CLICK HERE FOR MORE HISTORY IN AND AROUND COLLIER COUNTY
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
The society was responsible in 1996 for sponsoring a "dig" on North Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island, under the direction of Dr. Randolph Widmer, an associate professor at the University of Houston. The site is an ancient Calusa Indian mound. A great deal was learned about these former island people during the undertaking.
The society also spearheaded efforts to bring the famous Key Marco Cat to the Collier County Museum from the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. This small wooden carving was unearthed in 1896 by Dr. Frank Cushing whose excavations were underwritten by the Smithsonian and the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Cushing also discovered masks, tools, pottery and various other objects of archaeological significance.
In addition, the society has an ongoing program to interview descendants of early island residents to form an "oral history" record of the area. We are also responsible for maintaining the society's historical exhibit at the Board of Realtors building on Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island, which is open to the public during business hours.
New members are welcome. Annual dues are $25 for an individual and $40 for a family. Call the membership chairman at 941-394-6917 for details.