Our First Event of the Season!

Special Guest Speaker : Mr. Craig Woodward

Topic : “Key Marco and the 1896 Cushing Expedition” ,

Hors d’oeuvres, Wine, Speaker.

Our Speaker, Craig Woodward, grew up in Old Marco a block away from the Cushing archaeological dig which in 1896 uncovered more than 2,000 artifacts, many of them wood or cordage well preserved after centuries of being submerged in a small lagoon. Craig reviews why these objects stayed preserved, the Indian villages known to exist near Marco Island, the huge importance of Cushing’s find, and how the items ended up at the British Museum in London, also at the Smithsonian, the University of Pennsylvania and the Marco Island Historical Museum. Also discussed is how the Key Marco Cat became the most famous artifact found, and in 1989 was represented on a 45 cent US Airmail stamp.  The Key Marco Cat is currently on display at the Marco Island Historical Museum. 

 Craig R. Woodward practices law in Woodward, Pires & Lombardo’s Marco Island location. He joined his father, Arthur V. Woodward, Esq., in 1980. With decades of knowledge of the history and development of the local area, Craig brings a wealth of experience and insight to his clients in solving their legal matters. He handles real estate law, zoning issues, estate planning, probate, business law, and local government law. He represents hotels, restaurants, time-share projects, contractors, marinas, land developers, homeowner associations, real estate companies, banks, and private individuals.

Active in the community, Craig was the keynote speaker for Marco’s 50th Anniversary in 2015 and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce and “Keys to the City” by the City of Marco Island, Marco City Council. He regularly writes historical articles and delivers lectures on Marco Island’s history, including to Leadership Marco classes each year.