Our Story

The Holt-Delhi Historical Society was established in the Spring of 2014 by a group of dedicated residents that held the common belief that the history of Holt and Delhi Township needed to be preserved for the benefit of future generations. 

The idea of a historical society was spurred by the success of the "Holt, Michigan: A Slice of History" Facebook page, which was launched by our founding president Jacob McCormick in the Summer of 2013. The page gained hundreds of followers and ultimately broke 1,000 followers in a very short period of time, indicating a strong community interest in its history. 

The Holt and Delhi Township community has not had any kind of formal historical organization since 1967, when a historical society was formed to celebrate Delhi Township's 125th anniversary. That group fizzled out after the anniversary celebration. Interest in history reached a peak in 1976 during the United States bicentennial celebration. In 1987, local history was again of interest to many residents when the State of Michigan celebrated its sesquicentennial, then again in 1992 when Delhi Township celebrated its sesquicentennial. Delhi Township's 175th anniversary (2017) was on the horizon when the Holt-Delhi Historical Society was established in 2014. 

The HDHS has maintained a small board who put together an annual calendar of events, including tours, open houses, programs, and more. The organization also collects local history artifacts, photographs, information, and more, to preserve and share the history of our community. Frequent displays are put together in the lobby of the Delhi Township Hall. We place an emphasis on the digital sharing of history via our website and social media. 

Delhi Charter Township has been a strong partner for the historical society in providing space for collection storage and a place for meetings and events to be held. The HDHS falls under the umbrella of the Holt Non-Profit Coalition, which is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. The Delhi Township Downtown Development Authority has been a tremendous partner for the historical society in providing office and storage space in the Holt Community Center. These strong community connections place the Holt-Delhi Historical Society is the firm position to focus our attention on the preservation of the community's history and the education of community members, young and old, on the fascinating details surrounding the formation and development of Holt and Delhi Township. 

Meet Our Board

  • Jacob McCormick

    PRESIDENT

    Jacob McCormick works as a photo archivist and public historian with a BA in History and an MLIS. His focus is on state and local history. A Holt native, genealogy spurred Jacob’s interest in history with ancestors settling in territorial Michigan and his grandparents moving to Holt in 1966. He serves on several historical societies and boards. He has served as HDHS president since 2014. Email

  • Steven Brower, Jr.

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Steven Brower’s interest in local history stems from family history. Former Holt mainstay business Brower’s Food and Hardware, founded by his grandparents, was the family tie that sparked his love and appreciation of history. A Holt native, Steven serves on the Holt Community Arts Council board, as well as with the HDHS as vice president since 2014.

  • Jenn Knox

    SECRETARY

    Jenn Knox is an avid genealogist and Mason native. Her interest in local history and in the historical society was spurred by a desire to give back her community in a manner related to her history-based interests. She is interested in photography and traveling and has photographed and recorded numerous HDHS events! Jenn has served as secretary of the HDHS since 2015.

  • Inge Kyler

    TRUSTEE

    Inge Kyler is an author, poet, artist, and historian. She co-authored A Michigan Sesquicentennial History of Delhi Township (1987) and Holt and Delhi Township (2013). Inge worked for Delhi Charter Township for more than 20 years. Her work laid the groundwork for preservation and local history in the community. Inge has been an HDHS trustee since 2014.

  • Jane Olney

    TRUSTEE

    Jane Wilcox Olney is a Holt native with family roots dating to the earliest days of Delhi Township. Retired from a career in finance, she is also active with the First Presbyterian Church of Holt (which her ancestors founded). Jane appreciates her family’s rich heritage in Holt, with even a road name as tangible evidence of their impact. She has been an HDHS trustee since 2015.