History in Motion: March 13, 2009

Courtesy of the Marco Island Historical Society

The Dancing Man Shell unearthed at the north end of Marco Island during the Pepper-Hearst Expedition in 1896. Frank H. Cushing's detractors claimed that the design was not typical of Calusa art and accused him of "salting the dig" because of this one item. Reputable archaeologist have dismissed thse criticisms as groundless.

Fast facts

Animal impersonations were practiced among the ancient Calusa who inhabited Marco Island so long ago. After the summer, sorcerers came in the shape of devils with horns on their heads, howling like wolves.

Often they appeared in many other different forms which screeched like animals of the woods. These appearances lasted four months, during which time they never rested night or day, running with such fury that they frightened everyone. It is no wonder that a stranger encountering the Calusa would have considered them fierce and unfathomable, and people to be feared.

— Material from Dr. William Marquardt, translated by John Worth.

What’s new with MIHS?

The society is going state-of-the-art. To serve on mass mailings to its 400-plus membership, the Marco Island Historical Society’s quarterly newsletter will now be available online in full and living color. You can also receive a monthly e-mail with current news upon request.

Simply contact Bill Perdichizzi at nfn04051@naples.net and ask to have your name included

Check out our Web site at themihs.org. It is now being refreshed to reflect up-to-date information about our programs, history, how to join, how to donate, and how to leave a legacy on the museum wall.

Jim Carroll will be the new Web master following in the footsteps of Bill McKinley who initiated the effort five site years ago.