Marco DAR Honors Island Historians

Two premier historians of Marco Island were honored by the Marco Island chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) at its April 17th  meeting at the Marco Island Yacht Club.

Marco DAR Regent, Valinda Bilbrey, introduced Betsy Perdichizzi and Pat Rutledge as “having dedicated significant time in their lives to preserving the history of Marco Island.”

Bilbrey presented the two women with DAR "Women in American History" certificates and medals.

During the presentation,  she enumerated their considerable contributions: 

• Pat Rutledge has been the CEO of the Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) since 2017.  She also is a founding member of the Cultural Alliance of Marco Island and Goodland. Her dedication to service includes her past presidency of the Marco Island Noontime Rotary Club and her 2016 award as Marco Island Volunteer of the Year. That same year, she and her husband, Ron, received the Marco Island Spirit Award. Under Pat’s leadership, the Marco Island Historical Society received the Spirit Award in 2024.
• Betsy Perdichizzi, a DAR member, has written five historical books about Marco Island and its pioneers. She brings the stories to life through her entertaining and lively re-enactments of key historical figures. Fifteen years ago, she was co-chair of the MIHS Capital Campaign to raise $4.5 million to build the Marco Island Historical Museum. It was completed in 2011. Betsy served two terms as President of the Historical Society. She continues with the Marco Island Historical Re-enactors and historical writing.

For information about the Maro Island Historical Society and Museum, visit https://themihs.info/ or call 239-389-6447.

To find out more about the Marco DAR Chapter call Valinda Bilbrey at 515-480-7311 or email vbilbreyregentmidar@gmail.com. The chapter was founded in 1976. The DAR works to preserve the spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence.