Oliver Wendell Holmes (February 2, 1902 – November 25, 1981) was an American archivist and historian, who served as executive director of the National Historical Publications Commission from 1961 to 1971.

Holmes was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota to Swedish-born parents, and was raised on a farm in the southeastern part of the state.

[2] While in school at Columbia he began working as an encyclopedia writer and, later, staff of the National Archives, delaying the completion of his degree.

[2] Holmes was also deeply involved in professional service, and was a founding member of the Society of American Archivists (SAA).

[2] He served in many capacities with the SSA and was its president in 1958 through 1959[5][2] In 1978, Howard University Press published his book, Indian-Related Records in the National Archives and their Use.