The Mound House makes it onto the the National Registry of Historic Places
The National Park Service has just listed the Mound House in the National Registry of Historic Places.
The Calusa Native Americans lived on Estero Island, building the first permanent coastal villages and mound buildings. They forged tools and weapons from shells and then discarded them after they had finished using them. These shells that the Calusa used are what the Mound House is built on today.
The most famous part of the museum is underground. It is called Stories Beneath our Feet, and it gives guests a glimpse into ancient Calusa life. The exhibit is surrounded with a massive shell mound, LED lights, video narration and a mural of the Calusa village as it is believed to have looked more than 2,000 years ago.
According to Alison Giesen, the director of the Mound House, applying for this designation was a long and arduous process. The William H. Case House, which is the oldest standing structure on Estero Island, had to be restored. It is now back to its 1921 configuration and serves as a multi-level museum, showcasing Calusa artifacts as well as interactive exhibits.
Research had to be conducted, archaeological excavations had to be performed and they had to have state approval. After the restoration was complete and all of the historic information was readily available, that’s when Giesen knew that they were ready to apply to be on the National Registry of Historic Places.
“It was just this amazing combined effort between team members and volunteers,” said Giesen. “The committee in Tallahassee that votes on whether a historic site makes it past the state level was so excited that the application had gotten that far. There was just so much support, it was overwhelming.”
“It’s an honor and the highest designation you can have as a historical and archaeological site, and it’s something that I really wanted to help them accomplish. We’re all very excited,” said Giesen.
Bill Grace, who has been working with the Mound House for over 20 years, said that the primary goal while the restoration project was underway was to be added to the National Registry of Historic Places.
“From its inception and acquisition by the town of Fort Myers Beach, the Mound House has been a jewel for our community,” said Fort Myers Beach Mayor Anita Cereceda. “The national recognition only commemorates what we already knew about this priceless locale.”
The hours of Mound House from May to Dec. 31 are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.