Mission Statement
Our mission is to learn, teach, and preserve the history of Estero.
It is our hope and vision that by our continuing efforts we will help secure a rich historical legacy for future generations and a strong sense of community identity in the Village of Estero.
We Learn
Past accomplishments include:
- Producing the ‘Map of Historic and Present Day Estero’
- Publishing the book ‘Early Estero’ by Quentin Quesnell, a retired Smith College professor
- Publishing an ‘Historical Cookbook’ by Darlene Horne Johnson honoring Evelyn Luettich Horne
- Co-sponsoring an Essay Contest with the Estero Chamber of Commerce for the Elementary and Middle Schools in Estero. Here the students research local history and we all benefit.
We continue to learn by:
- Gathering the history of the pioneering families of Estero
- Publishing winning essays from our past and future Essay Contests.
We Teach
In the last few years we have:
- Lead the effort to mark the State Champion Lemon Scented Gum Tree on Corkscrew Road.
- Planned the Centennial of Estero 1904 Incorporation with parade, calliope, entertainment and exhibits.
- Conducted tours to historical places of interest.
- Provided a lecture series ‘Preserving Our Past’.
Continuing efforts will include:
- Additional lectures for our “Preserving the Past” series with some evening meetings.
- More historical books for our library
- Monthly newsletter for members
- More tours to historical sites
- Maintaining our Estero Historical Society website and Facebook page
- Reprinting our book ‘Early Estero’.
- Field trips for local students to our newly refurbished 1904 Schoolhouse.
We Preserve
We are proud that the community came together to move to the Estero Community Park the Hanson-Hall-Collier House (The Cottage) and the 1904 Schoolhouse. Restored and authentically furnished, these buildings serve as the home for many Society activities.
Ongoing preservation activities include:
- Production and sale of Edith Trebell’s Mango Chutney Meat Sauce along with delicious jams and jellies made from locally grown fruits
- Documentation of additional local pioneer stories
- Preservation of archival materials with the assistance of FGCU
- Enshrining your history through our Brick Walkway at the front of the Cottage and 1904 Schoolhouse
We Get Together
We meet to learn, teach, preserve, conduct business, recruit new members, raise funds and fun.
Society Meeting Schedule:
- First Tuesday of Each Month – Board of Directors Meeting at 9:00 a.m. at The Cottage.
Everyone is welcome to attend each of these meetings. We do offer a ‘Membership Forum’ at each meeting.
Some other get-togethers:
- EHS annual themed ‘Tea’ – Spring
- Annual Pioneer Picnic – April
- Reading of the Declaration of Independence – July 4th
- High Tea in “Mimi’s Tea Room” at our Cottage a few times per year
- Holiday Luncheon – December.
Please join us. Volunteer, become a member, provide financial support. All you need to know is at www.esterohistoricalsociety.com.