Boca Grande Historical Society

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Boca Grande Historical Society The BGHS's purpose is to collect and document island history and educate the community by bridging the past to our contemporary society.

The Boca Grande Historical Society, a 501(C)(3) not for profit organization, was founded in 1995 as an outgrowth of efforts by a small group of residents to celebrate the sesquicentennial of Florida's achievement of statehood in 1845. The Society views local and regional history as a dynamic process that provides a basis for an enhanced understanding of how the past has contributed to the present.

Here's an aerial shot over the island with the Boca Grande Hotel in the lower left.
10/02/2026

Here's an aerial shot over the island with the Boca Grande Hotel in the lower left.

09/30/2026

Starting October 1st, we will resume our normal business hours at the History Center. We look forward to welcoming you back for another great season! Stay tuned for event schedules coming soon.

Starting October 1st: Hours: Mon - Sat, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Here's a vintage shot of Fugate's. Any idea of when this may have been taken?
09/26/2026

Here's a vintage shot of Fugate's. Any idea of when this may have been taken?

09/24/2026
09/21/2026

Here is some footage of the 1978 Halloween parade through downtown Boca Grande!

For all of you natives, Paddlin' Patti can be seen with her bunny ears on her three wheel bike. Do you recognize anybody else? Who was riding the horse? More footage coming soon to the Boca Grande Historical Society.

Here's a photo of Boca Grande taken in 1937. Can you name these buildings?
09/17/2026

Here's a photo of Boca Grande taken in 1937. Can you name these buildings?

Working on the Railroad: The Human Story Behind Boca Grande’s First Rail Line. By: James J. Blaha
09/14/2026

Working on the Railroad: The Human Story Behind Boca Grande’s First Rail Line.
By: James J. Blaha

While the history of Boca Grande’s railroad has often focused on commerce and industry, this article centers on the laborers who built the Charlotte Harbor & Northern Railroad and connected the island to the mainland. Drawing on historical accounts and surviving records, it seeks to restore humani...

09/06/2026

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The president of the Izaak Walton Club, Useppa's private fishing club, poses with a giant tarpon in 1914. Courtesy of the Gasparilla Inn.

08/31/2026
Whidden’s Marina celebrating 100 years!https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DchcBuimE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
08/29/2026

Whidden’s Marina celebrating 100 years!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DchcBuimE/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Today is our centennial special edition celebrating 100 years of Whiddens Marina and 25 years of the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum, Inc. Thanks to the Boca Grande Historical Society and readers for sending in items.

Inside includes:

The Story of Whidden’s by Karen Grace
Inside the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum
Whidden’s and the animals, including Chico
Jake Poepl, a personal view of Whidden’s
Readers and family remember, with photos
Nic Mostyn and his childhood

Address

240 Banyan Street
Boca Grande, FL
33921

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+19419641600

Website

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