The CIHS presented its third Betty Anholt Guardian of History Award to Tony Lapi in honor of his preservation and stewardship of one of Captiva Island’s most historic properties: ‘Tween Waters Inn. The video captures the ceremony and reception which took place at the Sanibel Community House
Past Events
Tony Lapi Honored as a Guardian of History
The Art of History
Inspired by images from Captiva’s colorful history, Captiva resident—artist and author—Ilie Ruby transforms archival moments and images into narrative-driven contemporary paintings. The program is an intimate look at the work-behind-the-works, as CIHS directors share the historical context of the images that inspired this exhibition of Ms. Ruby’s paintings
Highlights from Rediscover Cabbage Key
Recorded aboard the Lady Chadwick on January 12, 2026, the video captures the most engaging stories and historical insights shared by CIHS historians Betty Anholt and Captain Brian Holaway, along with reflections from Cabbage Key Inn’s Rob Wells. Designed primarily for viewers who could not attend the live program.
Anne Morrow and More
The CIHS Tribute to the 70th Anniversary Release of “Gift from the Sea.” Time spent on Captiva inspired Anne Morrow Lindbergh to pen “Gift from the Sea.” This original script program held comes alive through an on-screen and theatrical presentation, blending poignant passages from the book with what was happening, on Captiva Island and worldwide, in the early 1950s.
Tony Lapi Shares Memories of Historic 'Tween Waters
For almost 100 years ’Tween Waters Inn has been a flagship in Captiva Island’s history, and for the last 50 years Tony has been an anchor. Watch as Tony, along with his longtime associates, Holly Monroe and Tim Jarvis, share engaging tales not included in the book in his book, “Tales of an Island Innkeeper."
On the Water History of Weathering Storms
Video excerpts from the CIHS “lunch & learn” cruise, a round-trip from Captiva to Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island in the company of local historians and CIHS board members Betty Anholt and Captain Brian Holaway, who shared the historical impact of hurricanes on Pine Island Sound and its neighboring islands.
Celebrating Women's History Month
Women of Captiva History
Over the past 120 years, remarkable women of Captiva Island have had a profound impact on its rich history. In a Celebration of Women's History Month, the Captiva Island Historical Society and its documentarian Ken Sneeden highlight six of those women in a multi-media presentation.
Marching Mullet Band Parade
On March 6, 2024, the CIHS premiered its documentary “From Laughter to Legacy - Captiva’s Jensen Family” at McCarthy’s Marina, Captiva. Before the film, the Jensen family once again orchestrated one of their absolutely unique Marching Mullet Band parades.
Kristi Anders Presented Guardian of History Award
The CIHS presented its second Betty Anholt Guardian of History Award to Kristie Anders in honor of her lifetime achievement in the interpretation and sharing of island history. The video captures the ceremony which took place at a tented reception on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at McCarthy’s Marina, Captiva Island.
From Bullets to Books
Black Bart
A Captiva Island Historical Society event on February 18, 2020 featured visiting historians Professor Gabri van Tussenbroek and Tanja Holzhey speaking on the life of former notorious villain, and later peaceful Captiva Island resident, Reimund "Black Bart" Holzhey
Island Voices
Randy Wayne White
Best-selling author Randy Wayne White of the Doc Ford series of novels shares his colorful stories and experiences as a fishing guide on our islands in the 1970’s and 80’s. Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at the Captiva Civic Association.
An Evening With Norma Miller: Queen of Swing
A behind-the-curtain and front-row peek at our March 30, 2015 event, "Norma Miller, Queen of Swing". This special footage was created for the CIHS by Dreamtime Entertainment and features Norma Miller, Chester Whitmore, and "Queen of Swing" documentary director, John Buffar.
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WAYS TO GIVE
Help us deliver our mission of gathering, preserving, interpreting and sharing the history of Captiva Island. We hope you will consider a gift to the CIHS.