Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum

What Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum does

The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is a federal government institution located in West Branch, Iowa, that preserves and presents the legacy of the 31st President of the United States, Herbert Hoover, and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. Opened to the public on August 10, 1962, on Mr. Hoover's 88th birthday, the facility operates as one of 16 presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) under the Presidential Libraries Act of 1955. Its core functions are archival preservation, museum exhibition, public education, and scholarly research support, delivered through a 44,500 square-foot complex (expanded from 32,000 in 1992) that includes permanent galleries, the William B. Quarton temporary exhibition gallery, a 180-seat Figge Auditorium, a Research Room, and supporting multi-purpose and conference spaces. The institution is co-located within the 187-acre Herbert Hoover National Historic Site administered by the National Park Service.

The collection includes 182 linear feet of Lou Henry Hoover papers, approximately 30,000 photographs, 700 films, and 390 audio recordings — including rare Kodacolor home movies believed to be the earliest color movies of the White House grounds. Technology is limited to traditional audio-visual equipment, interactive exhibit displays, sound cones, multimedia presentations, and a mini-theater. A comprehensive renovation began January 20, 2025, with a Grand Reopening scheduled for August 6, 2026, that will introduce 12 new galleries, an immersive visitor experience, an expanded lobby and gift shop, and a new building façade. The museum has been closed to visitors during renovation, but the Research Room and educational programming have continued operations.

The institution's revenue model is a public-private hybrid: operating funding flows from congressionally appropriated NARA budgets, supplemented by private fundraising through the Hoover Presidential Foundation, admission fees (flat, no group discount), and gift shop/eStore merchandise sales accessible via archives.gov/hoover. Customers include researchers and historians conducting archival work, the general public and families visiting the museum, and school groups participating in curriculum-aligned educational programs. The marketing footprint spans an official website, Facebook, YouTube, X, Instagram, WordPress blog, and email newsletter. Tom Schwartz serves as Director.

Name

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum

Legal name

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum

Website

https://hoover.archives.gov

Company type

Private

Founded year

1962

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is a NARA-administered federal institution in West Branch, Iowa, that preserves the legacy of the 31st U.S. President and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover through archival collections, museum exhibits, and educational programming for researchers, families, and school groups.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Presidential Library and Museum

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (519210), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712), Museums (71211), Historical Sites (712120)

akta.pro primary industry

National Archives, Records & Information Governance (BPAIAAAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Archives, Special Collections & Preservation Operations (Rare Materials, Conservation) (EDAEAGAJ), Libraries, Archives & Special Collections (BPAGAHAF), Archival Preservation & Conservation (Handling, Storage, Environmental Controls) (MPADAMAF)

Keywords

• Presidential library services
• Historical museum exhibits
• Archival research access
• Educational history programs
• Presidential records preservation

Headquarters

HQ city

West Branch

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding (NARA): The library is operated and maintained by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) through congressionally appropriated operating budget.
2. Foundation Support: The Hoover Presidential Foundation provides private funding for construction, public programming, and special events including conferences and exhibitions.
3. Admission Fees: Visitors pay an admission fee to tour the museum galleries. There is no reduced admission price for groups.
4. Gift Shop Sales: On-site gift shop and eStore selling Hoover-themed merchandise, books, and memorabilia. Visitors may access the gift shop without paying admission to the museum.

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum preserves and presents the written record, physical history, and legacy of President Herbert Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover through permanent galleries, temporary exhibits, archival research facilities, and educational programming. As one of 16 presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration under the Presidential Libraries Act of 1955, the museum provides public access to approximately 30,000 photographs, 700 films, 390 audio recordings, and 182 linear feet of Lou Henry Hoover's papers, while operating a gift shop and educational programming for school groups and the general public.

Product overview

The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is a presidential library and museum complex that preserves and presents the legacy of Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. The facility operates as part of the National Archives and Records Administration's Presidential Libraries system. The core product consists of permanent museum galleries showcasing Hoover's fifty years of public service, complemented by the William B. Quarton Gallery for rotating temporary exhibits, a 180-seat Figge Auditorium for programming, and a Research Room for archival access. Additional offerings include educational programming for schools and groups, a gift shop, and an extensive audiovisual collection of approximately 30,000 photographs, 700 films, and 390 audio recordings. The museum underwent a comprehensive renovation (2025-2026) that created new immersive galleries including 'From West Branch to the White House', 'Life on the Jump', 'The Presidency', and 'Master of Emergencies', along with expanded lobby areas and a new Story Hub.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Museum Galleries (Permanent Exhibits) Permanent gallery spaces inside the museum that tell the story of Herbert Hoover's fifty years of public service, covering his life from West Branch to the White House. The 2025-2026 renovation introduces multiple new immersive galleries including 'From West Branch to the White House', 'Life on the Jump', 'A New Calling', 'On Growing Up', 'Secretary of Commerce', 'The Presidency', 'Sidelined but not Silenced', 'American Life', 'Uncommon Iowans', 'War, Revolution and Peace', and 'Master of Emergencies'. Targeted at general visitors, families, tourists, and school groups.
• William B. Quarton Gallery (Temporary Exhibits) Large temporary gallery within the museum featuring changing exhibits that rotate throughout the year, allowing for diverse programming and special exhibitions beyond the permanent collection. Targeted at general visitors, researchers, and educational groups.
• Figge Auditorium A 180-seat auditorium within the museum complex used for film screenings, educational presentations, and special events. The museum renovation plans also include a mini-theater for video presentations as part of the 'American Individualism' gallery experience. Targeted at general visitors, educational groups, and event attendees.
• Research Room (Archival Access) Research facility providing appointment-based access to the Library's archival holdings, including presidential records, Lou Henry Hoover's papers (182 linear feet), and the Audio Visual Collection. Targeted at researchers, historians, political scientists, journalists, genealogists, and students, and remains operational during the museum renovation.
• Audio Visual Collection Archival collection of approximately 30,000 photographs, 700 films, and 390 audio recordings documenting the lives of Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover, including rare Kodacolor home movies believed to be the earliest color movies of the White House grounds. Available for viewing in the Research Room and through the museum's website. Targeted at researchers, historians, media producers, and the general public.
• Educational Programming Curriculum-aligned educational programming for school groups, Scouts, youth, and adults, including field trips, group tours, and Scout badge programs. Tours are scheduled by reservation via phone or email, with special contact required for groups larger than 20. Targeted at K-12 schools, Scout troops, families, and adult learners.
• Gift Shop and eStore On-site gift shop located in the museum lobby selling souvenirs, books, and Hoover-themed memorabilia, accessible to visitors without museum admission. An online eStore is available through the National Archives eStore. The 2025-2026 renovation includes a small expansion to the gift shop. Targeted at museum visitors, online shoppers, and Hoover history enthusiasts.
• Story Hub (Rotunda) Central orientation and gathering space within the renovated museum, formerly known as the Rotunda, featuring original granite tiles and architectural elements preserved from the 1962 construction. Targeted at general visitors and educational groups.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Belgium RepresentativesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 August 2026Representatives from Belgium participating in the Grand Reopening ceremony on August 6, 2026. Connection to Hoover's humanitarian work with the Commission for Relief in Belgium during WWI.
• National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNARA administers the presidential libraries system. The Hoover Presidential Library is part of 16 presidential libraries managed by NARA under the Presidential Libraries Act of 1955. NARA provides federal funding and operational support through congressionally appropriated budgets.
• Hoover Presidential FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrivate non-profit organization that supports the library through fundraising, construction funding, and public programming. Located at 127 W. Main Street, West Branch, Iowa. Provides critical support for core public programming and special events.
• National Park ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdministers the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, a 187-acre park surrounding the museum. The National Park Service Visitor Center is located at 110 Parkside Drive. The museum is situated within this historic site, creating an integrated visitor experience.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum: One of the 16 NARA presidential libraries, located in Independence, Missouri. Most direct comparable: identical federal mandate, similar facility structure, archival holdings, and educational programming model.
• Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum: Another NARA presidential library in Abilene, Kansas, with comparable scale, archival mission, and Midwest heritage-tourism positioning. Closest geographic and structural analog to the Hoover Library.
• Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum: One of the 16 NARA presidential libraries located in Atlanta, Georgia. Direct comparable with identical operational model, archival structure, and educational programming framework.

Broad incumbents

• National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): Parent federal agency that administers the Hoover Presidential Library and the full system of 16 presidential libraries. Comparable as the broader institutional operator and funder of the Hoover Library's operations.
• National WWII Museum: Large, privately operated history museum in New Orleans. Comparable as a major U.S. history museum with immersive exhibits, educational programming, and a strong gift shop/e-commerce operation.
• Smithsonian Institution (National Museum of American History): Federal museum complex focused on American history with extensive archival and educational programming. Comparable as a publicly funded cultural institution with museum, archives, and curated exhibits.
• Library of Congress: National library with extensive archival and research services. Comparable as a federal institution providing public access to primary source materials, researcher services, and curated digital collections.

Regional players

• State Historical Society of Iowa - Iowa Museum of History: Iowa-focused state historical institution overlapping with the Hoover Library's regional visitor base and educational outreach. Comparable as a heritage museum serving Iowa's schools and residents.
• Mount Rushmore National Memorial: National Park Service-administered presidential heritage site. Comparable as a federally operated heritage destination that pairs presidential legacy with national park visitor experience, similar to the Hoover Library's NPS co-location.

Others

• Herbert Hoover National Historic Site (National Park Service): Adjacent 187-acre National Park Service site that shares the visitor campus with the Hoover Library. Closely integrated partner providing combined heritage-tourism experience rather than direct competition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HooverPresLib
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/HooverPresLib
• Facebookfacebook.com/HooverPresLib
• Instagraminstagram.com/hooverlibrarymuseum
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/about

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum