Former first lady Lou Henry Hoover, wife of President Herbert Hoover, joined the Girl Scout movement in 1917 and remained involved until the end of her life. She served in roles from troop leader to national president. Mrs. Hoover once said, “I was a Scout years ago, before the movement ever started, when my father took me hunting, fishing, and hiking in the mountains.”

On Saturday, March 24, the National Park Service at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch, Iowa will offer a day of educational and volunteer activities for children in sixth grade or above. Activities will emphasize Lou Henry Hoover’s commitment to service through her involvement with the Girl Scouts and her work to restore Herbert Hoover’s birthplace.

“We especially encourage Girl Scouts and their families or troops to participate,” says park superintendent Pete Swisher. The day of activities lasts from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will conclude with a presentation of Girl Scout Ranger badges and certificates. The activities are free but reservations are required. For additional information and to make reservations, contact Kristin Gibbs at (319) 643-7866 or Kristin_Gibbs@nps.gov .

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.