Rotary Club Learns More About Captiva’s Rich History

provided to The Santiva Chronicle

The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary heard from Tom Libonate, President of the Board of Directors of the Captiva Island Historical Society. The CIHS is governed by a Board of Directors and is recognized as an established non-profit 501(c)(3) by the federal government and the State of Florida. It is committed to the gathering, preserving, interpreting, and sharing of Captiva Island history, while providing education about the remarkable people and events that have shaped its past.

There are many opportunities to learn about Captiva’s rich history that will appeal to audiences of all ages through a variety of media, including a YouTube channel, documentaries, archives, programs, website, Guardian of History, walking tours (guided and self-guided), and e-blasts.

Tom Libonate and his wife, Merni, are residents of Captiva. He has been a member of the Captiva Island Historical Society since 2015 and has served as President of its Board of Directors for the past two years.

From his first exposure to Captiva in 1986, Libonate was drawn to the island’s beauty, nature, and history.

“Yes, it was different then – yet it’s just as special and extraordinary today,” said Libonate. “I am fascinated by the history of our islands and passionate about their preservation. I feel I have one foot in the past and the other in the future – doing whatever I can to share our rich history, while personally dedicated to ensuring we keep our islands the way we have come to love them.”

If you would like to learn more about Sanibel Captiva Rotary or to become a member, please visit www.sanibelrotary.org.