Join the Estero Island Historic Society

Support, share and help preserve local history in our 30^th anniversary year - 2025

The Estero Island Historic Society (EIHS) is dedicated to preserving and sharing the colorful history of our island. Although we lost many archives and artifacts from our historic 1921-built cottage during Hurricane Ian in September 2022, the EIHS has reopened with exhibits that portray the evolution of Fort Myers Beach from a Calusa settlement to a fishing village to a tourist destination.

Join the EIHS to support our rebuilding and outreach

Public meetings from January through April each year bring in speakers on local and regional history and ecology.

EIHS docents offer free tours of the EIHS museum to visitors, on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The tours lead the visitors through the 100+ years of our island's modern history and thousands of years of pre-settler history.

The EIHS works with Beach Elementary School and Florida Gulf Coast University by offering presentations on our local history to interested students and teachers.

We feature changing exhibits on many historical and environmental themes, including:

-   A century of hurricane impacts on Estero Island

-   Notable residents and visitors

-   Landmarks and historic sites

-   Matanzas Pass Nature Preserve and Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve

-   The Calusa people who inhabited this area for thousands of years

-   The changing face and purpose of local institutions

Why Should I Join EIHS?

Joining the Estero Island Historic Society is crucial for anyone passionate about preserving local history and community heritage. As a member, you contribute to safeguarding the rich cultural legacy of Estero Island, ensuring that the stories, artifacts, and traditions that define this unique area are kept alive for future generations. Your involvement supports educational programs, historical research, and community events that foster a deep appreciation for the island's past. By joining, you become part of a vibrant network of individuals dedicated to celebrating and preserving the history that shapes Estero Island's identity.

All you need to do to join is click on one of these links, enter payment information and email address and you are good to go.  We will send you a confirming email and will send a welcome gift to you if we have your physical address.

Membership opportunities

All memberships are annual, from January 1 through December 31. This link lets you sign up as a member, pay your annual fee, and renew the following year (we will email a reminder).

Individual  Click Here

$30

If you join as an individual member, you will receive these benefits:

-   Gain access to EIHS archives, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Fort Myers Beach and Estero Island.

-   Attend lectures, presentations, and guided tours to deepen your understanding of local history and its impact on the community.

-   Participate in social gatherings, fundraisers, and events that bring together members of the community.

-   Monthly newsletters and events updates sent to your email box. 

Supporter  Click Here

$50

-   Supporter Membership includes newsletters with updates o the society’s initiatives, upcoming events, and highlights from Estero Island’s History.

-   You will gain deeper insights into the history of FMB thorough programs and archival access.

-   You will connect with fellow history enthusiasts and supporters of the local community.

-   You will be involved in meaningful projects that enhance the impact of the society.

Business  Click Here

$100

-   Corporate name and logo on EIHS website home page

-   Quarterly email newsletter

-   Email invitation to public meetings and special events

-   Logo and name on emailed quarterly newsletter

-   Option to bring a portable sign to EIHS events

-   EIHS souvenir gift upon joining / renewing

-   Recognition at EIHS events