March 29, 2024

Free family fun at Herbert Hoover Presidential Museum

WEST BRANCH – A weekend of kite flying and puppets for the whole family is planned for April 27 and 28 at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Museum in West Branch.

The 180 Go! Kite Performance Team will perform from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Kites Over Hoover Park, 1 Tidewater Drive in West Branch. Attendees are invited to bring their own kites to fly, and a kite vendor will be onsite. The day also will include an appearance by Benjamin Franklin.

The Eulenspiegel Puppets will perform for free Sunday, April 28, in the auditorium of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Museum. The presentation, “Freedom Star; Gertie’s Journey on the Underground Railroad,” uses near-lifesize handheld puppets and hand-dyed scenery to tell a dramatic and moving story, based on local history, of a young girl who escapes from a farm in Missouri and makes her way through Iowa on her way to freedom. An exciting play, it educates while it entertains – featuring live music with topical songs written and played by Ron Hillis, a highly regarded Iowa musician.

Following “Freedom Star,” Ron Hillis will present a demonstration workshop about the history of American popular music with a focus on Civil War music. Using violin, guitar, banjo, mandolin and ukulele, he will show how stringed instruments fit into American history.

All events are free and open to the public. The Herbert Hoover Presidential Museum is located just off Interstate 80 at Exit 254. For more information, call (319) 643-5301 or visit www.hoover.archives.gov.