Historical Preservation Statement (April 2023)

The Boca Grande Historical Society (BGHS) understands the frustration of watching the landmarks we identify as home being lost to time. While history benchmarks itself on safeguarding the stories, items, and buildings of the past, it is also built upon by the changes and growth of communities. As a part of this community, you have a stake in how the story is written.

Due to recent events regarding the “Whispering Circle”, the island is abuzz with discussions on historic preservation and seeking us out for answers. BGHS is undoubtedly a resource for information regarding the history of Gasparilla Island and surrounding areas, but it is not the role of BGHS to determine the legality or historic guideline adherence of any property. Our organization does, however, offer many resources to any who wish to delve deeper into the many aspects of our island’s past, including information to homeowners on their property’s background.

With that being said, we would like to use this situation as a teachable moment and help steer those who are frustrated to a more proactive path to get more involved in the community. We can’t undo what has been done, but there are many other treasures that may need our attention or issues that could use support.

WHO WE ARE: The Boca Grande Historical Society and History Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting and preserving all forms of information about the island’s and the region’s past, and sponsors activities designed to educate, promote and enhance interest in and knowledge of that history and related unique island character for the mutual benefit of all.

The purposes of BGHS are:

• To bring together for mutual benefit and enjoyment people who are interested in Boca Grande’s -and the region’s history
• To collect and preserve memorabilia and other items related to Gasparilla Island’s and the region’s past
• To sponsor activities designed to promote an enhanced interest in and knowledge of local, regional and state history
• To provide stimulating educational programs that meet professional standards of scholarship and historical accuracy
• To promote a better understanding of the relationship of our past to the present and to the projected future

We urge those who are interested in this matter to pursue the full extent of the facts available from reputable sources. Our doors are open to any for research inquiries, donations of memorabilia, or to hear your memories of life in Boca Grande. Many of our resources can be found online at bocagrandehistoricalsociety.com or by visiting the History Center at 170 Park Ave. You can contact us by phone at 941-964-1600 or email info@bocagrandehistoricalsociety.com.

Further Resources on Preservation and Conservation:

Florida Division of Historic Resources – dos.myflorida.com
Florida Public Archaeology Network – fpan.us
National Trust for Historic Preservation – savingplaces.org
Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board – leegov.com/dcd/committees/hpb
GICIA – thegicia.org

Crystal Diff, Executive Director
Boca Grande Historical Society Board of Directors