Events
Monday, January 12, 2026, 1 - 2 p.m., Fort Myers Beach Public Library
Public Meeting with Lee Melsek
Retired Fort Myers News-Press investigative reporter Lee Melsek will recount tales of the golden past (1950s - ‘60s) growing up on Fort Myers Beach in his 2025 published book: Finding Huck: Adventures Down Yonder.
Monday, January 19, 2026, 1 - 2 p.m.: Special Presentation
“The New Great Hall of Shells at the National Shell Museum & Aquarium,” St. Raphael's Episcopal Church, 5601 Williams Dr., FMB
Dr. José H. Leal, Ph.D., the Science Director and Curator of the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, will provide an insider’s view of the new exhibits at the renovated Great Hall of Shells at the Museum. Completion of Phase 2 of the Great Hall was the last step in physical renovations following the damage inflicted on the Museum by Hurricane Ian in September 2022.
Monday, February 9, 2026, 1 - 2 p.m., Fort Myers Beach Public Library
Public Meeting with Robert Macomber
Perennial favorite EIHS presenter Robert Macomber will enthrall guests with his research on “Deep Ditches and Bright Lights” — The story of how SW Florida acquired the channels and lighthouses we rely upon.
Internationally acclaimed lecturer, author & TV/film commentator, Robert N. Macomber is best known for his 17 multi-award-winning books. His talent, professionalism and personality enliven his presentations as a historian specializing in maritime subjects, Victorian-Edwardian world history, and American history.
Monday, March 9, 2026, 1 - 2 p.m., Fort Myers Beach Public Library
Public Meeting with Barbara Puffer and Ellie Bunting
Faith by the Sea: Tracing the Spiritual Roots of Fort Myers Beach” will present the history of the Catholic Church of the Ascension and St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church on Fort Myers Beach. The EIHS invites others to speak about the history of other FMB churches.
Barbara Puffer was the historian for the Parish Catholic Women’s Club and was writing a 60-year history of that group when Hurricane Ian struck in September 2022, and things became understandably unglued. The Club history project became a 40-page book that Barbara will share, along with published Diocesan plans to rebuild the Parish campus by the end of 2027.
