By Kathy Kurtz Ferrari, CIHS Board of Directors

Although it was the end of the season for the Captiva Island Historical Society, it could also be considered the beginning of a reconnection for a group of visitors who attended the premiere of the documentary “Al, Bix, Ding and Kent: Captiva’s Awesome Foursome” held at BIG ARTS April 8.

The film tells the story of remarkable Captivans Alice O’Brien, Harold Bixby, J.N. “Ding” Darling and Kent Curtis, all who made an impact on Captiva in the middle decades of the 20th century. The film was the 11th in CIHS’s Captiva Memories series.

Award-winning filmmaker and acclaimed broadcast journalist Ken Sneeden poured through hours of rare film footage, photos, letters and other artifacts to weave the story of these four individuals who came together not only to appreciate the unique beauty and isolation of Captiva, but also to serve as early stewards of conservation, protecting the barrier islands’ fragile environment.

Jeff Muddell, Florida Trust Wealth Managaement; Ken Sneeden, documentary producer; Lee Ellen Harder, BigArts Executive Director

Interviews by the descendants of O’Brien, Bixby, Darling and Curtis were woven into the film, and several of those family members traveled from around the country to attend the premiere. CIHS hosted a pre-event luncheon at the Captiva Island Yacht Club for the group, which included Bixby’s grandsons Ben Barrett and Henry Caldwell, his great-niece Vanessa Stevens; O’Brien’s great-niece Nancy O’Brien Wagner; and Mary Jo Johnston, great-niece of Curtis.

From left: Mary Jo Johnston, great niece of Kent Curtis; Nancy O'Brien Wagner, Alice O'Briens great niece; Cheryl Barrett; Henry Caldwell & Ben Barrett, Harold Bixby's grandsons; Dave Wagner; Kelly Johnston 

Although their ancestors were close friends, it was the first time the family members had met each other. “It was really special,” CIHS President Tom Libonate said. “It was like reconnecting the connection.” Reportedly, the group solidified their new friendship by closing the bar at ‘Tween Waters after the film.

Tom Libonate, CIHS President and Lee Ellen Harder, BigArts Executive Director

“Putting this film together took a lot of research over two plus years, and a lot of rich content had to be cut,” Libonate said, explaining documentaries should only run about one hour.

Members of the CIHS board of directors helped gather information to be used in the project. Several current residents of the island community were also interviewed to help tell the story.

In addition to the families of Alice O’Brien, Harold Bixby, and Kent Curtis attending the premiere, Samuel Koltinsky, Director of the Jay N Darling Legacy Center, spent the day with them, and conducted interviews for his upcoming documentary commemorating the 150th anniversary of Ding Darling’s birth.

CIHS Directors, Betty Anholt and Mary Jane Vinson with Sam Koltinsky
 

The premiere was the culmination of the CIHS 2025-26 season, and highlights included a salute to the 70th anniversary of Anne Morrow Lindberg’s book “Gift From the Sea,” inspired by the author’s time on Captiva; a dinner cruise to Cabbage Key including historical perspectives from CIHS historians Captain Brian Holaway and Betty Anholt, and Rob Wells, owner of Cabbage Key Inn; and a salute to ‘Tween Waters chairman Tony Lapi, presented with the prestigious Betty Anholt Guardian of History Award.

Ben Barrett, grandson of Harold Bixby with wife Cheryl, and the book he published about his grandfather's role in Charles Lindbergh's historic flight

“I think it was an extraordinary season,” said Libonate. “The diversity of programs was truly special. Not only did we have solo events produced by CIHS, but we also had a joint event with Sanibel Historical Museum and Village which made it for a very successful season.”

Libonate also stressed CIHS’s appreciation of season sponsor Florida Trust Wealth Management, whose support was essential for the success of the year’s events.

“And we truly appreciate the support from the community and those who attended our events.”

The board's Events Committee is already working hard to prepare a full slate of programs for next year’s season.

Visit captivaislandhistoricalsociety.org for information on all past and upcoming events.

Watch "Captiva's Awesome Foursome" documentary.