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The DeSoto County Historical Society, Inc. was formed in 1986. Membership runs from January to December each year and is based on payment of yearly dues. Mitzie McGavic is the current president.  

Become a member here!

DeSoto County Historical Society, Inc.

P. O. Box 1824

Arcadia, FL  34265

(863) 494-5917

Mitzie.McGavic@desotoclerk.com

 

Board of Directors

Mitzie McGavic President 
Bebe Jackson Vice President 
Forrest Reynolds  Secretary 
Arlene Conley Treasurer
Clel Shore  Director 
Kay Higley  Director 
Leonard Higley  Director
Vernon Keen Director 
Carol Mahler  Director 
Harold McLeod   Director
James Westberry Director

 

Committees

Standing Committees Members
   
Membership Clel Shore - chairperson  
   
Finance  Arlene Conley
  Andy Ames 
   
Program John Reynolds 

Special Committees Members
   
Museum Kathleen Ingraham-Kuhns - Chairperson 
 
Restoration  Harold McLeod - Chairperson 
 
Long-Range Planning Leonard Higley - chairperson 
  Kay Higley 

 

Past Presidents

Adrian H. Cline 1986 - 1987 
Howard Melton  1988 - 1989 
Iris Bell  1990 - 1991 
Luke Wilson  1992 - 1995 
John A. Reynolds  1996 - 2004 
Jerald Newberry  2005 - 2006 
Art Anauo  2007 - 2008 
Mitzie McGavic 2008 -

  

The past presidents of the DeSoto County Historical Society were honored at a monthly luncheon meeting of the Society. Pictured (left to right) are: Jerald Newberry, John Reynolds, Luke Wilson, Howard Melton and Adrian Cline. A special thank you to John Lawhorne, who provided us with this wonderful photo.

 

Meetings

Our meetings will be held the second Thursday of each month at the Family Service Center on Whidden Street in Arcadia at 12:00 noon until further notice, due to restoration and renovation of the Brownville School. Come early for our dutch treat luncheon! Luncheon is at 11:30 am, and is catered by Kay & Leonard Higley of the Historic Parker House Bed & Breakfast. Meeting dates and guests are as follows:

January 8, 2009:

June Sowell spoke on the history of Fort Ogden. Our January Newsletter can be viewed here.

February 12, 2009:

Frances Pooser and Carl Bradshaw spoke of being teachers in DeSoto County. Mrs. Pooser also spoke of her experiences as a student in DeSoto County. Our February Newsletter can be viewed here.

March 19, 2009:

Retired educators Charlotte and Fred Carter were our speakers. Our March Newsletter can be viewed here.

April 9, 2009:

Robert Goff was our speaker. Our April Newsletter can be viewed here.

May 21, 2009:

Mark Burrow was our speaker. Our May Newsletter can be viewed here.

June 11, 2009:

Bill Sullivan was our speaker. Our June Newsletter can be viewed here.

July 9, 2009:

Jeff Moates was our speaker. Our July Newsletter can be viewed here.

August 20, 2009:

Bruce Neveau and Dennis Tyson were our speakers. Our August Newsletter can be viewed here.

September 10, 2009:

Chester and Forest Johnson were our speakers. Our September Newsletter can be viewed here.

October 8, 2009:

Tom Gaskins, Jr. was our speaker. Our October Newsletter can be viewed here.

November 12, 2009:

W.G. Kayo Welles was our speaker. Our November newsletter can be viewed here.

December 10, 2009:

Potluck Supper and toy drive for the DeSoto County Sheriff's "Toys for Children Program". Our December newsletter can be viewed here.

 

Take a look at our past speakers and newsletters here.