Estero Historical Society

06/25/2026

You're invited! Read Jacob Winge's article in the News-Press about our Independence Day celebration at the Estero Historical Society Complex, and what it means to our community as a whole.

https://www.news-press.com/story/opinion/2026/06/20/public-reading-of-declaration-of-independence-set-for-july-4-opinion/90595368007/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSp_blleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeo5rXigqw2mZ8tCEFeAjlENeAvd2C_fO3xgDhT_iNqoD2IQ_FHuYcVr9igyw_aem_RGYcaULQbQUmEEBfTeiZ4g

Historical Society invites you to join the observance at Estero Community Park

06/23/2026

Raised on a family farm in southeastern Wisconsin that had been owned by the family for generations, Gordon attended a one-room country school through eighth grade before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from the University of Wisconsin–Stout.

A diverse career followed, including work in manufacturing, service abroad with the Peace Corps in Malaysia, and leadership of a family-owned agricultural equipment dealership. After the dealership was sold in 2001, an interest in history led to work with a large living-history museum operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society, dedicated to preserving and interpreting 19th-century rural life and ethnic settlements.

Over the past decade, regular visits to the Estero area have provided a firsthand view of the region's remarkable growth and transformation, while reinforcing an appreciation for the importance of preserving local history.

We are so thankful for Gordon's generous gift of time and talent on behalf of the Estero Historical Society.

06/20/2026

🌟Celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day with History, Community & Fun!

Join the Estero Historical Society for a special 250th Anniversary 4th of July celebration at the Cottage Museum! Experience a beloved community tradition as Jacob Winge, dressed in full period costume, delivers a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence — a decades-long celebration that brings history to life right here in Estero.

Enjoy:
🍉 Fresh watermelon slices
🚒 A patriotic fire truck display featuring a giant American flag
🎁 250th Celebration bags from the Village of Estero
🎉 Fun giveaways from our generous sponsor, Edison Eye Care

Bring the family, celebrate our nation’s history, and enjoy a memorable community event filled with patriotism and local pride!

The Estero Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing the unique history of the greater Estero area. Support projects like the restoration and relocation of the historic Alvarez/Smith Home

06/16/2026

🏡 Exciting Progress on the 1916 Alvarez-Smith Cottage Restoration Project! 🏡

We're making great strides in preserving a piece of Estero's history!

✅ The forklift and new siding have been delivered.
✅ The new siding will be installed before the big move.
✅ The future home site has been cleared and prepared.
✅ Foundation work at Estero Community Park has begun.

Each step brings us closer to relocating and restoring the historic 1916 Alvarez-Smith Cottage, ensuring that this important landmark can be enjoyed by future generations.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support this project through donations, volunteer efforts, and encouragement. Together, we're preserving Estero's story, one step at a time!

Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project moves forward.

06/09/2026

🎉 Congratulations to the Three Oaks Elementary Scholarship Essay Winners! 🎉

The Estero Historical Society is delighted to recognize the talented students of Three Oaks Elementary who participated in this year's Scholarship Essay Contest.

Through their essays, these students explored the rich history of our community, demonstrating curiosity, creativity, and a genuine appreciation for the people and events that have shaped the Greater Estero area. Their hard work and dedication made this year's competition especially memorable.

Please join us in congratulating our scholarship winners on this outstanding achievement! We are proud to support young learners who are helping keep local history alive for future generations.

A special thank you goes to all the students who participated, as well as the teachers, families, and especially the donation from Mark and Ramona Novitski that make this program possible.

🌟 Congratulations to our winners and all who took part! Your enthusiasm for learning and local history inspires us all.

👏 Help us celebrate these remarkable students by leaving your congratulations in the comments below!

06/04/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Our Scholarship Essay Winners! 🎉

The Estero Historical Society is proud to recognize the outstanding Estero High School students who participated in this year's Scholarship Essay Contest. Through their thoughtful research, creativity, and appreciation for local history, these students demonstrated the importance of preserving and sharing the stories that shape our community.

Please join us in congratulating our scholarship recipients! Their hard work and dedication to learning about the history of our area are truly inspiring.

We extend our sincere thanks to all of the students who submitted essays, the teachers and families who supported them, and especially the donation from Mark and Ramona Novitski that make this program possible.

The future is bright when young people take an interest in the past. Congratulations again to our winners—we look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in the years ahead!

👏 Leave a comment below to help us celebrate their achievement!