Events at this location

Overview The Marco Island Historical Museum is a cultural and educational hub dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Marco Island, Florida, from its ancient indigenous roots to modern development. Operated by the Marco Island Historical Society (founded in 1994) in partnership with the Collier County Museums system, it focuses on the Calusa Indians, early pioneers, and the island's transformation into a subtropical paradise. The museum complex includes interactive exhibits, an outdoor gallery, a rotating art gallery, a gift shop, and the rentable Rose History Auditorium for events and programs. History and Mission Established to "discover, research, acquire, and preserve the multi-faceted history of the Marco Island-Goodland region," the society raised over $4 million to build the current facility. It serves as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization supported by memberships, donations, and event rentals. The museum emphasizes educational programming for all ages, highlighting 10,000 years of human activity on the island through immersive storytelling and artifacts. Key Exhibits and Features Calusa Indian Period: The centerpiece is the "Paradise Found: 6,000 Years of People on Marco Island" exhibit, featuring the famous Key Marco Cat—a wooden feline sculpture discovered in 1896 by anthropologist Frank Hamilton Cushing. This artifact, on extended loan from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History until April 2026, is one of North America's most influential archaeological finds, showcasing Calusa artistry and culture from 500–1,500 years ago. Interactive displays and a recreated 3D village scene bring this vanished civilization to life. Pioneer Era and Modern Marco: Permanent galleries trace the island's evolution from a 19th-century fishing village, pineapple plantation, and clam cannery to its 1960s boom under the Deltona Corporation. The outdoor "Windows & Doors to History" gallery uses 24 original artworks by seven artists to visually chronicle this timeline. Rotating Gallery: Features changing exhibits of local and international art in various mediums. Additional Amenities: A gift shop with historical and local items; the Rose History Auditorium for lectures, screenings, and events. Visitors praise the museum for its engaging, family-friendly setup—ideal for a 1-hour visit—and its free admission (donations encouraged). It's accessible to North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) members for reciprocal benefits. Location and Hours Address: 180 South Heathwood Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145 Contact: Phone: 239-389-6447 | Email: administration@themihs.org Hours: Open Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (museum); gift shop 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed national holidays.