Estero Historical Society hosted a presentation on February 12th on Florida’s first people, The Calusa - People of the Estuary.

Dating back 10,000 years ago, The Calusa were the first people in Florida and one of the most complex societies in North America at the time, according to Florida Weekly.

Local historian, Jacob Winge, presented “the unique connection between Southwest Florida’s early advanced society; the connection that the Calusa had with the development of our unique estuarine system, their interactions with other tribes and early Spanish explorers, and ultimately the disappearance of this civilization from the physical record and their significant discovery and preservation efforts locally,” stated Florida Weekly.

Jacob Winge is a fifth-generation Floridian and has been a history buff since the age of 12 when he began presenting historical re-enactments and programs. Being a fifth-generation Floridian meant a great deal to him, as he became an expert on Florida in his 20’s. No matter your age, Winge’s presentations appeal to all audiences as he brings history to life.

The presentation was held on Saturday, February 12th at the Estero Recreation Center in Estero Park.

For more information on all of the events the Estero Historical Society has to offer, visit their website.