SPRING 2026

Contents

• President's Letter
• From the Membership Committee
• VAHS Wants You!
• Calendar of Events
• Member Events - Future
• Member Events - Past
• Member Events - PUMU
• Membership Levels
• Donor Levels
• New Members
• New Lifetime Members
• New Nonprofits
• From the Education Committee

• Depot Campus
• VAHS Salutes
• Collection Highlights
• VAHS Traveling Exhibition
• Projects
• Betty Intagliata Lecture Series
• Venice Centennial Lecture Series
• Speakers Bureau
• Around Town
• Scholarships
• Certificate of Distinction
• Centennial Celebration
• VAHS Business Members
• Membership Application

President's Letter

Spring 2026

Bill Haberthur

Dear Members and Subscribers,

At the March meeting of the Board of Directors, new members of the nine-member Board were elected for ‘26-‘27.  Current members Beth Gehring, Bill Haberthur, Brenda Holland, and Irvin Lewin will be joined by new members Ben Abramson, Bethany Behrmann, Dorian Hardy, Jeana Hilligoss, and Amy Johnson.  The three new officers will be Bill Haberthur, President; Irvin Lewin, Vice President; and Amy Johnson, Secretary.  Brenda Holland will continue in her role as Treasurer.

I would like to thank the returning members for their support, and I look forward to working with those who have just joined us.  I am confident VAHS will benefit from their breadth and depth of knowledge, community contacts, and love of Venice.

On behalf of all VAHS members, I sincerely thank retiring President Frank Wright and retiring Board member Tom Doherty for their service to the community and the society.  Please read about their respective contributions in the VAHS Salutes section below.  Also, on behalf of all in VAHS, I thank Mike Donnellan, who recently resigned from the Board, for his years of service both on the Board and as the Depot Stationmaster.

VAHS has an exciting future as we continue to

• Engage with other non-profits
• Work with the city and county to promote VAHS and historic preservation
• Engage our members with educational and social events such as
• The Betty Intagliata Lecture Series
• The Venice Centennial Lecture Series
• Pop-Up Meet-Up Events
• New Member Orientation Program
• Field trips to historic venues
• The Centennial Celebration for the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot in March 2027

Members can continue showing support through

• Annual Membership - Individual or Family Membership
• Lifetime Membership - a one-time payment of $500
• Legacy Membership - leaving a specific bequest to VAHS
• General Donations - helping to defray the Depot Campus maintenance costs
• Fundraising Projects - such as the two highly successful projects this past year – the Circus Wall Mural and the John Nolen Statue
• Giving Challenge - a perfect way to double your donation to VAHS from noon to noon on April 15th & 16th when the Patterson Foundation will match your donation of $25 to $100 dollars

VAHS will continue to engage our members with volunteer opportunities such as

• Joining a specific committee of which there are over ten
• Greeting our guests at one of our lecture series
• Becoming a Docent - it is fun and easier than you think!

Please help me welcome the new directors and wish the entire Board much success as VAHS continues to build long-term relationships within the community, foster its education programs, continue to manage and, perhaps, expand the Depot Campus, and engage the public and its members in the love of history and our community.

Sincerely,

Bill Haberthur

President

From the Membership Committee

A big thank you goes out to our members for their continued support and participation. VAHS would not be the vibrant organization it is without each of YOU!

The Venice Centennial Celebration is right around the corner, and now is the perfect time to be a part of VAHS.  VAHS is pleased to announce it has over 37 new individual, family, and business memberships since January!  Please spread the word to your friends and neighbors about our organization, so that they too can be a part of the action!

If you are not currently a member of the Venice Area Historical Society, you are cordially invited to join the Society and learn about the rich and colorful history which makes the Venice area such a special place to live and visit.

VAHS was established in 1991 and is committed to historic preservation and education.  The Society maintains the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot and the Circus Car Museum located on the Depot Campus in Legacy Park at 303 East Venice Avenue.

If you are interested in becoming more involved in VAHS, especially with Venice Centennial activities, there are plenty of opportunities.  Some include serving as a docent at the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot or Circus Car Museum, overseeing refreshments at a lecture, helping with registration at a special event, or serving on a committee, just to name a few.  For more information, please email our Membership Committee Chair.

To ensure no lapse in your membership, VAHS is offering the opportunity to have your dues automatically renewed.  To accept this offer, just agree to maintain your credit card on file with our secure third-party processor (AffiniPay) when you next renew.  You always have the option to cancel the automatic renewal.

Calendar of Events

Here is a brief list of upcoming VAHS events.  Mark your calendars accordingly!

April 12th, New Member Orientation

April 15th - 16th, Giving Challenge

April 17th, Volunteer Appreciation Lunch

April 21st, Betty Intagliata Lecture Series

July 8th, Summer Picnic

As both lecture series are finishing for the season, stay tuned to the fall's announcement about the exciting new lectures being planned.

For additional information on upcoming events, lectures, and dates for docent-led tours of the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot, the Circus Car Museum, and the Caboose, please click the button below.

Member Events - Future

New Member Orientation - April 12, 2026

VAHS will host its latest New Member Orientation (NMO) in the Freight Room of the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.  New members will hear a presentation about VAHS, have the opportunity to meet with board members, and enjoy light refreshments.

New members, your invitation for this event has been sent.  If you have not responded as of yet, please do so as seating is limited to fifty people in the Freight Room.  We look forward to seeing you there!

The NMO provides the opportunity for new members to learn about the organization, the volunteer opportunities, how to navigate our website, and tour the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot and the Circus Car Museum.

If you are unable to attend this time, the next NMO will be in the fall.

2026 Giving Challenge - April 15 - 16, 2026

How can you double your donation to VAHS?  By participating in the Giving Challenge starting at noon on April 15th and ending at noon on April 16th.  For every donation between $25 and $100, the Patterson Foundation will double the amount!  This incredible matching program is an excellent way to double your support for VAHS.

To participate, please mark your calendars and click on the link to donate below on April 15th to start making your donations!

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon - April 17, 2026

VAHS will host a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm in the Freight Room.  If you have volunteered your time to VAHS over the past year, please join us as our guest as we celebrate you!  Registration is required for purposes of ordering food.

Invitations for this luncheon have been sent.  Volunteers, if you have not responded as of yet, please do so as seating is limited to fifty people in the Freight Room.  We look forward to celebrating your service and dedication to VAHS.

Betty Intagliata Lecture Series - April 21, 2026

Please read the article below for details of the last lecture of this season.

Member Events - Past

Spring Fling Luncheon - March 11, 2026

Members and guests at the annual event

At VAHS’s annual Spring Fling Luncheon at the Sarasota National clubhouse, the society celebrated the 35th Anniversary of its founding! Members and guests enjoyed a sit-down meal with a choice of three entrees.

President Frank Wright welcomed guests and introduced the new Board of Directors and Officers of VAHS.  Tom Bowers presented this year's VAHS Scholarship, and Beth Gehring introduced the recipient of the Dr. Bill Jervey, Jr. Scholarship. (Read about both recipients below.)

After the luncheon, Michael Bacon, Immediate Past Chair of the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce (VACC) described the history of VACC and its lasting impact on the City of Venice.  Now in its 101st year, VACC recently received a five-star accreditation rating, a rare distinction!

Bill Haberthur then presented outgoing president Frank Wright with a token of VAHS's gratitude - a beautiful photograph of Frank’s historic Venice home printed on canvas and framed with a black floating frame.

Finally, after Geri Allard was announced as the winner of the 50-50, she donated her winnings to VAHS.  Thank you, Geri!

Member Events - Pop-Up Meet-Up

KMI Clubhouse - March 26, 2026

VAHS Members at the KMI Clubhouse

A Pop-Up Meet-Up was held at the clubhouse of the Kentucky Military Institute (KMI) behind the San Marco building on Tampa Avenue.  The latter, originally known as the San Marco Hotel, was the residence of KMI and its classrooms from 1933 to 1970.

Frank Wright welcomed guests to another sold-out event.  He noted that Pop-Up Meet-Ups not only provide social gatherings for members but are a great way to impart history about a particular event or place.

Larry Humes, a 1965 graduate of KMI, spoke about the history of the school and provided anecdotal stories of his life as a cadet.  He even brought his ceremonial saber for show-and-tell!  Following a robust Q&A session, Larry invited members to tour the San Marco building and to peruse the permanent KMI Exhibits in the lobby.

Thank you to Beth Gehring, VAHS Membership Committee Chair, for coordinating the event; to Irvin Lewin for his remarks; and to Joe Rand, HOA President, for hosting VAHS at this event.

Also, a shout-out to Justin and Noel Sontag from Octovino who provided the bar service.  Octovino is located in the San Marco and is open seven days a week from 3:00 pm to midnight.

Italian American Club of Venice - January 27, 2026

Kim Cool speaking to the packed audience

Guests enjoying the event

VAHS members were invited to a special event at the Italian American Club of Venice (IACV), located on the grounds of the former Circus Arena.  Seventy-five members from each organization came together for the opportunity to learn about the many ways VAHS and IACV serve the Venice community.

IACV's Vice-President Dave Okun welcomed the packed audience, and VAHS Board Member Irvin Lewin gave an overview of the property's history.  Kim Cool, Venice Gondolier contributor, author, and circus historian, presented "The History of the Ringling Brothers Circus in Venice."  The cash bar featured a Circus Sangria specialty cocktail and hors d'oeuvres.  VAHS presented IACV with an aerial photograph of the Circus Arena property, highlighting the current Club’s location.

Pop-Up Meet-Ups are a great way for members and their friends to connect during the year.  Stay tuned for our next Pop-Up Meet-Up.  We will send an email blast to our members to register.

Membership Levels

When joining VAHS or renewing your membership, you will have the opportunity to select a Membership Level from the following categories created by the Board of Directors:

Donor Levels

When you become a new member, or at the time of your annual membership renewal, you will be assigned a Donor Level if you fall into one of the categories below.  Donor Levels reflect cumulative donations, and thus, your Donor Level may change annually as you continue to donate.

Legacy

Platinum $10,000 and above

Gold $5,000 to $9,999

Silver $2,500 to $4,999

Bronze $1,000 to $2,499

Copper $500 to $999

The Legacy Donor Level is for those individuals who would like to make a bequest in their estate planning to VAHS.

If you have any questions regarding your Membership or Donor Level, or would like to join the Legacy Club, please click on the email button below.  As always, thank you for your continued support of VAHS.

New Members

Dee Andrews

Julie Blake

Brenda Bricker

James & Connie Coling

Michael & Judith Davanzo

Deborah F. DeLuccy

Neal Draznin

Ron DuPont

Jane Emerson

Lou Ann & Tom Fitch

Kristofer Geddie

Robin Geis

Ann Hall

Brenda Hankard

Barbara Highfield

Sylvia Hollister

Roma Lisovich

James Millar

Joi Nemke

Gail & Gabriel Newman

Leslie & Rick Pavlak

John L. Pitula

Terry & Cristina Potter

Michele Rose

Beverly Stoskus

Steve & Sue Ulrey

Jeanne Wolfe

Bob & Jackie Wright

Jenny Yarabek

New Lifetime Members

Donna & Jim Boldt

Sylvia Hollister

Nick & Kate Pachota

Joy Satterlee & Fred Harris

Lucinda Spaney

New Nonprofits

The Haven

World of ChuckO

From the Education Committee

Tom Bowers instructing the students

Rollins Coakley Would Be Proud

The members of VAHS’s Education Outreach Program Team have been meeting, planning, promoting, and training guides to host area fourth graders and educators at the Depot Campus.  Although fourth grade is the year students formally focus on state history, VAHS welcomes students in all grades to learn about Venice’s compelling history.

On February 12th and 13th, and on March 6th and 10th, fourth grade scholars, teachers, parents, and guests from Taylor Ranch Elementary, Garden Elementary, and Venice Elementary Schools traveled to Rollins Coakley Railroad Park on the Depot Campus for an historic study trip.  Rollins Coakley, a former VAHS President, was a Venice community leader who was instrumental in bringing about the 2003 restoration of the Historic Venice Train Depot.  In the park that bears his name, the visiting students became tourists in their own city of Venice, Florida.

Tom and Sheila Bowers, Beth Gehring, Jeana Hilligoss, Judi Kramer, and Marti Shirley spent the better part of 2025 creating six stations that would bring to life Venice history during the Venice Centennial.  The resulting VAHS Depot Campus Curriculum is now an approved EdExploreSRQ experiential learning resource, and funding is provided for bus transportation to Sarasota County Schools.

The stations include Depot Waiting Room I, Depot Waiting Room II, the Freight Room and Current Landmarks, the Gunther Gebel-Williams Statue, the Caboose and deck activities, and the Circus Car Museum.  In two and one-half hours of activities, students learned about historic personalities including Bertha Palmer, Dr. Fred Albee and wife Louella, John Nolen, Gunther Gebel-Williams, and Irvin Feld, as well as relevant vocabulary.  Finally, students are encouraged to return to the Depot Campus with family and friends to "Drag and Brag" about Venice’s wonderful history.

Reflecting upon these visits, former school principal Tom Bowers stated, "Back in New Castle, Indiana, we had a tradition of passing the ‘flame’ to our under classmen, and I always remembered the Latin phrase “Non Pro Schola Sed Pro Vita,” translated as “Not For School But For Life.”  That is what I always felt about a ‘being there’ experience for our young scholars.  I never liked the term field trip; I preferred study trip."  Placing his thoughts in the Venice context, Tom mused, "I do think Rollins Coakley would be proud."

Depot Campus

The Flying Caballeros flanking Mark Gebel

Mark Gebel recently brought members of the Flying Cabelleros to the Circus Car Museum to show them the exhibits.  The family was in town for the premiere of the new Circus Sarasota production at Nathan Benderson Park.

The Flying Caballeros, an eighth generation flying trapeze act, won the Golden Clown Award at the 2025 Monte Carlo Circus Festival.  They live in California and own Circus Caballeros, comprised of three troupes that perform exclusively in that state.

The Depot Campus is currently operating on its seasonal schedule: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, opening at 10:00 am and closing at 1:00 pm.

Starting May 1st, the non-seasonal schedule will begin:  Saturday only, opening at 10:00 am and closing at 1:00 pm.

Please check the VAHS website for further details.

PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING OUR DOCENT TEAM

VAHS is now actively seeking new volunteer docents to begin training. This is a perfect time to join and be trained.

For more information about becoming a docent, please email us by clicking on the docent button below.

VAHS Salutes

Frank Wright

On March 31st, Frank will close out his terms as a member of the Board of Directors and as President.  Frank has served as the VAHS President for the past four terms.  VAHS thanks him for his dedication, guidance, and love of history.

At the Spring Fling Luncheon, VAHS presented Frank with a token of gratitude - a beautifully framed photograph, printed on canvas, of his historic Venice home by acclaimed local artist Liesl Walsh.

Liesl Walsh's photograph of Frank's historic home

Tom Doherty

Also on March 31st, Tom Doherty will end his term on the Board of Directors.  Tom has not only served as a Board member for many years, but he has also served as Secretary to the Board.  A gift certificate was presented to Tom in grateful appreciation of his contributions to VAHS.

VAHS Traveling Exhibition

The VAHS Traveling Exhibition displays its collection in showcases throughout the community to greater illustrate Venice's history, the circus, KMI, and other historic memorabilia.

If your organization is interested in having an exhibition at your location, please click the email button below.

Projects

"Venice and the Venice Area"

"Venice and the Venice Area" is a concise history of Florida as well as a time capsule view of the Venice area in 1969. This Centennial edition features updates [in brackets].  VAHS, along with the author's grandsons, invite you to take a physical and digital scavenger hunt as you discover our beautiful John Nolen designed city as we celebrate its Centennial.

This fifth edition book is on sale at The Island Bookshop, and the VAHS Shoppe by clicking the button below.

Caboose Renovations

Update:  Recently, VAHS was awarded a $5,000 grant from the Venice Yacht Club for the purchase of display cases and the production of historical information panels which will discuss topics not covered in the train depot or Circus Car Museum.  Thank you to the Venice Yacht Club for its support of this project!

For many years, the Caboose served as an office and storage location for VAHS collections and documents.  Many visitors to the Depot Campus have asked that it be re-opened to the public as part of our tours, and we agree.

Initially, the Caboose will open on regular Depot tour days as a learning station in support of our Educational Outreach Program.  Long-term, the Caboose will house revolving displays highlighting new topics of interest or expanded discussions of historical events currently covered in our Depot and Circus Car Museums.

Frank Wright & Brenda Holland accept the check from the VYC

The final Phase will be to hire a contractor to wash and repaint the exterior, all in preparation for the Centennial of the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot in March 2027.

Our goal is to raise $15,000 for the project.  Your donation will help to make this renovation a success.  To donate to this project, please click the Caboose Renovations button below.

Betty Intagliata Lecture Series

Education is central to the mission of VAHS.  The Society provides a variety of educational opportunities for members and the general public.

VAHS provides several lecture programs each year, one in the morning and one in the evening.  The evening programs are known as The Betty Intagliata Lecture Series.

Kathryn Chesley - January 20, 2026

Kathryn Chesley as Louella Albee addressing the audience

Kathryn Chesley portrayed Louella Albee to a record-setting crowd of 108 attendees!  Kathryn spoke on "The Life and Times of Louella Albee" to a riveted crowd.

Dr. Bruce Stephenson - February 17, 2026

Dr. Bruce Stephenson addressing the audience

Descendants of John Nolen at the lecture

Dr. Bruce Stephenson addressed VAHS members and residents on "The Brotherhood of Man in Nature, John Nolen's Plan for Venice."  Also, attending the lecture were nine descendants of John Nolen in town for the unveiling of the John Nolen Statue (read about the event in an article below).  Dr. Stephenson wrote the definitive book on John Nolen and also won the John Nolen Medal.

Irvin Lewin - March 17, 2026

Irvin Lewin addressing the audience

VAHS Board member and Program Committee Chair Irvin Lewin presented an engaging lecture entitled, "John Nolen's Venice & Mariemont Projects:  Communities in Contrast."  Having been to Mariemont, Ohio several times, Irvin brought the city alive and pointed out the similarities and differences with Venice, another Nolen-planned community.

Les Standiford - April 21, 2026

April 21, 2026

Les Standiford - "Battle for the Big Top:  The

Death-Defying Saga of the American Circus"

To be held at the

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice

1971 Pinebrook Road

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Over the years, The Betty Intagliata Lecture Series has been filmed and is available for viewing on VAHS's YouTube channel.

Please click on the button below and watch history begin to unfold!

Venice Centennial Lecture Series

Education is central to the mission of VAHS.  The Society provides a variety of educational opportunities for members and the general public.

VAHS provides several lecture programs each year, one in the morning and one in the evening.  The morning programs are known as The Venice Centennial Lecture Series.

Jeana Hilligoss - January 13, 2026

Jeana Hilligoss addressing the audience

Venice residents were transported back to the early 1920s to meet Ann Worthington, the First Lady of Venice, wife of Venice’s first mayor, Edward Worthington.  Re-enactor Jeana Hilligoss portrayed Ann, recounting the first time she arrived in Venice, her life here with its ups and downs, her return to Ohio with her family, and the last chapter of her life when she returned to Venice for her final years.

Charlotte Waisman - February 10, 2026

Charolotte Waisman speaking to the crowd

Charlotte Waisman, dressed in a period costume, spoke to a packed room of 118 members and residents on "Women in Florida History."  Dr. Waisman co-authored the best-selling book, "Her Story: A Timeline of the Women Who Changed America."  Of the over 800 women highlighted in her book, she focused the lecture on 26 influential women in Florida history.

Sue Chapman - March 3, 2026

Sue Chapman addressing the audience

Sixty-six members and guests enjoyed listening to Sue Chapman's informative lecture, "A Reflective View of Venice."  Within a period of one hour, Sue covered 10,000 years of Venice's history!

The Spring 2026 Venice Centennial Lecture Series has concluded.

Speakers Bureau

Would your organization like to have one of our experienced lecturers speak about a particular historic subject or figure?  If so, please contact us, and we can arrange to provide a lecture which will educate, inform, and impress your audience.

For more information, please click on the email button below.

Around Town

The John Nolen Statue Unveiling - February 18, 2026

On February 18, as part of the Centennial Celebration, the John Nolen Statue was unveiled in Centennial Park, honoring the Harvard-trained landscape designer of Venice.

Originally conceived by Bob Vedder, the project to create the statue was developed by Vedder, Dr. Bill Jervey, Venice Area Beautification, Inc. (VABI), and VAHS.  Bronzeman, Inc., a California-based studio, cast the all-bronze statue of Nolen sitting on a 1920s style park bench reading the map of his plan for Venice.  Funding was provided by Bob and Sue Vedder, Dr. Bill Jervey, other private donors, and a grant to VAHS from the Cousins Laning Historical Fund through the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

The unveiling was coordinated by the efforts of VABI, VAHS, the City of Venice, and Venice Public Works.  A performance by the Venice High School Band kicked off the ceremony, and remarks were made by Mayor Nick Pachota, Bob Vedder of VABI, Frank Wright of VAHS, and Dr. Bruce Stephenson, author of the definitive book on John Nolen.

Attendees included dignitaries, residents, and descendants of John Nolen from Canada, Oregon, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Florida.  A private reception and luncheon for the Nolen Family was sponsored by VAHS and held at the Cafe Venice.

The Nolen Family at the reception

To watch a video of the unveiling, please go to our YouTube channel by clicking here.

Venice Area Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit Rally -

January 30, 2026

The VAHS tent at the Nonprofit Rally

On January 30th, the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual Nonprofit Rally.  VAHS participated again this year, meeting and greeting the other nonprofit organizations and the public looking to volunteer.  The event ran from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm and was an excellent opportunity to create new opportunities for nonprofit organizations and solidify former relationships and, hopefully, garner a few new volunteers.

Together Through Time: Venice at 100 - January 21, 2026

The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Venice hosted a spectacular event at the Community Center with over 450 attendees to celebrate the City of Venice's Centennial.

The historical society was honored to be asked to select one dozen historical images representing the city.  We worked with Jon Watson of the Venice Museum & Archives to select the images.  These images were then printed digitally on canvas by A|C Luxe Printing and framed with black floating frames.  Two of the images were reproduced on metal.

During the event, patrons could bid on them through a Silent Auction.  The VAHS Board decided to donate the proceeds, net of expenses, to the Venice Museum & Archives for the specific purpose of its digitizing its vast collection of newspapers.

Sneak Peek at Lord-Higel's Coffee House - January 16, 2026

Brenda Holland studying one of the historic images

VAHS hosted a Sneak Peek to unveil the dozen images that were auctioned off at the January 21st "Together Through Time, Venice at 100" celebration.  The images capture the history of Venice through the past 100 years.

Guests included Members of City Council, the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce, the City Manager and staff, and the mayor stopped by to enjoy the preview.  The event was held at Lord-Higel's Coffee House - thank you to Alyssa and Gary for hosting us!

The VAHS Board of Directors will donate the net proceeds from the silent auction to the Venice Museum & Archives for the purpose of digitizing newspapers.

Windjammers Circus Band Concert - January 10, 2026

The band performing on the platform

The Windjammers Unlimited Circus Band performed at the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot for a FREE concert.  This group of former circus musicians delighted the packed audience with their lively circus msuic.  In addition, VAHS docents were on hand to give tours of the Circus Car Museum and the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot.

For images of recent other events, please visit our website by clicking on the button below.

Scholarships

The 2026 scholarships recipients for the VAHS Scholarship and the Dr. William Jervey, Jr. Scholarship were announced at the Spring Fling Luncheon on March 11th.

Tom Bowers, VAHS Education Outreach Chair, addressed the audience by stating:

"As a former educator I am honored to help award the VAHS Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 to Venice High School senior Ryan Mallonee.

Ryan relates in his bio that from an early age he had an avid interest in anything with wheels, especially TRAINS.  He states and I quote, "To this day I still wish to be at the throttle of a hot-shot freight traveling across the beauty this country has to offer."  Family and military history, which includes his grandfather John Dee Mallonee who was a WWll fighter pilot and did most of his training on the P-47 Thunderbolt at the Venice Army Airbase, influenced Ryan as well.

At Venice High School, Ryan serves as President of Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society.  Last and certainly not least, Ryan is the first high school docent ever at our 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot and Circus Car Museum and to date has logged nearly 115 hours of service to our society.

Ole Ben Franklin stated, "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."  And speaking of paying interest Ryan, while I was at the Circus Car just last Saturday, unsolicited many guests stated, "That young man in the Depot was excellent."  In fact, a man remarked, " I would hire that young man in a minute."  Congratulations, Ryan."

Ryan Mallonee, recipient of the VAHS Scholarship

Beth Gehring, former Education Committee Chair, addressed the audience by stating:

"It is with great pleasure that I introduce Hayden Heaney, the 2026 recipient of the Dr. William Jervey, Jr. Scholarship in the amount of $2,500.  Hayden is here today with his mother Kristi.

Let me share a little bit of information about this outstanding young man.  Hayden was born in Phoenix and mostly grew up in Raleigh, NC.  He moved with his family to Venice in 2021.  He is currently the Student Body President at Venice High School. He is also the student representative to the City of Venice Citizens Advisory Board.  He volunteers with Mothers Helping Mothers, a group that assists at-need families in the area.

Hayden will be attending Florida State, majoring in Political Science, with a dream of going to law school and serving one day as a Senator.  I have no doubt he will achieve his dream."

Dr. Jervey joined Beth in presenting the check to Hayden.

Hayden Heaney, recipient of the Dr. William Jervey, Jr. Scholarship

Your financial support is always gratefully appreciated.  Please consider donating by clicking the button below and you will be redirected to our Donate page.  Once there, please hit the yellow Donate button and then in the dropdown box, please select Scholarship Program.  Thank you!

Certificate of Distinction

VAHS established a Certificate of Distinction to honor community organizations or businesses celebrating significant milestones.  There are several organizations and businesses that will be receiving a Certificate in 2026.

VNWC President Joan Brinton & VAHS President Frank Wright

On March 20th, VAHS Board Members were invited to attend the Venice-Nokomis Woman's Club Jubilee at the Plantation Golf and Country Club.  The event celebrated "100 Years of Purpose and Partnership" and honored its founder, Louella Albee.

To celebrate the milestone, Frank Wright presented VNWC President Joan Brinton with the Venice Area Historical Society's Certificate of Distinction.

If your organization is celebrating a significant milestone, please email us so that we may acknowledge it.

Centennial Celebration

The Venice Area Historical Society is excited to partner with other community organizations to help celebrate Venice's upcoming centennial.  The celebrations began at the 2025 Holiday Parade in November and will extend through May of 2027.

Our mission is to ensure Venice's fascinating history and the men, women, and organizations who have played a key role in Venice's progress are celebrated by our community's residents and visitors.

As our plans formalize, we will share more details for specific programs and events.

VAHS Business Members

By clicking on the individual business cards below, you will be redirected to their respective businesses.  Thank you for patronizing our business supporters!

Membership Application

Venice Area Historical Society

PO Box 995

Venice, FL  34284-0995