Longboat Key Historical Society

600 Bay Isles Road
Longboat Key FL 34228

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.

Early board members, from left: President Fran Mayers, Treasurer Walter Mais, Lora Whitney, Ralph Hunter, Gordon Whitney, Ken McCall, Joe Zwick, Claire Hunter.

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.