Passing the Torch at the Marco Island Historical Society

At their Annual Meeting and Holiday Luncheon, the Marco Island Historical Society said goodbye to retiring Board of Directors members and welcomed new members to their Board. There was also a change of Society leadership as current President, Tom Wagor, transferred the gavel to the incoming President, Pat Rutledge.

Retiring Board members, Dottie Henderson, Kathy Miracco, Heidi Moss and Craig Woodward accepted the heartfelt gratitude of the Historical Society for all of their contributions during

their Board service, which included the fund raising for and the construction of the impressive Marco Island Historical Museum.

The MIHS warmly welcomed to their Board of Directors State Representative Kathleen Passidomo and Marco Islander Gayle Thawley who enthusiastically accepted their badges and spoke of their excitement at being a part of such a dedicated group of leaders.

Finally, outgoing MIHS Board President Tom Wagor was sincerely thanked for his commitment to the Society and for

serving two terms as Society President. Among his other accomplishments, Tom was the architect of the MIHS Strategic Plan which includes the Society’s campaign to raise the necessary funds to return the treasured Calusa artifacts to Marco Island.

Incoming President, Pat Rutledge, closed the meeting by expressing her commitment to deliver on the mission statement of the MIHS which is to “Preserve and Share the History and Heritage of Marco Island and the Surrounding Community” and to make the Marco Island Historical Museum a World Class entity.