Dr. Thomas F. Schwartz received the PhD in History/International Relations from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Schwartz worked in special collections at the Illinois State Historical Library, now the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, from 1985 to 2011. He was Illinois State Historian from 1993 to 2011 and Director of Research and Collections at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum from 2005 to 2011. He is currently the director of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum in West Branch, Iowa.
Spencer Howard is the archives technician for reference and research at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum. Prior to joining the Hoover Library in 2003, Howard directed the H. H. Bennett Glass Plate Negative Collection preservation project at the Wisconsin Historical Society. He began his archives career as a library resources technician under Mary Bennett at the State Historical Society of Iowa. In his spare time, Howard is a professional violinist and member of Orchestra Iowa. He has performed with many other ensembles including the Quad Cities Symphony, the Dubuque Symphony, the Iowa Arts Festival Orchestra, the Hot Springs Music Festival, and Mannheim Steamroller.
Kyle Perkins is a former museum technician with a passion for history and a strong background in international studies. He is the exhibit specialist at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.
After serving for over two years in Cairo, Egypt with the United States Army, he pursued his academic interests, earning a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of Alaska Anchorage and a Master of Arts in History from Arizona State University.
His favorite work task revolves around researching President Hoover’s artifacts, delving into the intricate details of the past to gain insights into Hoover’s life accomplishments. Beyond his professional pursuits, he is an avid collector of antique maps, finding joy in preserving and appreciating cartographic history.
Additionally, he nurtures a deep fascination with the French and Indian War, continually studying and analyzing its impact on the shaping of North America and the world. When not immersed in historical research, Kyle finds solace in nature as an enthusiastic fisherman. Like former President Hoover, he embraces the tranquility of the outdoors, connecting with the world around him through the art of angling.
I am interested in your opinion on a project I propose relating to the creation of a national monument as a tribute to all of our presidents. past and future. I call the proposal the “Pathway of Presidents.” The pathway will contain proportionally spaced life-sized presidential statues in accordance with their time in office as well as associated related items such as the various national flags and educational material. At this point, I am looking to bring the matter to the public’s attention and look to various institutions for guidance and interest. As a repository of President Hover legacy, as this project continues, I look forward to working with you in the future. Any comments are suggestions you would care to make would be appreciated.