Lou Hoover and Girl Scouts

2023

The Herbert Hoover Presidential Museum is now open daily to the public for viewing of the permanent galleries on the life and times of Herbert Hoover, tickets are available in person or online.

The Research Room is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00-12:00, and 12:30-4:15. Appointments are encouraged and can be made by calling (319) 643-5301 or via email: hoover.library@nara.gov.

"The girl's the thing! First, formost and always!" - Lou Henry Hoover 

In 1917, Lou was personally recruited by Juliette Low, founder of the Girl Scouts; and for the rest of her life, Mrs. Hoover served continuously as a board member or officer. She was a troop leader, a member of the Girl Scout Council in Washington, and twice served as GSA president, once in the 1920s and again in the 1930s.

Lou Henry Hoover helped the Girl Scouts in many ways:

  • Started leadership training for adult leaders.
  • Developed "Little Houses" (cabins) where scouts could meet and camp.
  • Helped increase membership from 15,000 in 1917 to 840,000 in 1945.

 

STEM Fun Patch for Girl Scouts - this patch is awarded to Scouts who participate when the Hoover Museum hosts a STEM Girl Scout Day.