Lou Henry Hoover

Lou Henry Hoover (1874–1944) was the wife of President Herbert Hoover and served as First Lady of the United States from 1929 to 1933. Born in Iowa, Lou Henry was an exceptionally well-educated woman for her era, graduating from Stanford University with a degree in geology—making her one of the first women to earn a degree in this field. She met her future husband, Herbert Hoover, at Stanford, where she shared his passion for geology and adventure. Together, they traveled extensively during his mining engineering career, living on multiple continents. As First Lady, Lou brought a cosmopolitan perspective and was fluent in multiple languages including Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and French. She was a devoted Girl Scout leader and advocate for youth organizations. During the Great Depression, while her husband faced criticism for his policies, Lou continued her philanthropic work and hosted cultural events designed to boost American morale. She was known for her graciousness, intelligence, and active engagement in policy discussions with her husband. After leaving the White House, she remained involved in various charitable and educational causes until her death. Lou Hoover's legacy as an educated, worldly woman who combined intellectual pursuits with public service remains notable in the history of First Ladies.