Exhibit explores the early history of the Postal Service in Holland

Before it became the Holland Museum, the museum’s stately home housed the community’s first post office.

A new Holland Museum exhibit explores the place of the postal service in Michigan’s history.

The exhibit, “Greetings from Holland, MI: Origins & Impact of the Local Post
Office,” opens Aug. 12. It will describe the evolution of Holland’s postal service from its trying beginnings to the construction of its first federal building.

In 1848, residents of Holland worked to establish the colony’s first post office. The postal service was essential for residents, as it was the only way of connecting with loved ones. 

The community gained its own federally built post office in 1915. Today this building continues to serve the community as the home of the Holland Museum.

Children’s activities related to the postal service will be available through the Spark!Lab Smithsonian program.
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The exhibit is the creation of the museum’s Summer Intern Council. These eight young professionals worked across the museum’s various departments during their summer internship. They will present their work during the exhibition showcase on Thursday, August 11, from 7-8:30 p.m.

The event is made possible through the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, Michigan Arts and Culture Council, Holland/Zeeland Young Professionals, and the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council.

For more information visit the museum’s webpage:
https://hollandmuseum.org/exhibition/greetings-from-holland-michigan/