Literary awards to MIHS' curator

The Marco Island Historical Society recently announced that their curator of collections, Austin J. Bell, has been recognized by the Florida Writers Association (FWA) Royal Palm Literary Awards (RPLA) with gold and silver awards for two of his writing works: "Marco Island Yesterday and Today" and "The Wonderful World of Marco Island".

Last month, the annual FWA awards ceremony was held at a remote location. A total of 422 entries were received for the competition.

The gold award was given to Bell in the published blog or article category for “From Lantern Slides to Snapchat: The Key Marco Collection Rediscovered,” co-authored with Dr. Megan C. Kassabaum, Penn Museum Weingarten associate curator for North America.

This piece features Marco Island’s priceless Key Marco artifacts — excavated in 1896, remarkably intact, from an oxygen free muck pit.

Key Marco artifacts that include the world-famous Key Marco Cat are on display at the museum.

Bell's article, "A Hermit's Handywork" won a Silver Award in the Nonfiction Creative category at Published.

This piece tells the story of a reclusive man living in the Ten Thousand Islands area of Florida who made wooden skiffs. Long-forgotten and initially overwhelming, his old boats still endure today.

The 'skiff' is on permanent display at the Marco Island Historical Museum.

It has been an intense year in terms of the quality of work submitted and we have been in awe with each entry.

To be singled out for an award is a very prestigious achievement.

The Florida Writers Association (FWA) has 1,600 members and is a nonprofit that supports the state’s established and emerging writers. FWA's goal is to become Florida's go-to resource for new and experienced authors.

Anyone can become a member of FWA.

The Royal Palm Literary Awards is run by the Florida Writer’s Association and celebrates books and other written content. FWA members submit either to the Salon Level or Kitchen Sink Level competition. Contributors should ensure that they read Content Category Descriptions on the web site before submitting a work of art.

The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive.

The Museum is open on Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 9 AM to 4 PM.

Admission is free and the site is handicapped accessible.