Perdichizzi’s Embark on a New Chapter

Friday, August 1st was a day mixed with happy and sad thoughts for many members of the Marco Island Historical Society when they said goodbye to two of their most revered and respected members, Betsy and Bill Perdichizzi. Family and friends gathered later that afternoon under the roof which the honorees helped to build, the Marco Island Historical Museum on South Heathwood. 

This dynamic couple did so much to grow a dream into the reality that today has become a world-class museum which celebrates the evolution of our island through four separate and distinct historical time periods. The first being the story of the earliest settlers on the island, the Calusa Indians, the pioneer stories, the Deltona years, and now modern Marco. 

The genesis of the Marco Island Historical Society saw its early beginnings in the living room of Carol Campbell. This gathering happened after a handful of ladies listened to Douglas Waitley, who authored the book, The Last Paradise. It was there that he challenged them to become involved in saving the history of the island. 

Bill and Betsy decided to spend their honeymoon on Marco Island after they merged their five children into one family following their marriage. To hear Betsy tell it, that trip set in motion their joint belief that Marco was where they desired to retire and start the next chapter in their life.  

I had the opportunity to spend some special time with Betsy and Bill amongst the many boxes they’ve packed at their home, preparing for their move later this month to New Mexico. You can’t help but be impressed by their dedication and love of the island they’ve called home since the early 90s.  

There is an old adage about couples who volunteer that says, “If you get one, you’ll get the other sooner rather than later,” and that was certainly applicable to Betsy and Bill. They deserve to be called a “dynamic duo.” 

Both are quick to heap praise on a number of individuals besides themselves. The name Helmut Nickel and his wife Hildegard were another such couple. “These were two of our friends who were instrumental in establishing the Marco Island Historical Museum,” said Betsy. “Helmut's professional experience was particularly valuable in the early stages of planning. Helmut brought with him the wonderful experience as the curator in the Department of Arms and Armor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art,” said Bill, who fondly recalled working with Helmut to build displays for artifacts in a second-floor shop at what is called the Shops of Marco in Old Marco during those early collection days of artifacts that began the long journey of the local historical group. 

They also spoke of so many names of others that may have passed over the years, but also fondly remembered the impact that Alan and Linda Sandlin had, which made the museum a reality. They also reminisced about many of the donors who gave so generously to the campaign over those years and the excitement over the return of the Marco Cat, on loan from the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. 

“I never wanted to become the chairperson for the capital campaign, but nobody wanted to step up, so Bill and I became co-chairs,” said Betsy. “We had a great team that surrounded us and helped to make what we have today a reality. Raising the money, designing the building, and actually seeing it rise up on that piece of land eventually became a reality due to the generosity and commitment by our little island community. We would end up having to overcome some hurdles, but together we got it done,” said Bill. 

I could have sat for hours with these two, but they had to allow them to continue to pack their boxes as they proudly displayed a beautiful photo as part of the 10th anniversary of the Historical Society and a going-away present to them. 

Best wishes for a safe journey as you two embark on the next chapter in your life’s many adventures from all of us here in a place you helped to make so special.