ANNA MARIA – A record 8,000 people visited the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum last year, according to Society President Lynn Brennan. She spoke at the group’s Feb. 5 luncheon, her last as president.
Brennan pointed out improvements to the Belle Haven Cottage, such as replacing windows and trim on the historic building in preparation for tourist season, and told members visitors likely will exceed last year’s count.
At the meeting, members installed society co-founder Pat Copeland as their new president, Liz Hager as vice president, Barbara Murphy as recording secretary, Evelyn Hoskins as corresponding secretary and George McKay as treasurer. Board members installed include Brennan, Arlene Clark, Caryn Hodge and Valerie Wilson.
Guest speaker Peggy Donoho, of Bradenton, spoke about her book, “Miguel’s Bay,” that she co-authored with Tampa Bay Times newspaper reporter Ron Prouty. The book is about Miguel and Frederica Guerrero, two of the earliest settlers on Terra Ceia Island, a barrier island west of Palmetto. Donoho is a descendant of Guerrero and while researching the book, she learned Prouty was a descendant of the settlers, too.
Donoho sold autographed copies of her book after the meeting. The book is also for sale at the museum, 402 Pine Ave.