CIHS hosts ‘Documentary Double Feature’ for films

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NANCY RILEY/BRIAN HOLAWAY The Captiva Island Historical Society hosted its “Documentary Double Feature” event on Jan. 21 at Captiva Civic Center on Captiva.

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NANCY RILEY/BRIAN HOLAWAY Event attendees Rich Stegmann and Ellen Mayeron.

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NANCY RILEY/BRIAN HOLAWAY Captiva Island Historical Society Board President Tom Libonate introduces founding board President Jim Pigott to share his memories of Cynthia “Cindy” Sargent.

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NANCY RILEY/BRIAN HOLAWAY Attendees mingle at the Captiva Island Historical Society's “Documentary Double Feature” event on Jan. 21 at Captiva Civic Center on Captiva.

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The Captiva Island Historical Society hosted its “Documentary Double Feature” event on Jan. 21 at the Captiva Civic Center, providing a ray of hope and break from recovery for the 120-plus attendees.

The CIHS reported that as the community congregated on the center’s patio for snacks and drinks, it was evident the attendees were there not only for a taste of island history, but for sociability: to be with island neighbors and to experience a small sample of normalcy.

Board President Tom Libonate extended a warm welcome to the full-house audience and a big thank you to the board of directors for ensuring the CIHS could resume its mission as rapidly as possible.

Afterward, the CIHS paid its respects to the memory and contributions of Cynthia “Cindy” Sargent, who passed away in October. She was a founding member of the Captiva History Project and the CIHS.

Founding board President Jim Pigott shared his memories, emphasizing that Sargent will always be remembered and appreciated for her dedication to the well-being of the island, its arts and culture, and her interest in preserving the island’s colorful history.

The first documentary presented was an award-winning film produced by the Florida Museum. “The Domain of the Calusa” chronicles South Florida’s Calusa, the native coastal Indians of the region, and their powerful, complex, and artistic Native American society, which few Americans are familiar.

During intermission, Florida Master Naturalist and CIHS Director Capt. Brian Holaway shared with attendees his extensive knowledge and insight of the Calusa, while answering audience questions.

Produced by the CIHS in 2018, the second documentary was “Buck Key: Island of History & Mystery.” It is the surprising story of the unoccupied Buck Key, its Calusa occupants, and the early community and plantations that foreshadowed Captiva’s settlement.

The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company is the presenting sponsor for the CIHS season.

The Captiva Civic Center is at 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva.