The Bonita Springs Historical Society is a non profit founded in 1984 by a small group of local residents who wished to preserve the landmarks, artifacts, and historical stories of Bonita Springs for future generations. The historical society promotes local history through events, educational programs,...
Read MoreThe Bonita Springs Historical Society is a non profit founded in 1984 by a small group of local residents who wished to preserve the landmarks, artifacts, and historical stories of Bonita Springs for future generations. The historical society promotes local history through events, educational programs, teas, socials, and community events. They will even schedule custom group tours and events. Walking historical tours include information about the Calusa, Native Americans who once lived in this area, native plants and ecology of Island Park, the 1920s-era Lilas Hotel, the 1921 Bonita Springs Elementary School, and the Castner house bungalow. A $10 donation is suggested for tours. Dates for 2024 tours have not been announced yet.
The Bonita Springs Historical Society owns the historic McSwain home built by Joseph and Elizabeth McSwain from Osyka, Missouri in1915. The McSwain's built their wood family home on a dirt road called Heitman Avenue, which later became part of the Tamiami Trail. At the time the house was built Bonita Springs didn't even exist, the area was called Survey because it was a camp of government surveyors in the 1870s. At the time the house was built it was so far out in the wilderness that this section of road between Naples and Ft. Myers was not even able to be traveled by car for the next two years. The city was renamed Bonita Springs in the early 20th century, to attract residents who became interested in the area by a boom in citrus grove planting.
In the 1970's, the home was purchased by Hudon and artist Ann Humphries. In 2011 the couple bequeathed the home to the historical society who had to restore the house from the ground up. Hurricane Irma did further damage before restoration was complete. By 2019 the historical society was fully able to open the restored home and use it as an event center to raise funds for the historical society and as a meeting place for local organizations. Historic walking tours are also able to view the home. The societies efforts to safeguard the town's architectural heritage contribute significantly to the community's sense of identity and character.
Bonita Springs offers several yearly heritage events, including the city-sponsored Celebrate Bonita festival and the Bonita Springs Historical Society annual history walking tour. In addition, the historical society provides a pamphlet for a self-guided tour of the city's historic sites and conducts outreach to the local elementary school, offering private history tours and presentations. From its early days as a settlement to its growth as a vibrant community, the historical society preserves the challenges and triumphs that have shaped Bonita Springs over the years. The society's commitment to preserving and sharing the heritage of Bonita Springs is evident in every aspect of their well-curated exhibits and engaging programs.
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