MONTHLY SPEAKER SERIES: Gerri Reaves speaking Thursday, March 13th
We’re thrilled to welcome Gerri Reaves as our March historical speaker. The theme of her talk will be “Scenes from Downtown History.”
Gerri Reaves has been researching and writing about Fort Myers history for more than 20 years. History lovers might be familiar with her history columns, Then & Now, which appeared in The River Weekly News for 18 years. She is the author of three books, two on local history: Fort Myers, Then & Now and Legendary Locals of Fort Myers, both published by Arcadia Publishing.
A past president of the Southwest Florida Historical Society, Gerri will be available for Question and Answer as well as book signing. This is a presentation you don’t want to miss.
The presentation will be in downtown Fort Myers at Collaboratory (former location of the Train Depot / Museum of History) 2031 Jackson Street. Light refreshments and social hour 6:45 pm, program begins at 7pm.
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 of 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.
