Mission

The Captiva Island Historical Society (CIHS) 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.

History

Established in 2011, the CIHS was an outgrowth of the pioneering and well-received oral history work done as part of the Captiva History Project, founded in 2010 by Stella Farwell.

In 2013, the CIHS was granted space in the newly renovated Captiva Civic Center, to recognize and remember Captiva's unique, diverse history. Through generous donations the History Gallery, a replica of the beloved mailboat “Santiva” was completed and opened to the public in April 2014. The exhibit was refashioned in 2019, updating displays and adding new features, and rebuilt in 2024 following water intrusion damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

CIHS is recognized as an established non-profit 501(c)(3) by the federal government and State of Florida.  Governed by a Board, CIHS support comes from the generosity of donors from the extended community.

VIEW A BRIEF HISTORY LESSON OF CIHS HISTORY.