Annual Report
Boca Grande Historical Society Annual Report for 2025
History Center Accomplishments
We would like to thank all our supporters at every level for helping us to continue our mission to the community during this challenging past season! We also appreciate the feedback you give us on our various programs and activities.
The Boca Grande History Center continues to add items to its vast archives with your thoughtful gifts. The total amount of collections catalogued for public access online has increased from 2,500 items to about 2,703 items. In addition to digitized artifacts, we continue to care for items stored in a stable environment with archival-quality materials for perpetual care.
In February 2025 we welcomed independent contractor Rick Montgomery of Island TV Boca Grande to our team.
The History Center sustained severe damage from both Hurricanes Helene and Milton and closed to the public on October 1, 2024.
We are planning our move into a new space as part of the Community Center Campus project in a section of the Crowninshield Community House. We are creating a professionally designed interactive exhibit about Island history using the latest exhibit technology with improved research & office facilities and are planning events that share the stories of the place and the people of Boca Grande. We hope you will be a part of something new and never seen on Boca Grande!
Education/Outreach Accomplishments
Let’s Talk About Florida
We offered four virtual book conversations about Florida with author moderators. What started as a necessity when we could not meet in person, has branched out into a successful program open to all, on-island or off. Special thanks to our sponsor Fergeson Skipper Law Firm in Sarasota and to moderators Kim Kyle, Cindy Crespo, Katy Getman, and David Futch. Special thanks to Randy Wayne White and Lyn Millner who joined us to discuss their books.
- Anna in the Tropics by Nilo Cruz – November 2024
- Tracing Florida Journeys by Leslie Kemp Poole – January 2025
- The Ultimate Tarpon Book by Randy Wayne White – March 2025
- The Allure of Immortality by Lyn Millner – April 2025
Lecture Series – Cancelled
Veterans Day Memorial
Several years ago, we began investigating the history of the Veterans Memorial located at Gilchrist Ave. and Fifth Street. We were able to work with Lee County to begin a restoration of the memorial site after Hurricane Ian damaged the plaque. A reception was held at the History Center to honor local veterans. We hope to continue our involvement in the rehabilitation of this site and the staging of Veterans Day services in the future.
Research Library
James and Rose Marie Blaha have worked tirelessly for many years researching the history of the Island and the Charlotte Harbor area, creating a series of notebooks and other tools for use by residents and visitors. We fittingly dedicated the research area of the former History Center as the James and Rose Marie Blaha Research Library in December 2023.
Workshops – Cancelled
We hope to continue workshops relevant to the collection and preservation of personal and family histories.
History Bytes – February 2025
This continues to be our most iconic series presenting up close and personal stories and recollections of island history. We could not do this program without our host, Betsy Fugate Joiner, and the support of Boca Grande Charities, Inc., and the Johann Fust Library Foundation, which graciously hosts these programs and was co-presenter of the first Bytes program. This season’s History Bytes were dedicated to the memory of Robert F. Edic, former Archivist for BGHS. Over the years, the audience for History Bytes has grown significantly.
- A Seminole History Discussion-co-presented with the Johann Fust Library Foundation and sponsor Gulf Coast Community Foundation
- David Futch: “Pirates I have Known”
- Dusty Hopkins: Publisher and General Manager of the Boca Beacon
- Captain Van Hubbard: “Boca Grande Through a Fisherman’s Eye”
Pop Up Exhibits – Cancelled
These events take local history to where we engage both residents and visitors with stories of the area on Park Avenue in town.
History First – Cancelled
Held the first Saturday of the month during the height of season.
The Island School
On December 13, 2024, members of the society, staff and volunteers presented a program to 60 students and the teachers at the school about pirates with questions and fun interactions. Thank you to our sponsor The Shively Charitable Foundation.
Membership – Donations – Sponsorships
Our members, donors, and sponsors deserve our gratitude for choosing to support our mission of keeping Boca Grande history alive through our programs and exhibits. You have shown us the true meaning of community as we grow our history-loving family. Thank you for helping us to continue the chapters of Boca Grande’s story with new and time-honored friends. We look forward to growing with you in 2025-2026.
We were planning to celebrate our 30th anniversary year with a special event for the public in February 2025 on the campus of the Boca Grande Community Center grounds, due to damage from the two recent hurricanes, Helene and Milton, it was cancelled.
Our calendar of events for 2025-2026 is uncertain due to the ongoing restoration of hurricane damaged buildings on the campus of the Boca Grande Community Center grounds. The History Center located in the Historic Teacherage Building at 170 Park Avenue along with Boca Bargains was severely damaged. Our staff & volunteers moved out on October 1, 2024, after Hurricane Helene, and are working remotely from home.
Like with other Boca Grande non-profits, the recent storms have challenged our ability to offer the kind of premiere events that have been our hallmark. In everything we do our aim is to bring history to life.
The Board, Staff and Volunteers thank you for being a part of the Boca Grande Historical Society & History Center family and look forward to seeing you in our new space in the Crowninshield Community House at 240 Banyan Street! Watch for more information and announcements in the fall about our opening and program of events.
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