also quite overcrowded. The other The park is considering moving curatorial three structures used for curatorial storage storage to the Thompson Farm when that fall far short of meeting museum standards. facility becomes available.

Environmental conditions in the four Harpers Ferry Center’s Media Assets historic buildings are deficient. None of the Workgroup is developing a digital imaging structures has air conditioning or humidity project. Herbert Hoover National Historic control equipment; only the birthplace Site staff members are planning on cottage has a heating system. In addition, submitting a PMIS statement for this project doors to these structures are left open in the fall of 2007. Some of these images during the day. None of these structures could be posted on the park’s website.

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 59 Research Needs

The superintendent and historian at Herbert • The historical vegetation and potential Hoover National Hitoric Site suggest the native vegetation. following research needs: • Future impacts of agricultural and urban Historical Research development on hydrology and water • Complete a park Administrative History quality. (PMIS statement has been entered). • Potential impacts of global climate • Conduct more research on historic change on local flora and fauna. furnishings, especially at the Hoover birthplace cottage and the Friends • Effects of light and sound pollution Meetinghouse’s benches. on the park’s resources and visitor experience. • Complete a Historic Resource Study (PMIS statement has been entered); • Impact of development of nearby include commemorative work of Lou industrial area on the park (pollution, Hoover and others. traffic patterns, etc.).

• Conduct research into Herbert Hoover’s Social Science Research personal finances to shed more light • Complete a more in-depth visitor use on his early years and his personal survey through the NPS Visitor Services philanthropy. Project (VSP).

Natural Resource Research • Impact of park visitation on West Conduct research to better understand the Branch’s economy and the availability of following: visitor services in the community.

A volunteer collect grass and flower seeds from the prairie on National Public Lands Day. The seeds are planted in other parts of the prairie later, including after a prescribed photo

fire. nps

60 I National Park Service Implementation Plan

Actions, divided into annual, achievable steps are reproduced in the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) (DO-6, page 6).

The measure of success of any plan is the extent to which it is implemented. Initial implementation of strategies needs to be both realistic and flexible. The charts on the following pages outline an initial blueprint for the park’s interpretive programs. Because funding opportunities and priorities often change, park management may need to adjust the implementation strategies to adapt to changing conditions.

The park interpretive staff and key park partners should meet each year to draft an Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) for each new fiscal year based on funding opportunities and coordination with other projects.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Interpretive Media – Non-Personal Services

Short-Term Long-Term Out Years (6 & 7) Tasks 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 20144

Emphasis of Facilities, Interpretive Media, Personal Services XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX Create a “seamless” Hoover-related experience for every visitor to West Branch, Iowa.

Website Maintain the upgraded website and assess the amount and XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX kind of content it contains.

Develop a comprehensive website plan as a staff reference for XXX future consistency and direction.

Place a counter on the park website so that park staff knows XXX how many hits the website receives.

Place links on the website that take users to the other relevant XXX sites within and outside the NPS.

Put the Hoover family tree (and perhaps the Hoover genealogy XXX book) on the park’s website.

Continue to advertise the park’s special events on the website XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX in a prominent location.

Create teacher lesson plans with the Hoover Library and XXX XXX XXX Museum and place on the park website.

Create an Orientation DVD with the Hoover Library and XXX XXX XXX Museum and place on the park website.

Produce a virtual tour of the park that is based on the on-site XXX XXX portable audio tour and post it.

Post the digital renderings of the park’s primary artifacts and XXX XXX exhibits, studies, and reports.

Identity/Orientation Signs Design a parkwide Sign Plan that identifies the Herbert Hoover XXX NHS as a unit of the NPS.

Get funds to implement a parkwide Sign Plan as described in XXX XXX XXX the NPS UniGuide Sign Standards.

Wayside Exhibits Prepare a PMIS project statement to request funds for a XXX Wayside Exhibit Proposal, a Wayside Exhibit Plan, and Plan Production.

Once funding is secured for the Wayside Exhibit Proposal, XXX arrange for the Interpretive Specialist from MWRO (and/or an HFC specialist) to work with the park staff to develop the proposal.

Once funding is secured for the Wayside Exhibit Plan, let a XXX XXX contract through HFC to plan, design, and prepare production- ready files for all the proposed wayside exhibits.

Cost estimates for interpretive media can be provided by Harpers Ferry Center in a separate document; call (304) 535-5050 to request estimates.

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 61 Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Interpretive Media – Non-Personal Services

Short-Term Long-Term Out Years (6 & 7) Tasks 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 20144

Wayside Exhibits (continued) Once funding is secured for Wayside Exhibit Production, let a XXX XXX XXX contract through HFC to produce and ship the final panels and bases to the park (for park maintenance to install).

Exhibits Develop Exhibit Project Research Package that includes XXX XXX information on artifacts, graphics, caption data, and documents based on primary source research.

Prepare a PMIS project statement for request funds for research XXX XXX XXX XXX and develop new exhibits in the park visitor center that concentrate on Hoover’s boyhood in West Branch and also cover the park’s commemorative and preservation aspects.

Develop a striking entry experience near the entrance to (or XXX XXX XXX XXX just inside the) Herbert Hoover NHS visitor center that would focus attention on Herbert Hoover with an image of Hoover using an artistic medium such as a painting, a mural, an indoor sculpture, or an outside statue.

Develop an orientation exhibit (either indoor or outdoor) to XXX XXX XXX XXX help visitors make choices on how to spend their time at both the Hoover Library and Museum and the NPS visitor center.

Collaborate with the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum XXX XXX XXX on the content and design of their new exhibits during the facility’s major rehabilitation of their museum exhibits.

Rely primarily on the Hoover Library and Museum for special XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX exhibits through collaboration and sponsorship between the National Park Service and the Hoover Library and Museum staff. XXX XXX XXX Encourage West Branch to interpret the town’s booming spirit of the 1870s and 1880s, either using wayside exhibits or an interior exhibit in one of the downtown buildings.

Research the Hoovers’ commemorative efforts and restoration XXX XXX approach of the 1930s and 1940s, and the NPS planning documents of the 1960s.

Contract to make replicas of the original cradle and highchair XXX XXX (to be displayed in the Birthplace Cottage), and move the original cradle and highchair to the visitor center’s new exhibits.

Historic Furnishing (and Small Exhibits)

Hoover Birthplace Cottage Review, consolidate, and assess the park’s information the XXX Hoover Birthplace Cottage in the Historic Structures Report, the Historic Furnishings Report, and structure-related memos.

Prepare a cost estimate (and Scope of Work) with HFC for a XXX Historic Furnishings Report (HFR)

Submit a PMIS request for funds for a Historic Furnishings XXX Report for the Birthplace Cottage.

Conduct a Historic Furnishings Report with the 1930s-1940s as XXX XXX the period of interpretation.

Develop a small interior exhibit or a wayside exhibit (and XXX XXX XXX perhaps a place on the park website) to show the historically correct appearance of the exterior and/or interior of the cottage.

Friends Meetinghouse Review and assess the old Historic Furnishings Report for the XXX Friends Meetinghouse and review and assess the park’s files and Historic Structure materials on the Meetinghouse and Cry Room.

Cost estimates for interpretive media can be provided by Harpers Ferry Center in a separate document; call (304) 535-5050 to request estimates.

62 I National Park Service Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Interpretive Media – Non-Personal Services

Short-Term Long-Term Out Years (6 & 7) Tasks 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 20144

Friends Meetinghouse (continued) If a new Historic Furnishings Report is needed, get cost XXX estimate from HFC and prepare a PMIS request to conduct a Historic Furnishings Report for the Friends Meetinghouse and Cry Room.

Develop portable interior panels (and a complementary XXX XXX XXX wayside exhibit outdoors) to provide a minimum amount of interpretation while maintaining a quiet experience within this resource.

Explore potential for providing interpretation here (and XXX XXX XXX throughout the park’s historic core area) through a menu of programs available via “Guide by Cell” (see AV recommendations).

Blacksmith Shop and Woodcrafting Shop Review and assess the Blacksmith Shop’s outdated Historic XXX Furnishings Report.

If a new Historic Furnishings Report is needed, get cost estimate XXX from HFC and prepare a PMIS request for a Historic Furnishings Report for the Blacksmith Shop and Woodcrafting Shop.

Develop portable interior panels (and a complementary XXX XXX XXX wayside exhibit outdoors) to interpret Jesse Hoover’s blacksmithing business and the commemorative role of the Blacksmith Shop.

Transform the Blacksmith Shop’s appearance from a store XXX XXX XXX room to a working area to avoid the current “over-furnishing problem” of the Blacksmith Shop and Woodcrafting Shop.

Schoolhouse Review and assess the Schoolhouse’s outdated Historic XXX Furnishings Report.

Develop portable interior panels (and a complementary XXX XXX XXX wayside exhibit) to interpret the role and importance of education to the Hoover family, the community, and the nation. XXX XXX XXX

P.T. Smith House Consider using the first floor of the P.T. Smith house to have XXX XXX unstaffed interpretive exhibits related to the Hoover family’s life in the “Childhood Home” (the “house of the maples”). As an alternative, consider developing the P.T. Smith’s first floor as classroom exhibit rooms with educational exhibits that would be open as an unstaffed area.

Audiovisual Programs Revise the audio messages and stations at the Visitor Center XXX XXX XXX parking lot and Hoover Gravesite.

Produce a new orientation audio station for the Hoover Library XXX XXX XXX and Museum’s parking lot.

Remove the six audio stations at the Birthplace Cottage, XXX XXX XXX Blacksmith Shop, Schoolhouse, Friends Meetinghouse, Isis Statue, and the Second Hoover Home); replace with a portable Audio Tour.

Develop and produce a portable Audio Tour (approximately XXX XXX XXX 30 minutes long) that can also be re-purposed for the park’s website and other potential interpretive uses.

Develop a second Audio Tour that includes audio description XXX XXX for people with low vision or who are blind. The second audio tour will include navigational instruction and building descriptions.

Develop an Audio Tour brochure that includes a map (see XXX XXX Publications recommendations).

Cost estimates for interpretive media can be provided by Harpers Ferry Center in a separate document; call (304) 535-5050 to request estimates.

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 63 Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Interpretive Media – Non-Personal Services

Short-Term Long-Term Out Years (6 & 7) Tasks 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 20144

Audiovisual Programs Ensure that the current feature film in the visitor center meets XXX accessibility requirements.

Evaluate this current feature film in the visitor center for its XXX effectiveness in about 2012, and consider replacing it by 2015. If so, submit a PMIS statement and cost estimate in 2012.

Produce a new pre-visit AV program in a DVD format to XXX XXX increase the school students’ interest in visiting the park (rather than simply provide a video tour of the site like the VHS program).

As the new TIS script is being written in 2007, evaluate its XXX effectiveness to help decide its future. As technology improves, take advantage of a new TIS system to improve its reception.

Produce an off-season Winter Film Festival based on themes XXX XXX related to Herbert Hoover NHS.

Contact local broadcasting affiliates to help promote XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX Hooverfest and other special events.

Evaluate the park’s continued use of the Iowa Communication XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX Network (ICN), which enables video conferencing to schools to provide education programs to off-site audiences.

Develop relationships with tourism boards throughout the state XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX of Iowa and provide audiovisual material appropriate for the promotion of the park throughout the state.

Develop relationships with other potential partners including XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX the Kirkwood local cable access channel and local colleges with communications, film, video, and/or broadcast departments.

Produce audiovisual exhibit elements for the new permanent XXX XXX XXX XXX exhibits at the visitor center. Examples include: a three- to five- minute video introducing the Quakers; a short video about the blacksmith shop; a continuous loop of 1880s West Branch images.

Publications Request that HFC redesign the park’s NPS unigrid brochure XXX XXX XXX (and possibly expand the brochure from its current A-6 format to a larger B-4 or B-6 format) so that the brochure includes a self-guided tour of the national historic site and the West Branch historic district. The oblique art/map should be revised and expanded to include more of historic West Branch and more of the park’s prairie and “house of the Maples” site. This map should be produced in a digital form that can be re- purposed on the park’s website and other interpretive media.

Combine the park’s site bulletins into a small park newspaper XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX (1 folded sheet of 4 pages). This park newspaper could include the map used in the redesigned NPS unigrid brochure (perhaps using the map in a larger format) and include more self- guided tour information than offered in the park’s NPS unigrid brochure. The newspaper will be printed only once a year, but inserts may be printed two or three times through the year that have summer program schedules, etc. This newspaper might become a joint venture with the National Park Service, Hoover Library, Hoover Association, and the City of West Branch to support the seamless visitor experience that would promote all the Hoover-related attractions in West Branch.

Schedule an annual meeting each winter with park partner XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX representatives (who have the primary responsibility for their organization’s in-house publications) to review each partner’s current publications and proposed updates, redesigns, and reprinting plans.

Design a brand identity for combined publications among the XXX XXX four principal partners.

Cost estimates for interpretive media can be provided by Harpers Ferry Center in a separate document; call (304) 535-5050 to request estimates.

64 I National Park Service Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Interpretive Media – Non-Personal Services

Short-Term Long-Term Out Years (6 & 7) Tasks 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 20144

Publications (continued) Develop an in-house park brochure that includes a map to XXX XXX XXX supplement the audio tour (see recommendation in the Audiovisual section). This brochure could provide the user with the numbers and locations of each audio tour stop and some brief information about each stop.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Interpretive Media – Personal Services

Short-Term Long-Term Out Years (6 & 7) Tasks 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 20144

Interpretive Staffing Collect data for the permanent and seasonal interpretive staff’s XXX time use and compile a time use analysis to help decide how to allocating hours for permanent and seasonal interpreters.

Consider hiring a Student Temporary Employment Program XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX (STEP) employee/s from an area school to lead walking tours from the National Historic Site into West Branch’s Main Street.

Request an increase the park’s budget for interpretive seasonal XXX staff to provide personal interpretive services at the Birthplace Cottage and the historic core around Downey Street.

Shift a seasonal interpreter from the summer to the winter XXX to relieve the two permanent interpreters from staffing the information desk (so they can plan interpretive events, etc.).

Interpretive Programs Provide interpretation at the Birthplace Cottage and historic core XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX area with a roving interpreter (or STEP employee or ranger or maintenance worker) during the summer and other busy times.

Each winter, plan the park’s interpretive program schedules for XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX the spring, summer, and fall.

Publish and promote the annual interpretive program schedule XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX and post the daily schedule at the park’s visitor center and Hoover Presidential Library and Museum.

Schedule ranger-led programs to start soon after the 12-minute XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX AV program (shown on the hour) concludes at the visitor center, and lead a 30- to 40-minute guided tour of the grounds.

Lead tours to West Branch’s Historic District during the summer XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX or other high visitation times.

Education Program Request Parks-as-Classrooms (PAC) money through the Midwest XXX Regional Office to help refine old and develop new educational programs, and organize a workshop with local teachers to coordinate /implement the educational materials. XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX Continue to use current, new, and emerging technologies for distance learning and outreach.

Convene an education meeting with the park’s primary partners XXX to improve the combined education experience at the park, the Library and Museum, and downtown West Branch.

Special Events Complement the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum’s XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX special events (scheduled on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, or other times) with NPS ranger-guided tours.

Continue and adapt the park’s role in special events. XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX

Assist and advise the Hoover Library Association on its tour script and approach to living history events. Continue training living history volunteers to assure quality interpretation. XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX

Cost estimates for interpretive media can be provided by Harpers Ferry Center in a separate document; call (304) 535-5050 to request estimates.

Herbert Hoover NHS Long-Range Interpretive Plan I 65 Planning Team

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Cheryl Schreier Superintendent Neil Korsmo Chief of Visitor Services Adam Prato Lead Park Ranger - Interpretation Bonnie Blaford Park Ranger -Interpretation Cary Weisner Historian Sherry Middlemis-Brown Biologist Frank Mobley Facility Manager Mari Mathews Administration Officer

Midwest Region Tom Richter Chief of Interpretation and Education, Midwest Regional Office Roberta Wendel Interpretive Specialist, Midwest Regional Office Ken Block Chief of Interpretation, Effigy Mounds National Monument

Harpers Ferry Interpretive Design Center Jack Spinnler Interpretive Planner (Team Captain) David Guiney Exhibit Planner (and Director of HFC’s Interpretive Media Institute) Michele Hartley Audiovisual Producer-Director Lauren Morrison Sign Specialist Sarah Heald Curator and Historic Furnishings Specialist

Park Partners Tim Walch Director, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum Becky Allgood Executive Director, Herbert Hoover Association Rebecca Turner Program Director, Main Street West Branch Pat Hand Promotions and Academic Programs Mgr., Herbert Hoover Association Stacy Waters Event Planner and Website Development, Herbert Hoover Association Lynn Smith AV Archivist, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum Mary Evans Educational Specialist, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum Kathy Grace Volunteer Coordinator, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum

Acknowledgements This Long-Range Interpretive Plan was made possible through a donation from the estate of Harriet A. Stevens through the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association.

66 I National Park Service “Every generation has the right to build its own world out of the materials of the past, cemented by the hopes of the future.”

—p r e s i d e n t h e r b e r t h o o v e r

Hanging herbs and corn adorn the back porch of the Herbert Hoover birthplace cottage. photo Please reduce, reuse, and pass this publication along to other readers. nps National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site 110 Parkside Drive West Branch, IA 52358-0607

319-643-2541 www.nps.gov/heho

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