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Bonita & Estero Magazine

Bonita Springs Historical Society - Preserving, Protecting, and Promoting the Cultural History of Bonita Springs

Nov 23, 2021 02:26PM ● By Jessica Wagner

Photo Courtesy of Charlie Strader

Bonita Springs Historical Society is a nonprofit organization created over 30 years ago and is dedicated to bringing the rich cultural heritage of Bonita Springs to life for both locals and tourists.
Their mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the cultural history of Bonita Springs by building enthusiasm for the city and sharing its unique history.
Bonita Springs Historical Society was founded by a small group of dedicated individuals in 1984 who shared an interest in keeping the history of Bonita Springs alive and well.

According to Charlie Strader, President of the Historical Society, “The Society has many facets, including owning and restoring 1915 McSwain Historic Home, maintaining exhibits at the Liles Hotel History Center in Riverside Park, operating history walking tours, offering presentations, a resource library and archiving local history.”
This isn’t just your local ladies getting together for a tea party. Rather, there are many moving parts to the Historical Society, including many opportunities for people to get involved and volunteer both their time and money.
One of the biggest compliments the Society has received recently is about the McSwain House. The Society has transformed the McSwain House, including a new front deck, an ADA ramp, a new metal roof, and more. 
Members of the Historical Society are also very active in the Bonita Springs community, donating their time and effort to other nonprofits and staying aware of what the city council is doing to ensure they are as knowledgeable about the current times as they are the history of Bonita Springs.
One of Charlie’s favorite things about being a part of the Historical Society is answering the questions of visitors and being a part of the tours.
The Bonita Springs Historical Society’s walking tours begin in December and there is a speaker series planned for 2022. Details for the tours and the speaker series can be found on the Historical Society’s website.