Bertha Holt facts for kids

Bertha Marian Holt (born February 5, 1904, died 2000) was an amazing woman. She started an organization called Holt International Children's Services. She also worked hard to change a law in America. This law made it difficult for families to adopt more than two children from other countries. Because of her efforts, many more children found loving homes.

Who Was Bertha Holt?

Bertha Marian Holt was born on February 5, 1904, in Des Moines, Iowa. Her parents were Clifford and Eva Holt. Her father worked as a school teacher and a mail carrier. Bertha studied hard and earned her nursing degree in 1926.

On December 31, 1927, she married Harry Holt. They moved to South Dakota and worked as "custom farmers." This meant they farmed land owned by others to save money. Later, during the Great Depression, they moved to Oregon. In Oregon, they became successful and even owned a lumber mill.

A Family's Dream: Adopting Children

In 1954, Bertha and Harry Holt watched a film in Eugene, Oregon. The film showed children in South Korean orphanages. Many of these children were Amerasian, meaning they had one American and one Asian parent. The Holts felt a strong desire to help.

They first started sending money to the orphanages. But soon, they wanted to do even more. They decided they wanted to adopt eight children! At that time, a federal law only allowed families to adopt two children from other countries.

Changing the Law for Adoptions

The Holts faced a big challenge because of the law. But they didn't give up. In 1955, the United States Congress passed a special law just for them. It was called the Bill for Relief of Certain War Orphans. This new law allowed the Holt family to adopt eight children.

They adopted four boys and four girls. The children ranged in age from babies to three and a half years old. This was a huge step for international adoptions.

Starting Holt International Children's Services

In 1956, the Holts officially started the Holt International Children's Services organization. Before this, there was no clear way for families in America to adopt children from other countries. The Holts created a system to make it possible.

Bertha, often called "Grandma Holt," stayed very active in the agency. She worked tirelessly until she passed away.

Continuing the Mission

In 1964, Harry Holt died while in South Korea. Many people thought the agency might close. But Bertha took over and kept the mission going. She traveled a lot to improve conditions at the Il San Center in Korea. The Holts had built an orphanage there.

She also worked with other countries. She encouraged them to create their own adoption programs. Her dedication helped many more children find families around the world.

Bertha Holt's Family

Bertha and Harry Holt had many children. Their children included Molly Holt, Barbara Chambers, Suzanne Peterson, Linda Pack, Robert Holt, Mary Last, Christine Russell, Helen Stampe, Nat Holt, Paul Holt, and Betty Blankenship.

Bertha also had three sisters: Beulah Stronczek, Katherine Stanger, and Grace Fisher. She had one brother, William L. Holt. At the time of her death, she had 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Awards and Recognition

Bertha Holt's important work was recognized.

• In 2002, she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.

Her Final Years

Bertha Holt passed away in the year 2000. She was 96 years old. She died at her home in Creswell, Oregon.

Books by Bertha Holt

Bertha Holt also wrote books about her experiences and the work of Holt International.

• The Seed From The East by Bertha Holt and David Wisner
• Bring My Sons From Afar: The unfolding of Harry Holt's dream by Bertha Holt
• Created for God's Glory by Bertha Holt