Mound House receives praise
To the editor:
As members of CELCAB, we want you to know we unanimously support the Town Council’s efforts to get the Mound House, a cultural treasure-in-the-making, completed and open for all to enjoy. We are proud that the State of Florida and Lee County recognized the historic significance of the Mound House and provided generous financial support for its restoration and capital improvements. Building a multi-dimensional cultural project of this scope and caliber admittedly has been challenging to our new, 15 year old, town. Our councils, staff and volunteers have worked diligently to create a vision, professionally restore the house and grounds, design interpretive displays for the exhibits and grounds, and develop the underground exhibit from an actual Calusa shell mound dating back 2,000 years. There has been exciting progress to date. Pending town council action regarding parking and landscaping, the underground exhibit will officially open to the public for tours and will provide a unique cultural experience for children and adults, unlike any other in the world. That said, securing funds necessary to complete the Mound House restoration continues to be a challenge given our difficult economic times.
The Mound House was the highlight of two recent prestigious state conferences which brought 400 museum professionals, academics, preservationists and state officials to the Mound House and grounds. Admittedly, this influx of visitors challenged our limited parking and incurred the concern of our neighbors. Please know that we are working to find solutions to insure they are not negatively impacted in the future. While offering a cultural experience, the Mound House also wants to be a good neighbor.
Fort Myers Beach has never been, nor does it want to be, a gated, residential community with clearly designated areas for businesses, recreation and culture. It has evolved over the last century, with homes and condos somewhat haphazardly interspersed with commercial, recreational, educational and religious structures. Bay Oaks and the elementary school calmly coexist with a residential neighborhood. The Episcopal Church, smack dab in the center of one of our finest neighborhoods, brings hundreds of parishioners and community group participants. A large resort entertaining thousands sits next to a private beach front mansion. The list goes on. Indeed, what makes our island delightfully charming and unlike a sterile planned community is precisely this amalgamation of disparate activities nestled within our neighborhoods; walkable and accessible.
With $3.5 million received through capital improvement grants to date, only $750,000 more is needed to complete the Mound House restoration and capital improvements. Having this cultural resource on our island is a treasure worth supporting. Contributions can be made to the Mound House, c/o Town of Fort Myers Beach or to the Friends of the Mound House, P.O. Box 154, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931.We also welcome your comments and invite you to attend any of CELCAB’s meetings which are held monthly and open to the public. Thank you for your support.
Barbara Hill
Fort Myers Beach