The International Holiday Group is dedicated to discovering, preserving, and sharing holidays from around the world. Founded in 1896, the organization seeks to recognize both well-known traditions and lesser-known observances that give meaning to everyday life.

Our work includes documenting cultural celebrations, highlighting overlooked holidays, and introducing new observances where they naturally emerge. While our records are still being restored and expanded, our goal remains the same: to ensure that no meaningful day goes entirely unnoticed.

Over the first half of the 20th century, the Group expanded steadily. Contributions arrived via letters from across the Midwest and eventually from other states. The archives grew to include handwritten accounts, typed summaries, and printed pamphlets. Many lesser-known holidays, overlooked by other recorders, found a permanent place in the Group’s collections. A regional paper later described the work as: 

“It may not be official, but it is thorough. They keep track of what others overlook” (Kalona community column, 1948).

Records were stored in ledgers, boxes, and calendars, often organized by month rather than region. Some holidays were repeated annually, others were documented once and never revisited. By the 1950s, the organization had a modest reputation, recognized by local historians and educators for its thorough documentation of unusual and regional observances.

Despite its informal structure, the Group thrived through consistency and dedication. It relied on correspondence, personal visits, and small community networks. The organization’s slow but steady growth helped ensure that even the smallest observances were not forgotten.

The early 2000s brought a series of disasters that nearly destroyed the Group. A fire, a flood, a tornado, and a tragic bombing damaged or destroyed the majority of the archives. Notebooks, correspondence, and compiled calendars were lost, leaving only fragments.

The surviving records were incomplete or damaged, making it difficult to continue work. The organization struggled, and many assumed it would not survive. For several years, the Group’s activities were minimal, and references to it in local publications became rare.

Though the losses were severe, some hope remained. A few surviving documents hinted at traditions that had not been lost entirely. These fragments would later inspire the revival of the organization.

In 2026, Edward Cartwright, James Cartwright's great-grandson, discovered surviving materials in the attic of the old family home. Notebooks, loose pages, and annotated calendars provided enough to rebuild the Group’s work. The decision was made to move the organization to Bennett, Iowa, for better preservation and digital archiving.

A formal Board of Observance was created to oversee the Group. Edward Cartwright was named Chairman, with roles for Vice Chair Margaret Fulton, Records Director Daniel Reyes, and regional coordinators covering the Midwest. This board structure ensured consistent record-keeping, review of new holiday submissions, and long-term preservation of archives.

The revival received local attention. The Bennett Gazette reported:

“What was nearly lost has been gathered again, piece by piece, and given a place to continue” (Bennett Gazette, 2026). 

The restructure focused on modern systems: digitized archives, verified entries, and a clear chain of documentation.