Museum of the Islands seeks to increase membership
Of the many things Pine Islanders are proud of, topping the list would be that the island is rich in history. Often touted as the last bastion of “Old Florida,” dedicated natives and transplants have worked tirelessly to maintain that esteemed image. Often thought of as a collection of fishing villages, one visit to the Museum of the Islands will reveal that there is a lot more to the island history. The island museum takes visitors back to a time when fishing was indeed the mainstay of civilization here, but also thousands of years ago when the island was inhabited by the Calusa civilization, a time of early settlement, and of course fishing. For several decades, the museum has been the benefactor of many supporters over the years from its meager beginnings to just recently.
“Islanders remember the time when the museum came into being and have continued to support it,” said island resident and MOTI member Lynn Sarda. “Recently Mike Shevlin and Jim Bone made a donation to the museum in the amount of $300,000. On making this generous donation, Mike said it was just an old building (MOTI) no longer used by the library and now it’s the history of the island.”
Supported solely with donations and memberships, the museum has maintained its non-profit status and today, however, more members are needed to continue to maintain the exhibits and the building that houses the island history.
“Our little local museum is a place for locals, tourists, travelers and researchers to cherish. MOTI membership provides an opportunity for people to be a part of this vital, important cultural institution on Pine Island,” Sarda said. “Perusing the collections, gaining knowledge about local history or volunteering for tasks at the museum enhances your contribution to the community in which you live. Being a part of MOTI just feels good.”
Displays in the museum include an extensive collection of Calusa artifacts as well as items reminiscent of the horse and buggy days as well as more recent events that made a mark in history.
“MOTI is a great place to get questions answered about our island’s history answered and that includes recent history,” said Naomi Brewer, MOTI vice president. “Bokeelia resident, 82 year old, Betty Jean Skribiski tells about bringing guests to the museum soon after Hurricane Charley and gave us a wonderful history of the island’s hurricanes as well as telling us her experience living through Charley.”
Also on display at the museum are numerous locally collected shells, murals, tools, old dolls, fishing equipment and more.
In addition to browsing the artifacts and thoughtfully arranged displays, visitors also can take a part of the island heritage with them.
MOTI’s gift shop is another favorite among visitors. Those stopping in will find a fine collection of books with topics ranging from ancient history to shell collecting in Florida’s rivers and from local history to local authors’ best sellers are available for sale,” Sarda said. “Crafts and decorative items along with cards, photos, videotapes and DVDs are also for sale and all proceeds from these sales are used to maintain the museum.”
MOTI memberships run from Jan. 1, through Dec. 31, for a donation of $10 per year for an individual which not only helps to support the museum, but also entitles members to attend annual membership meetings which feature guest speakers presenting topics as varied as the artifacts found in the museum. For information on becoming a Museum of the Islands member, contact museum president, Sharon Traylor at 283-9155 or by email to straylor9155@comcast.net. Those interested may also stop at the museum to pick up a membership form. MOTI is located at 5728 Sesame Drive, across from the Pine Island Public Library north of the island center. The Museum of the Islands’ winters hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.