by Alison Waldbart
The Captiva Island Historical Society presented a makeover of the Old Santiva Mailboat History Gallery on Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Captiva Memorial Library on Chapin Lane.
CIHS Vice President Mike Boris was excited about the community coming out for the unveiling. “A lot of work has gone into making this gallery better than it’s ever been,” he said.
CIHS President Tom Libonante told attendees the presentation would be “two much fun,” as they would not only get an up-close reveal of the makeover, but the introduction of the historical society’s new walking tour of Captiva Island. He then introduced CIHS Past President Jim Pigott, who cut the ribbon and led the crowd of 20-plus attendees into the Old Santiva Mailboat where he shared the improvements in order to better serve the public with friendly electronic screens, updated displays and a new floor.
Following the reveal, Libonante showed attendees the first Walking Tour brochure, which contains a self-guided map of 12 historic landmarks on the island. Jewel Jensen, a CIHS board member, offered an on-the-spot guided tour of Chapel-by-the-Sea, the historic cemetery and expertise on several other landmarks on the tour. Of the dozen landmarks, three are on the National Historic Register: the chapel and cemetery, as well as ‘Tween Waters Inn. Brochures can be found at the library and several island businesses.
Learn more about the Captiva Island Historical Society at its website.
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