The Holmes family has a long-standing interest in historic preservation. Nicholas Holmes, III (1952-) a life-long resident of Mobile, Alabama, an Auburn University graduate (1976, 1978), and a professional architect, was recognized in 2015 for his work on historic Barton Academy. His brother, Andrew Holmes (1956-) participated in an archaeological dig at the age of seven and went on to work as field tech for many digs in Alabama including sites at Fort Louis and Spanish Fort. He later worked with Archaeological Associates and Mauvilla Corporation. Their father, Nick, Jr. (1924-2016) graduated from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) with a degree in architecture, completed numerous commercial and residential projects, and was a registered archaeologist. Nick Jr. wrote and spoke about his experiences renovating the Alabama State Capitol, one of numerous renovations completed by the father and son. Nick Jr.'s wife, Nancy Neiswender Holmes (1926-2008), founded what is now the Historic Mobile Preservation Society and was Executive Director of the Mobile Historic Development Commission from 1970-1975. Nicholas Holmes, Sr. (1878-1957), was born in Montgomery, Alabama and educated in Chicago. He worked as a structural engineer, an architectural draftsman, and superintendent of construction in various locations in the United States, Panama, and Canada before settling in Mobile in the 1950's. Nick Sr., NHH Jr., and NHH III have all delineated drawings for the Historic American Buildings Survey.