WEST BRANCH, IOWA– Due to extremely dry conditions in eastern Iowa,
including at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, the August 4 fireworks
display scheduled to conclude the Hoover's Hometown Days celebration has
been cancelled. Hoover's Hometown Days is the annual celebration of the
birth of Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States.

Long-term weather conditions in the area required park superintendent Pete
Swisher to make the cancellation decision. The fireworks launch location is
directly adjacent to the national park's tallgrass prairie, grassland
highly susceptible to fires during dry periods.  "It would be irresponsible
and pose a significant fire safety risk to allow the fireworks show to
proceed as planned given these drought conditions," Swisher stated.

Swisher considered several factors before making the determination,
including the current weather conditions, recommendations from National
Park Service wildland fire specialists, and burn bans within both Cedar and
Johnson counties.  Swisher also said he has been consulting with West
Branch city officials and the West Branch Fire Department about the
potential need to cancel the display.

"I hope people will consider coming to the Presidential Library and
Museum's east lawn area to enjoy the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band and laser
light show as this year's celebration closes," Swisher said.  The laser
light show represents a new attraction this year not previously a part of
the Hoover's Hometown Days celebration, and will be synchronized with music
performed by the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band.

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. Parking is limited so please
allow extra time to find a parking space. For more information go online at
www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.


Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
110 Parkside Drive
PO Box 607
West Branch, Iowa  52358

319 643-2541 phone
319 643-7864 fax
www.nps.gov/heho

Twitter: @HooverNPS
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Herbert-Hoover-National-Historic-Site/141181735922424

WEST BRANCH, IOWA– Landscape painter Steven S. Walker and photographer Missy Gaido Allen will be the Artists-in-Residence this summer at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Mr. Walker will be in residence from July 29 through August 11, Ms. Allen from August 6 through 10. The Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site promotes creative means of communicating the park's national significance and its relevance to visitors.

Steven S. Walker will discuss and demonstrate painting techniques to park visitors on Wednesday, August 8. Meet at the visitor center at 6:00 p.m. and be prepared to go outdoors. The program precedes the 7:00 p.m. family night program at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, celebrating the museum's fiftieth anniversary and featuring the 1962 film "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance."

Born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and raised in Virginia, Steven S. Walker has been creating artwork for most of his life. A former freelance illustrator and college instructor, Mr. Walker found peace of mind and inspiration painting the back roads and rustic barns of Virginia. He has exhibited several solo shows and in various national exhibitions such as the 2012 Salon International and the Richeson 75 Landscape Show. Mr. Walker resides in Westerville, Ohio with his loving wife and biggest fan, Evelyn.

"My intent is to produce work that provides a peaceful getaway from the hectic events of everyday life," said Mr. Walker. "Sometimes the only thing that keeps a person's spirits up from day to day is seeing the sun break through the clouds after a storm. I'd like to think of my paintings as the break in the sky."

On Sunday, August 5 Missy Gaido Allen offers a free introduction to nature photography class for kids ages eight to sixteen. From 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Ms. Allen will teach kids basic photographic techniques and will lead them on a short hike through part of the prairie to the Isaac Miles Farmstead. Participants are encouraged to bring a digital camera with a viewing screen for feedback, but film cameras are acceptable. Please wear closed-toe shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and remember to bring water as the prairie has little shade. The class will begin at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum at 9:30 and will return from the hike to the same place.

Born in Houston, Texas in 1968, Missy Gaido Allen studied studio art and art history in the United States and Italy. She holds a Master's in Art History from Rice University and a Ph.D. in Art History from the University of Iowa. Ms. Allen's images are in the permanent collections of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and multiple private collections. She has exhibited her work widely in solo and group exhibitions and has licensed images to Sony and Hasselblad. Ms. Allen lives in Iowa with her family.

"I am interested in showing changes in the landscape over time, such as through the passing of seasons," Ms. Allen said of her photography. "Herbert Hoover National Historic Site would provide me the environment to create meaningful, intensely rich works that connect the viewer to the natural world."

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. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.


Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
110 Parkside Drive
PO Box 607
West Branch, Iowa  52358

319 643-2541 phone
319 643-7864 fax
www.nps.gov/heho

Twitter: @HooverNPS
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Herbert-Hoover-National-Historic-Site/141181735922424

Spots are available and fill up quickly, sign up today!

WHAT: Engineering Kids Day Camp
WHEN: July 30 (Grades 2-3) July 31, August 1, or August 2 (Grades 4-6).  

WHERE: Putnam Museum
COST: $35, includes activities, lunch and a t-shirt! 

DAVENPORT - Engineering Kids Day Camp is back by popular demand! We have added an extra day to ensure everyone has the best engineering experience possible. This camp is an exciting, engaging experience for your young engineer. Fun, imaginative sessions including LEGO robotics and the opportunity to create and learn side by side with engineering students from Iowa State University and Quad City Professional Engineers!

Fee: $35: includes activities, lunch and a t-shirt. Choose one-day; July 30 (Grades 2-3) July 31, August 1, or August 2 (Grades 4-6). Space is limited - sign up today! Register now at www.putnam.org/summercamps or call 563-324-1054 ext. 266!

This program is a partnership sponsored by the Putnam Museum, Quad City Engineering and Science Council, and Iowa State University College of Engineering.

 

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Davenport, IA- The German American Heritage Center will host Kai Swanson of Augustana College as he asks the question, "Which Frederick was Greater? King, General, Composer?" on Sunday, July 29th at 2pm. His talk will be followed by a performance by Janet Stodd on the flute performing a short selection of Frederick's own compositions during the 300th anniversary of this notable historical figure. Admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children, and free for members.

GAHC is located at 712 W 2nd St. Davenport, IA. For more information please call 563-322-8844 or visit gahc.org.