LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Come check out upcoming History Center programs  

To the Editor:

On Tuesday, Nov. 14 join the Boca Grande Historical Society in welcoming John Pether to discuss Florida’s timeless boats.

The presentation will cover highlights from his book, “Wood, Fiberglass, and Steel: The History of Boat Building on Florida’s Gulf Coast,” about the history of boat building on the Gulf Coast of Florida from Chokoloskee Island (south of the Everglades) to Pensacola. He will discuss some of the characters written about and will also discuss the plans for the Gulf Coast Maritime Museum project.  

Despite Florida’s long history of boat building dating back 7,000 years to the original native settlers, and despite the fact that Florida has the largest number of registered boats in the country, the longest coastline second only to Alaska, and a huge and thriving boat building industry, there is no significant Maritime museum in the entire state which is collecting, preserving, and exhibiting our boat building history. The Gulf Coast Maritime Museum, Inc. is designed to fill that void.

Books are $22. Cash (exact amount) accepted or checks made out to GC Maritime Museum. The cost for members to attend is free, nonmembers $35. Go to bocagrandehistoricalsociety.com and click on “events” to register.

Archiving memories

‘Tis the season for family gatherings, and there’s no better time to sit with your loved ones and revisit family treasures and memories. A workshop by geneologist Peg Kapustiak will teach you the skills to keep your family history alive.

The discussion will be held at the Crowninshield Community House on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. 

Kapustiak’s presentations are designed to provide you with extremely practical tips, ideas, links and sources. 

Pat has been a geneologist/family historian for 44 years and has researched her family history national and internationally. She is the author of one book and 48 research articles and currently volunteers at five historical and genealogical organizations.

These events are sponsored by the Shively Charitable Foundation and Hazeltine Nurseries. The cost is $50, which includes materials. 

Registration is limited and available online at bocagrandehistoricalsociety.com.

Kim Kyle

Administrative Director

Boca Grande Historical Society