We’re pleased to announce that Ken Sneeden will be our history speaker for the general meeting on May 8th. His topic is: “How Hurricanes have Shaped the History of Southwest Florida’s Islands: 1800s until Today.“
Since 2016, Ken has worked with the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village and the Captiva Island Historical Society producing documentaries and other audiovisual presentations related to the history of the islands. His topics have ranged from the history of the Sanibel Lighthouse to the fishing and lodging histories of both islands. His two most recent documentaries for Sanibel were “Wreckage, Resilience and Recovery: The History of Hurricanes on Sanibel” and “Storm Stories from Sanibel: Hurricane Ian.”
You may recognize Ken’s name. Previously Ken worked for local station WINK-TV, first as an anchor and producer and later as Station Manager.
The presentation begins at 7pm at The Collaboratory 2031 Jackson Street. Light refreshments will be served beginning at 6:45 pm
ABOUT THE SOCIETY
The Southwest Florida Historical Society (SWFLHS) was established in 1963 by a group of citizens to “preserve the history of our area”.
In 1983 the SWFLHS received as a gift a building that was destined to be demolished by the City for a new parking lot. Harper Brothers Construction donated the building and Flint and Doyle was contracted to move the building to the campus of the Lee County Alliance for the Arts. Siting the building to its current location on the Alliance property was completed and renovations started to bring the building up to City and County Building Codes.
In 1984 the SWFLHS received its Articles of Incorporation with the following purpose:
“The mission of the society is to discover, collect and preserve original and source documents, maps and photographs pertaining to the history of SW Florida.
To bring together those interested in the history of this area; to promote and stimulate public interest and appreciation of the history of this area; and to further the preservation and knowledge of Southwest Florida’s past.”
In 1987 a Dedication of the Building was held and the doors were open to the public.
