The Captiva Island Historical Society will be screening “Secrets and Stories of the Sanibel Lighthouse,” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24 at the Captiva Civic Association, 11550 Chapin Lane. The film was created by Ken Sneeden and produced by the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village.
In this documentary you’ll go on a journey through rarely seen historic photographs, documents and home movies. You’ll learn about the construction history of the lighthouse, as well as the human stories of the Lighthouse Keepers and other islanders who lived, worked and raised their families on this site.
You’ll discover the strong connections between the lighthouse and other long time island institutions, including the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge, the local Sea Turtle Monitoring Program, and fishing and lodging businesses on the islands.
You’ll also learn how the lighthouse was ground zero for early efforts to control mosquitoes.
You’ll see how the lighthouse participated in the defense of the U.S.A. during World War II.
You’ll hear first hand from the U.S. Coast Guard’s last official Sanibel Lighthouse Keeper, and from a long time island conservationist, who lived at the lighthouse for more than 20 years.
The documentary will be aired at 6 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Captiva Civic Association. Ticket price is $15 per person. Snacks and soft drinks are included. There will be a cash bar. Reservations are requested and can be made through Eventbrite or by calling the CIHS at (239) 472-2323. The CIHS proceeds from this documentary screening will be donated to SHMV to assist in their on-going Hurricane Ian recovery.
The Captiva Island Historical Society is happy to collaborate with the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village to bring you this event, and grateful for the support of the Sanibel Captiva Trust Company as the presenting sponsor for this season’s programs.
Don’t miss it! Ironically, this is the story of a lighthouse that was itself the victim of a shipwreck – just what these special lights were designed to prevent.
Leave a Comment