Shirley Beckwith/Special to the Eagle

Volunteers examine the conch shell foundation of a home during the Calusa Indian "I Dig Marco" on July 30, 1995.

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Fast facts

The method of building an ancient Indian mound in Florida was first to have a ritual fire to purify the area, then to introduce sands of different types, perhaps in special layers or patterns. A floor of Busycon (giant whelk shells) laid tightly together was than constructed. On top of this, small shells were used to fill in the chinks and eventually more sand was spread smoothly on top. Such a shell floor could then be dedicated and used for sacred purposes or a public building or chief’s house. This method might not apply for the construction of a simple dwelling or lesser structure.

In 1995 on North Bald Eagle Drive, the brand new Marco Island Historical Society sponsored an archaeological excavation (a “dig”) headed by Dr. Randolph Widmer of the University of Houston and his wife Dr. Rebecca Story, a noted anthropologist. Dr. Widmer earned his doctorate at the University of Florida and his dissertation was published as The Domain of the Calusa, the Native Americans who inhabited Marco Island so long ago.

During the weeks-long work, we discovered several layers of shell floors running in different directions, indicating many eras of civilization on top of one another, like the Seven Cities of Troy. The Indians, of course, ate the shellfish before building the mounds, another indication of many decades of residence.

There is no way to describe the feeling of awe while standing on the edge of a trench and looking down at what was once the home of a vibrant and dominant culture in Southwest Florida. We will have replicas of this in our new historical museum.

What’s new with the museum?

The museum now has an official name! Jon and Sonja Laidig have exercised the naming opportunity for the museum after giving $1.5 million for its construction. They chose to call it simply “The Marco Island Historical Museum” to honor the many people who worked to bring it about. With sponsors such as these, the museum has a promising future.

Other naming opportunities are still available for potential donors, beginning at ten thousand dollars. Call Bill Perdichizzi at 384-6917 for details.