Visit the History Center
We are located in the Lee County historic Teacherage House on the corner of Park Avenue and Banyan Street on beautiful Gasparilla Island. Visit our interesting exhibitions obtained from our large archival collection of photos and historical research. Our book store offers a choice of historical memorabilia for sale.
New Exhibit Now Open
“One Island, Three Hometowns”
The exhibit is based upon the book, “One Island, Three Hometowns” and is dedicated with gratitude and appreciation to the many long-time residents who have shared their memories of the three unique communities of Gasparilla Island which centers upon the years 1890 – 1960. Years that witnessed significant changes to Gasparilla Island, including the development of downtown Boca Grande and of the north and south ends of the island plus illustrating the island’s diversified economy, labor force, and social communities.
NEW Special Exhibition: Magna Carta Collection
The original Magna Carta (translation: “Great Charter”) was issued in June 1215 and was the FIRST document to put into writing the principle that the king and his government was not above the law. The Magna Carta provided the FOUNDATIONS for individual rights in Anglo-American jurisprudence. In other words, the document created structures or foundations upon which political rights would continue to evolve.
When the Boca Grande History Center was informed that a collection of documents would be deeded to the Center, (dating back to the early 1900’s and relating to the start of the commercial development of Boca Grande), the Director of the History Center excitedly proclaimed that the deeded documents were some of the FIRST economically focused documents evidencing the FOUNDATIONS or plans for Boca Grande, and he went on to label these documents Boca Grande’s economic version of a Magna Carta. The Magna Carta label soon was used by others to describe these early documents. In other words, the deeded documents promoted structures or foundations upon which plans were designed to promote an evolving and vibrant “railroad and industrial town.” Without a doubt, these early documents constitute important components of the economic structure and history of Boca Grande; i.e. Boca Grande’s commercial MAGNA CARTA!
History Center Hours
Hours
We are temporarily closed due to impacts from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Read updates.
For more information please call or email to schedule a time to meet with the Archivist.
The History Center is Located at:
Moving Fall of 2025 to:
240 Banyan St
Boca Grande, Florida 33921
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