
Kids were encouraged to create pineapple sand art, provided Dawn Hilkowski. Also available was a coloring station and temporary pineapple tattoos.
According to Austin Bell, Curator of Collections for the Marco Island Historical Museum, pineapples were once Marco Island’s leading export. And at one point in time there were approximately one million growing pineapples on the island.

MIHS Curator of Collections Austin Bell was on sight signing copies of his book “Marco Island,” part of the “Images of America” series. Photos by Samantha Husted
Recently the Marco Island Historical Museum paid homage to Marco Island’s fruity past with its first-ever Pineapple Day. Austin says that the event was created as a fun way to honor and celebrate Marco’s little-known history. Hundreds of people stopped by the museum to learn about the tropical plant and it’s roots here on Marco Island.

Rodger Taylor of the Bonita Springs Tropical Fruit Club demonstrates how to properly remove a pineapple from the plant.

Museum volunteer Karen Brieger hands out fresh pieces of pineapple during the first ever Pineapple Day event.
In terms of how the Pineapple Day came to be she said, “It’s one of those things that we thought would just be fun to try and create an event that honors history and brings potentially new people through our doors.”
Pineapple Day comes nearly one year after the opening of the museum’s “Pioneer

Today the only physical evidence that remains of Marco Island’s once fruitful pineapple business can be found on the east side of the island in Key Marco. There Captain Horr’s Pineapple Planation Historic Site resides. The plantation sits tucked between modern homes and nature.
For more information on the Marco Island Historical Museum visit themihs. info or call 239-642-1440. The museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive, Marco Island.



Pineapple Day goers were treated to a refreshing pineapple drink made from Sprite, pineapple juice and lemonade.

Museum Manager Jennifer Perry with Pat Rutledge, MIHS Executive Director. Photos by Samantha Husted

A young participant enjoying the coloring station.

Pineapple Day goers were treated to a refreshing pineapple drink made from Sprite, pineapple juice and lemonade.
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