
Submitted Photos: Brendan Burke
The Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) has planned two upcoming lectures that are not-to-be-missed. Each speaker will engage the audience with a fascinating story that offers a glimpse into a unique piece of history.
January 24: Florida’s Fleet, A Boatbuilding and Fishing Legacy from the First Coast
Maritime archaeologist Brendan Burke, who works for the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum, tells the story of a new type of boat that was built in Northeast Florida during the early 20th century. The Florida-style trawler became one of the most important boats in the history of the state. From 1919 until the mid-1980s, Florida supplied the world with these trawlers, and building these boats became a multi-billion-dollar industry. Burke’s presentation brings together the stories and photos from the days of catching shrimp and building boats in the Sunshine State.
January 31: Adventures of a WWII “American Red Cross Girl”
LeOna Kriesel, the mother of professional speaker and author Kathleen Cox, spent 1943-45 working as

Kathleen Cox
Lectures are held in Rose History Auditorium, starting at 7 PM, and are free to members of the MIHS, and $10 for nonmembers. Rose History Auditorium is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive, across from the public library. For more information call 239-642-1440 or visit www.themihs.com.
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