The Captiva Island Historical Society is pleased that Kathy Ferrari has joined its Board of Directors. Having a deep appreciation for the rich history of our islands, Kathy began visiting Captiva and Sanibel as a child in the 1970s, then continuing to the college breaks and many vacations she spent when her parents eventually purchased a condo at Punta Rassa.

The tribute from the Captiva Island Historical Society to the much-loved Jensen family was sold out long before the night of March 6. The centerpiece of the evening was the premiere showing of the 10th documentary in the CIHS “Captiva Memories" series, "From Laughter to Legacy - Captiva's Jensen Family," evoked both the factual history and the generous, fun-loving spirit of the Jensen family.

On January 24, 2024 more than 100 people gathered at the Captiva Civic Association to view the documentary movie ”Secrets and Stories of the Sanibel Lighthouse,” created by Ken Sneeden, and produced by the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village. The Captiva Island Historical Society chose to screen the film on Captiva and donate the proceeds to the SHMV for use in its recovery efforts from Hurricane Ian.

On Sunday night, January 7th, the chill in the evening air did nothing to cool the warm feelings inside the tent erected at McCarthy’s Marina lot for the Betty Anholt Guardian of History Award dinner ceremony. This year the Captiva Island Historical Society honored Kristie Anders for her “lifetime achievement in interpreting and sharing history of the Islands.”

On Wednesday, November 8th the Captiva Island Historical Society launched its first event of the season with a sold-out sunset cruise onboard the Lady Chadwick, out of Captiva Cruises at McCarthy’s Marina on Captiva.  The evening signaled a return to post-Ian normalcy, after the hurricane had devastated both the 2022-23 CIHS Programs and the Lady Chadwick herself.

After a eight month closure due to structural damage to the floor of its history gallery, followed by disruption from Hurricane Ian, the Captiva Island Historical Society is pleased to announce its History Gallery, a replica of the old mailboat “Santiva,” is open and completely refurbished.

On Tuesday, March 14 the Captiva Island Historical Society concluded its abbreviated season with a program that paid tribute to “Women’s History Month,” featuring two films highlighting several women who played an important role in shaping aspects of Captiva’s colorful history.