Historical Museum, Fiala Recieve Recognition

The Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) and Museum (MIHM) were recently recognized by both the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and the Southeastern Museums Conference (SEMC) for work related to the museum’s newest permanent exhibit – The Pioneer Era: A Tale of Two Villages – which debuted in January 2017.

The exhibit, which chronicles Marco Island’s “pioneer era” between 1870 and 1960, was awarded Silver in the 2017 SEMC Exhibition Competition for exhibits with a budget over $100,000. The permanent exhibit, which cost approximately $335,000 to produce, was a collaborative effort of Collier County Museums, MIHS, and Creative Arts Unlimited (CAU).

One of the most noticeable features of the new exhibit is its innovative use of digital projection technology. For their efforts, the MIHS, MIHM and CAU were also awarded Bronze in the 2017 SEMC Technology Competition under the Gallery Installation category.

“We are extraordinarily proud of this exhibit and the rich stories from our pioneer past that it brings to life” said Pat Rutledge, Executive Director of the Marco Island Historical Society. “We are grateful to the Southeastern Museums Conference and the American Alliance of Museums for their recognition.”

Also recognized was Collier County Commissioner Donna Fiala, who received the 2017 Florida Association of Museums Outstanding Public Official Award. Commissioner Fiala was nominated by the MIHS and Collier County Museum System as a public official whose work in elected office is a model of government support of the museum field.

The Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 South Heathwood Drive, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM-4 PM. Admission is free. For more information call 239-642-1440.