SPRING 2025

Message from the President

Frank Wright

Dear VAHS Members,

"ELECTRIC!"

That's what it was! When we had a Pop-Up Meet-up at the Venice Theatre on March 26th, the air was filled with a "buzz."  Maybe it was being in a performance space, but it was the same in the front of the house, the back of the house, the dressing rooms, the prop rooms, the costume storage.

Our tour was led by Executive Director Kristofer Geddie, and facilitated by Director of Advancement Camille Cline.  We could all feel we were where the "magic happens."  We were able to see the extent of the damage done by our most recent hurricanes, how far the theater has come - and how far it has to go!  If you are an arts lover, I ask you go to the Theatre's website and donate what you can.

"EXHILARATING!"

That's what the Donor Appreciation Event was - at the refurbished Old San Marco Hotel, complete with period music, food, drinks, and fancy clothes.

"EDUCATIONAL"

Our road trip to the Sarasota Art Museum was just that - a Modern Art Collection set in the 1926 Sarasota High School - a perfect example of a "repurposed" historical structure; and our Lecture Series, which examined the prehistory of Venice, the Early Settlers of Venice, and the carving out of Sarasota County from Manatee County; and our road trip to Bob's Train, an amazing personal collection of Circus memorabilia.

"EXHAUSTED"

Well, I've exhausted my "E" word list - though I guess I could have used the "Election of Officers and Board Directors;" and "Erin DiFazio" of SAHP, our guest speaker at the Annual Meeting; and our Establishment of our Educational Scholarship; and our Engagements in Community Events like the Chamber of Commerce's "Non-Profit Rally," or the "History in the Park" event at Phillippi Estate Park - but that would be Excessive.

"EXCITING!"

Oh, wait - the most exciting news is the Society's partnership with the Venice Area Beautification Inc. organization to create and place a statue of John Nolen, the city planner that designed Venice, in a prime location in Centennial Park - in time for the Centennial Celebration!  We have the City's approval as to the design and location of the statue - now all we have to do is pay for it!  The details of how you can contribute will follow.

NOTA BENE

Let me say what a privilege it is for me to lead such a wonderful collection of Officers, Directors, and Members of the Historical Society!  Together, we will accomplish much!  Thanks.

Sincerely,

Frank Wright

President