The Longboat Key Historical Society was formed in 1980. The first officers were Mrs. Frances F. "Fran" Mayers, president; Ralph B. Hunter, vice president; Walter Mais, treasurer; and Pat Cobb, secretary.
The Kiwanis Club of Sarasota Keys arranged for the incorporation papers of the society, and for funds to establish a Tablet of Honor. This tablet is located by the flag pole at the corner of Gulf of Mexico Drive and Bay Isles Road, near Town Hall. The tablet contains the names of those who have made major contributions to the life on Longboat Key.
The Historical Society has a large collection of items relating to the history of Longboat Key, including:
- Bound copies of all weekly newspapers that served Longboat Key.
- Copies of Keynotes, the annual pamphlet giving names and addresses of all residents.
- Over 1,000 photographs and maps, some going back to the early 1900's.
- The bronze plaque from the old New Pass Bridge.
The society has seasonal meetings with guest speakers presenting all phases of the history of Longboat Key.
Mission Statement
The object of the society shall be to investigate and study the history of the Town of Longboat Key and the State of Florida, to provide for the collection and preservation or display of papers, books, records, memorabilia and other things of historical interest; to acquire, hold, own, operate and manage property, real or personal, necessary or advisable for the purposes herein expressed and to provide for the marking and preservation of historic sites and buildings and in general to carry on all activities appropriate for an historical society. It shall be nonsectarian and nonpolitical.