SUMMER 2026

Contents

• President's Letter
• From the Membership Committee
• VAHS Wants You!
• Calendar of Events
• Member Events - Future
• Member Events - Past
• Membership Levels
• Donor Levels
• New Members
• New Lifetime Members
• New Nonprofits
• In Memoriam
• From the Education Committee
• Scholarships

• Depot Campus
• Giving Challenge
• Did You Know?
• VAHS Salutes
• Collection Highlights
• VAHS Traveling Exhibition
• Projects
• From the Program Committee
• Betty Intagliata Lecture Series
• Venice Centennial Lecture Series
• Speakers Bureau
• Around Town
• Certificate of Distinction
• VAHS Business Members
• Membership Application

President's Letter

Summer 2026

Bill Haberthur

Dear Members and Subscribers,

As summer settles in across Venice, VAHS is entering a season filled with both reflection and renewed energy.  The recent Local Register of Historic Resources Forum reminded us how vital our shared history is—and how powerful it can be when a community comes together to protect it.  The conversations sparked that evening underscored a simple truth:  preserving our historic places is not just about honoring the past, but about strengthening the cultural and economic foundation of our future.  I continue to be inspired by the dedication of our volunteers, partners, and supporters who make this mission possible every day.

With the arrival of summer, our Depot Campus has shifted to non-seasonal schedule of Saturdays only from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.  We hope you will stop by, bring visiting friends or family, and enjoy the exhibits that tell the story of our community’s remarkable journey.  Be sure to look for our many events this summer—from programs and tours to special gatherings that celebrate Venice’s rich heritage.  Your participation keeps our history vibrant, visible, and alive for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Bill Haberthur

President

EXTRA, EXTRA, Read All About It!

Exciting news for VAHS!

WEDU PBS, West Central Florida's PBS channel, is producing a new season of its Greater series.  The producers were looking for compelling, impactful stories to film, and VAHS was selected to do an episode about The Venice Area Historical Society; particularly the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot.

Greater is an award-winning digital docuseries from WEDU PBS exploring the captivating stories in our own backyards.  The show celebrates the power of local community and showcases a wide variety of organizations and people who make a big impact in their area and/or beyond.

Filming began with interviews of Larry Humes, KMI graduate, author, and local historian; Bill Haberthur, President of VAHS; and Chuck Sidlow, aka ChuckO the All-American Clown.

Additional filming will be done over the next few weeks.  Once the episode is released, VAHS will share a viewing link with members and the community.

Stay tuned — this is a proud moment for VAHS and for Venice’s history!

Larry Humes in Waiting Room I

Bill Haberthur in Waiting Room II

ChuckO with PBS Producer Shaun Greenspan

From the Membership Committee

A big thank you goes out to our members for their continued support and participation. VAHS would not be the vibrant organization it is without each of YOU!

The Venice Centennial Celebration is in full swing and now is the perfect time to be a part of VAHS.  VAHS is pleased to announce it has over 45 new individual, family, and business memberships since January!  Please spread the word to your friends and neighbors about our organization, so that they too can be a part of the action!

If you are not currently a member of the Venice Area Historical Society, you are cordially invited to join the Society and learn about the rich and colorful history which makes the Venice area such a special place to live and visit.

VAHS was established in 1991 and is committed to historic preservation and education.  The Society maintains the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot, the Circus Car Museum, and the Caboose located on the Depot Campus in Legacy Park at 303 East Venice Avenue.

If you are interested in becoming more involved in VAHS, especially with Venice Centennial activities, there are plenty of opportunities.  Some include serving as a docent at the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot or Circus Car Museum, overseeing refreshments at a lecture, helping with registration at a special event, or serving on a committee, just to name a few.  For more information, please email our Membership Committee Chair.

To ensure no lapse in your membership, VAHS is offering the opportunity to have your dues automatically renewed.  To accept this offer, just agree to maintain your credit card on file with our secure third-party processor (AffiniPay) when you next renew.  You always have the option to cancel the automatic renewal.

Calendar of Events

Here is a brief list of upcoming VAHS events.  Mark your calendars accordingly!  Click on our website button below for further information as it becomes available.

Member Events - Future

July 8th, Summer Picnic - Freight Room

Enjoy food, fellowship, and Fred!  Dr. Fred Albee will be our guest speaker, considered by many to be the "Father of Venice and Nokomis".  He will share his fascinating life story with us.  SOLD OUT!

August 18th, Venice Trivia Night - Italian American Club of Venice

Local historians and authors Kim and John Manning will run a lively game of Venice trivia (with a little Sarasota thrown in).  There will be a cash bar, appetizers, and mingling, followed by the game.  Prizes will be awarded!  The book "Sarasota Trivia Game by Kim" will also be available for sale at a special discounted price of $35.  Seating is limited.

November 18th, Pop-Up Meet-Up, Venice Art Caffe

Enjoy the beautiful garden setting of the Art Caffe, while sipping and munching with VAHS friends.  Irvin Lewin will be leading a walking tour of East and West Blalock Parks and share their fascinating history.

December 2nd, Holiday Luncheon - Venice Yacht Club

City Manager James Clinch will be our guest speaker at this festive holiday affair.

Member Events - Past

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon - April 17, 2026

VAHS celebrating its volunteers

Celebrating Our Heart and Soul

There is a unique energy that fills a room when it is packed with people who give simply because they care.  That energy was on full display recently as we gathered to honor the backbone of our organization: our incredible volunteers.

This year, we took over the charming Freight Room at the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot, a setting that perfectly mirrored the industrious and enduring spirit of our team.

By the Numbers:  A Growing Community

Our impact is felt through the dedication of a diverse group of individuals.  We are proud to have 57 active volunteers currently lending their talents to our mission.

At the luncheon, we were thrilled to see a fantastic turnout, with 39 attendees joining us.  While we missed those who could not make it, the atmosphere was a testament to the strong community we’ve built together.

Simple Pleasures and Meaningful Fellowship

Between the tours, event set up, and depot upkeep, our volunteers are always on the move.  That is why it was so meaningful to pause the "to-do" lists and simply enjoy one another's company.  Through a shared meal of pizza, ice cream sundaes, and genuine fellowship, we took the time to celebrate the people behind the progress and the community we’ve built together.

Reflecting on Our Success

During the event, Beth Gehring expressed our deepest gratitude and to share a high-level overview of the projects we have tackled over the past year - milestones that simply would not have been possible without the 57 pairs of hands helping us move forward.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To our volunteers:  whether you were sitting with us at the Freight Room or were with us in spirit, on behalf of our entire team, Thank you!!!  You are the reason we can do what we do.  Here is to many more projects, more sundaes, and more lives changed through your service!

New Member Orientation - April 12, 2026

New Members at the NMO

Welcoming Our Newest Members to the VAHS Community

The Venice Area Historical Society hosted its bi‑annual New Member Orientation on Sunday, April 12th, in the Freight Room of the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot.  The gathering offered an inviting introduction to the Society’s mission, programs, and the rich history preserved on the Depot Campus.

New members had the opportunity to explore the Depot, the Circus Car Museum, and surrounding grounds while learning from Board Members about the organization’s structure, its captivating local history, and the many special events VAHS presents throughout the year.  The orientation also highlighted the wide range of volunteer opportunities available to those who wish to support preservation, education, and community engagement.

Just as importantly, the event provided a warm and relaxed setting for new members to connect with one another and with VAHS leadership.  Light refreshments were served before the guided tours began, creating a friendly atmosphere that encouraged conversation and camaraderie.

VAHS extends its appreciation to all who attended and looks forward to seeing our newest members become active participants in preserving and celebrating the history of Venice.

Membership Levels

When joining the Venice Area Historical Society or renewing your membership, you may select from several Membership Levels established by the Board of Directors.  Each level helps support our mission to preserve and share the history of Venice and the surrounding area.

• Lifetime Family — One‑time donation of $1,000

• Lifetime Individual — One‑time donation of $500

• Business — Annual dues of $75, includes a business card ad in the VAHS newsletter

• Family — Annual dues of $55, includes up to three bundled members

• Individual — Annual dues of $40

• Nonprofit — Annual dues of $40

• Student — Annual dues of $20, or membership granted in recognition of community service

These membership options allow individuals, families, businesses, and students to participate in and support the preservation of our community’s history at a level that fits their needs.

Donor Levels

When you become a new member—or at the time of your annual membership renewal—you may be assigned a Donor Level if your cumulative giving places you within one of the categories below.  Donor Levels reflect total contributions over time, so your level may change as your support continues to grow.

• Legacy

• Platinum — $10,000 and above

• Gold — $5,000 to $9,999

• Silver — $2,500 to $4,999

• Bronze — $1,000 to $2,499

• Copper — $500 to $999

The Legacy Donor Level is a special designation for those who choose to make a bequest to VAHS as part of their long‑term estate planning - an extraordinary commitment that helps ensure the preservation of Venice’s history for generations to come.

If you have questions about your Membership Level, Donor Level, or if you would like to join the Legacy Club, simply click the email button below.  Your continued support strengthens the mission of VAHS and helps safeguard the stories, places, and people that define our community.

New Members

Jordan Allison

Martha Blandford

Tom & Diane Celie

Susan Champion

John & Janet Cozza

Maureen Fairlie

Joan Falcetta

Chris & Mary Gladding

Robert Goldman

Robert & Kathy Huff

Susan Johnson

Patrick Ladwig

Lee Grace Mathews

Jessica Tenbusch

Ashley Troutman

In Memoriam

Judi Foote

A woman of boundless warmth, curiosity, and quiet strength, Judi Foote, 84, passed away suddenly on April 23, 2026, leaving behind a life rich with love, service, and global experience.  Born in West Hartford, CT, and shaped by a spirit of generosity that carried her across Singapore, South Korea, India, and Sweden, she devoted herself to helping others—from teaching English to Vietnamese refugees to earning the American Red Cross Clara Barton Award in Seoul.  For the past 23 years in Venice, Florida, Judi became a cherished presence in her community, especially through her nine years as a dedicated docent with the Venice Area Historical Society, where her enthusiasm for local history and her gift for connecting with people made her a beloved ambassador of the city’s heritage.  She is survived by her husband, Reggie, along with her daughter Linel Noble, her son Kit Noble, and her stepdaughters Lisa Murray and Deborah Norrie. 

From the Education Committee

Scholarships

Our 2026 scholarship recipients are going to college - Hayden Heaney to Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia and Ryan Mallonee to Florida Gulf Coast University in Ft. Myers.  We wish them both well.

Each year, VAHS presents the Venice Area Historical Society Scholarship in the amount of $2,500.  In addition, Bill Jervey also presents the Bill Jervey, Jr. Scholarship in the amount of $2,500.  Both scholarships are presented to deserving seniors at Venice High School.

Please click on the Scholarships button below to be directed to our website's Scholarships page for eligibility requirements.

Your financial support is always gratefully appreciated.  Please consider donating by clicking the button below and you will be redirected to our Donate page.  Once there, please hit the yellow Donate button and then in the dropdown box, please select Scholarship Program.  Thank you!

Depot Campus

During the summer months, we are taking the opportunity to reorganize the depot exhibits and meld new items into the depot, circus car, and caboose.

Depot Waiting Room I - revitalized

Depot Waiting Room II - Conductor James Marshall

Caboose - One of four new display cases highlighting part of our train collection

The Depot Campus is currently operating on its non-seasonal schedule of Saturdays only, opening at 10:00 am and closing at 1:00 pm.

Please check the VAHS website for further details.

PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING OUR DOCENT TEAM

VAHS is now actively seeking new volunteer docents to begin training.  This is a perfect time to join and be trained.

For more information about becoming a docent, please email us by clicking on the docent button below.

Giving Challenge

Brenda Holland & Bill Haberthur accepting a donation from a supporter

The 2026 Giving Challenge has once again proven that Sarasota is a community defined by its heart.  This year marked the 10th milestone of this 24-hour event, and the energy was nothing short of transformative.

The 2026 Giving Challenge: A Regional Success

From noon on April 15 to noon on April 16, the Suncoast region rallied together to support 751 nonprofits.  Nationally recognized as one of the top giving days in the country, the event raised a total of $16.7 million.  This incredible achievement was fueled by over 50,000 donors and the steadfast support of The Patterson Foundation, which provided $6.5 million in matching funds.

Venice Area Historical Society: Our Impact

While the final official tally for the match is still being processed by the Community Foundation, our early estimates for the Venice Area Historical Society are incredibly inspiring.

• Total Estimated Impact:  $17,000 (including the match from the Patterson Foundation).

• Total Donors:  91 individuals stepped up to protect Venice's "soul and stability."

• The Power of the Match:  We saw several donations exceed the $100 match threshold.  And notably, an anonymous donor provided a triple match for the first twenty-five $100 donations.

• • The Breakdown:  Those 25 donations ($2,500) were matched by the Patterson Foundation ($2,500) and then matched again by our anonymous donor ($2,500), totaling a staggering $7,500 from just those first 25 gifts!

A Huge Thank You to Our Partners

We could not have achieved this without the incredible "on-the-ground" support of our community partners.

Sharky’s on the Pier & Fins at Sharky's

A special shout-out goes to the Venice Pier Group. Sharky’s and Fins didn't just host the Giving Challenge Fair; they created an atmosphere of celebration and incentive.

• They hosted 26 local nonprofits at their booth, allowing for personal connections between organizations and the community.

• Their generous donor incentives—ranging from free desserts to lunch and dinner vouchers—provided that extra "spark" to encourage higher-level giving.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County

Thank you for your tireless leadership and for hosting this platform for the 10th time.  Your dedication to strengthening nonprofit capacity ensures that these funds go toward a more vibrant, educated, and preserved Venice.

To Our Donors and Volunteers

To our 91 donors and every volunteer who manned the booths:  thank you. Whether you gave $25 or $250, you are a philanthropist.  Your contributions ensure that our walking tours, school partnerships, and historic preservation efforts continue to thrive for the next generation.

The next Giving Challenge is slated for Spring of 2028 and you’ll be hearing more about that as the time grows closer.

Did You Know - Local Register of Historic Resources Forum

Attendees:  Ben Abramson, Bill Haberthur, Bethany Behrmann, Amy Johnson

The second annual Local Register of Historic Resources Forum brought together city staff, preservation experts, contractors, and homeowners to demystify the process of historic designation and highlight its benefits.  Led by Historical Resources Manager Harry Klinkhamer, the event focused on removing the fear and bureaucracy often associated with preservation.  Speakers emphasized that the city’s role is to guide—not police—property owners and clarified that historic designation does not restrict interior updates or require homes to become public museums.  Instead, the forum showcased how preserving historic structures strengthens community identity and supports long‑term resilience.

Panelists from regional preservation and economic organizations underscored the financial advantages of historic designation, including increased property values, stronger downtown economies, and greater job creation through skilled local trades.  A real‑world case study demonstrated the powerful incentives available to homeowners, such as the 10‑year tax freeze, permit fee refunds, and FEMA 50% Rule exemptions for registered properties.  Thanks to the coordination of Klinkhamer and his team—and support from groups like VAHS and Venice Heritage, Inc.—the forum equipped residents with practical tools to protect Venice’s architectural legacy while contributing to future economic vitality.

VAHS Salutes - Venice Authors

Summer Reading with a Venice Flavor

Looking for the perfect summer read with a strong local connection?  Venice and the surrounding Sarasota area are home to talented authors whose books bring Southwest Florida history, mystery, folklore, and storytelling to life.  Whether you enjoy ghost stories, historical fiction, or fascinating local trivia, these writers offer a wonderful way to explore our region from the comfort of your favorite beach chair.

Discover Venice Through Local Voices

Few writers capture the spirit and stories of Venice quite like Kim Cool.  A longtime journalist with the Venice Gondolier Sun, Kim has spent years documenting the people, legends, and colorful history of Southwest Florida.  Her books - including Ghost Stories of Venice, Ghost Stories of Venice Old & New, Venice History Illustrated, and Circus Days in Sarasota & Venice - blend history with intrigue and are ideal for readers who love local lore and fascinating true tales.

History lovers may also enjoy the work of Larry R. Humes, author of Venice: A Century on the Gulf.  His writing offers a rich look at how Venice evolved from a small Gulf Coast community into the city we know today.  It is an engaging read for anyone interested in the people, places, and events that shaped our area.

Another book choice would be Lee Grace Mathews’ The Heart of Venice.  It provides an intimate, beautifully researched portrait of the people and stories that shaped the city’s early identity.

For a more personal and community‑centered perspective, Corky Dalton’s My Name is Old Betsy:  Celebrating 100 Years of Service to My Community offers a heartfelt tribute to one of Venice’s most beloved local icons.  Told through the voice of “Old Betsy,” the historic fire engine that served generations of residents, Dalton’s book blends nostalgia, civic pride, and local history into a charming narrative that celebrates Venice’s enduring spirit of service.

For readers who enjoy testing their local knowledge, Kim Patton Manning and John D. Manning have created a unique tribute to Sarasota County with Sarasota Trivia Game by Kim.  Their entertaining and educational book celebrates the region’s history through fun facts and fascinating details.  The publication was honored with the 2026 Sarasota County Heritage Award for Historical Research/Publications, making it both enjoyable and historically significant.

If historical fiction is more your style, Clarissa Thomasson offers compelling stories rooted in Florida history.  Her novels Venice Dreamers and Surviving Sarasota weave together local settings, memorable characters, and the unique atmosphere of coastal Florida life.

Read Local This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to slow down, relax, and discover stories connected to the places we call home.  These authors not only entertain but also preserve the history, mystery, and character of Venice and Sarasota for future generations. So, whether you are reading by the pool, at the beach, or on your lanai, consider adding a local author to your summer reading list this year.

The books may be purchased either at the Venice Museum & Archives, The Island Bookshop, or online.

VAHS Traveling Exhibition

The VAHS Traveling Exhibition displays its collection in showcases throughout the community to greater illustrate Venice's history, the circus, KMI, and other historic memorabilia.

If your organization is interested in having an exhibition at your location, please click the email button below.

Projects

Caboose Renovations

Update:  Thanks to a grant from the Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation, VAHS was able to purchase four display cases for the Caboose to house some of our collection.  We are currently creating informational panels which will be displayed on the walls.

Caboose interior with two of the new display cases

The final Phase will be to hire a contractor to wash and repaint the exterior, all in preparation for the Centennial of the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot in March 2027.

Our goal is to raise $15,000 for the project.  Your donation will help to make this renovation a success.  To donate to this project, please click the Caboose Renovations button below.

"Venice and the Venice Area"

"Venice and the Venice Area" is a concise history of Florida as well as a time capsule view of the Venice area in 1969. This Centennial edition features updates [in brackets].  VAHS, along with the author's grandsons, invite you to take a physical and digital scavenger hunt as you discover our beautiful John Nolen designed city as we celebrate its Centennial.

This fifth edition book is on sale at The Island Bookshop, and the VAHS Shoppe by clicking the button below.

From the Program Committee

VAHS provides several lecture programs during the season.  All lectures are sponsored by the Venice Area Historical Society, with permanent funding provided by the Bill Jervey, Jr. Charitable Foundation.  All programs are FREE and OPEN to the public. 

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the speakers are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of VAHS.

Betty Intagliata Lecture Series

Over the years, The Betty Intagliata Lecture Series has been filmed and is available for viewing on VAHS's YouTube channel.

Please click on the button below and watch history begin to unfold!

Venice Centennial Lecture Series

Speakers Bureau

Would your organization like to have one of our experienced lecturers speak about a particular historic subject or figure?  If so, please contact us, and we can arrange to provide a lecture which will educate, inform, and impress your audience.

For more information, please click on the email button below.

Around Town

John Nolen studying his plan under the 1926 lamppost

Another wonderful addition to the John Nolen Statue in Centennial Park - an original 1926 lamppost that once lit downtown Venice Avenue has been installed behind the statue.  The lamppost was sitting in a city warehouse for many years. It had been saved by Earl Midlam, who also arranged to have it fully restored.  There is a similar lamppost next to Old Betsy in the new museum.  It was Earl's idea to place this historic artifact at the statue site, and he received the approval from the City Manager and arranged for Venice Public Works to install it.  Image courtesy of Linda Lewis of VABI.

For images of recent other events, please visit our website by clicking on the button below.

Certificate of Distinction

VAHS established a Certificate of Distinction to honor community organizations or businesses celebrating significant milestones.  There are several organizations and businesses that will be receiving a Certificate in 2026.

If your organization is celebrating a significant milestone, please email us so that we may acknowledge it.

VAHS Business Members

By clicking on the individual business cards below, you will be redirected to their respective businesses.  Thank you for patronizing our business supporters!

Nickolas McElroy, Bowersox HVAC Service Technician

This quarter's business spotlight:  Bowersox Air has grown from a small local HVAC business into one of Southwest Florida’s most trusted providers by focusing on hard work, integrity, and treating customers like family.  Serving Venice and surrounding communities, the company offers air conditioning installation, maintenance, repairs, indoor air quality solutions, ductwork, pool heat pumps, and energy‑efficient systems, all delivered with a people‑first philosophy centered on professionalism, communication, and care.  By hiring local talent, supporting community events, and building long-term relationships, Bowersox Air has become a valued part of the region - earning honors such as Best of Venice and Best of SRQ Gold - while staying committed to keeping homes and businesses comfortable with honest, dependable service.  “If air runs through it, we can do it.”

Membership Application

Venice Area Historical Society

PO Box 995

Venice, FL  34284-0995