Olive Township Historical Society

Olive Township Historical Society The Olive Township Historical Society (OTHS) was formed in 2004 by a group of five people interested in “Preserving History for the Next Generation”.

But it takes more than a couple people; We need your help! Become a member of the Olive Township Historical Society:
Individual member $15
Couple $25
Family $35

Meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m., usually at the Olive Township Museum/Olive Center School located at 11768 Polk Street. Visitors are always welcome. If you are interested in attending an upcoming meeting, pl

ease message our page because we do sometimes meet at other locations. We staff and maintain the Olive Center School building museum at 11768 Polk Street and the Ottawa Station School building museum at 11611 Stanton Street. The OTHS is always looking for volunteers for the following jobs:
Creating Exhibits
Set Up and Take Down Exhibits
Maintenance & Cleaning of the Museum
Helpers for the Newsletter: Olive Leaves
Docents to work at the Museum during open hours
Event Planners
Sign Makers

The OTHS continues to seek old photographs of area schools, churches, businesses, buildings, ephemera, artifacts and antiques related to the past

06/11/2026
06/11/2026

This Saturday, June 13 is the first of monthly summer open houses from 11-4 at both locations- museum and schoolhouse. Fun activities like Scavenger hunts are available for all ages! Prizes too! Enjoy shopping our book store where you will find a large selection of local history books including the newest and very popular book, “Voices” of Olive Township!
Bring your family and friends to come learn about local history! There’s something for everyone! Hope to see you there!

06/11/2026

OTHS is gathering information and photographs of the first Olive Center School before the fire in 1953 both interior and exterior!
We are also interested in photos of when the “new” building was a school and then turned into the Olive Township Hall on Polk street prior to moving to 136th? Again both interior and exterior photos welcomed!
Lastly, is there anyone with interior/exterior photos or information to share about the first Olive Township Hall that stood on the corner of 120th and Polk street? It was built in 1892 and razed 1963.
Please leave comments.
An interpretive sign for Olive Center School/Olive Township Office/ Museum is in the planning stages. Your help is greatly appreciated!

Get your copy of OTHS latest book, “Voices”! It makes a great gift for family and friends! And while you’re at it, buy a...
06/04/2026

Get your copy of OTHS latest book, “Voices”!
It makes a great gift for family and friends! And while you’re at it, buy a copy for yourself too! You won’t be disappointed!
“Voices” ties us to the history of our past. On these pages are stories of your neighbors, your family, your friends! Some are familiar and some are new. By obtaining the book, you help to preserve history for future generations. This table of contents reflects the history of our area. To purchase the book call 616-875-8036 or pick one up at the Olive Township Office. Soft cover $40
Hard cover $80.

Memorial Day is a special day set aside when our nation and our community remember those who served, who made the ultima...
05/23/2026

Memorial Day is a special day set aside when our nation and our community remember those who served, who made the ultimate sacrifice. All gave some, some gave all! 🇺🇸

Everyone is welcome to attend the cemetery service and participate in the annual Memory Walk following the service, a tradition from over a century ago. Honor our nation’s 250th Birthday by walking, riding your bike or horse or driving your car or tractor to the Olive Township Museum. Birthday cake & coffee will be served. Enjoy the exhibits and scavenger hunts with prizes for kids and adults at both locations. 🇺🇸

Reminder: Tonight at 6pm is the unveiling of the interpretive panel telling the history of Ottawa School 11611 Stanton S...
05/20/2026

Reminder: Tonight at 6pm is the unveiling of the interpretive panel telling the history of Ottawa School 11611 Stanton Street. Just another way OTHS is dedicated to preserving history for future generations.
Hope to see you there.

Hi Friends,An interpretive panel telling the history of Ottawa School has been installed in the front yard at the school...
05/17/2026

Hi Friends,
An interpretive panel telling the history of Ottawa School has been installed in the front yard at the schoolhouse at 11611 Stanton Street. The official unveiling of the sign will be Wednesday, May 20 at 6:00. Rain date will be Thursday, May 21 at 3:00.
The community is invited to attend.
Please feel free to invite your friends.
Hope to see you there.
OTHS

As Paul Harvey once said, “Here is the rest of the story”, but in this case, here are the rest of the “stories” you will...
05/03/2026

As Paul Harvey once said, “Here is the rest of the story”, but in this case, here are the rest of the “stories” you will find in “Voices” of Olive Township, your people, your neighbors, your friends. Soft cover $40 Hard cover $80
Call 616-875-8036 or stop at the Olive Township Office to pick up “Voices”. The book will also be available to purchase on Memorial Day at the Olive Township Museum 11768 Polk Street or Ottawa Schoolhouse 11611 Stanton Street from 11-2.

Address

11768 Polk Street
Holland, MI
49424

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Olive Township Historical Society posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share