Today we’d like to introduce you to James And Rose Marie Blaha.
Hi James and Rose Marie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Following our retirements from education, and educational and museum administration we became members of the Boca Grande Historical Society which is located in Boca Grande, Florida about 1 1/2 hours south of Tampa The president of the Historical Society knew of James Blahas’s (MS in Education plus many additional hours ) background as a high school and college educator with a double major in United States History. Following his teaching career he became the administrator of the Graue Mill and Museum in Oak Brook, Illinois a working grist mill and a site of the underground railroad. It is here where he expanded hands on learning activities for students and other visitors, developed on site programs such as German fests, and craft experiences including weaving. With this strong background in history, education, administration and museum experience the president was most eager to have him become a member of the Boca Grande Historical Society Board. Shortly thereafter with the support of the board members he was able to expand the idea of a museum to become a History Center which would have 3 major functions:
1. To preserve relevant artifacts and documents of Boca Grande’s history and that of the surrounding areas.
2. To offer archival related services which are accessible to researchers.
3. To offer an exhibit area illustrating the island’s history.
The goal was to not have a “society/club” but to have a living/welcoming History Center.
As the Blaha’s are seen as a team, Rose Marie (MS in Education plus additional hours) was also sought after for her background as an elementary teacher; elementary, middle school, and high school librarian, media specialist, elementary school district resource administrator, administrator of the middle school gifted program and middle school computer teacher. Using these skills as a volunteer for the last 9 years she created thousands of subject files and entered information into the Past Perfect archival program. Together they have devoted a minimum of 35-40 hours a week each. Over these years they have properly archived photos, objects, documents, written newspaper articles for the local newspaper “Boca Beacon”, created appropriate storage facilities, had media adapted into the latest versions, worked on programs for both adults and local school children, The Blaha’s were honored to have the Research area of the History Center named after them and to also have been chosen as parade marshalls by the Boca Grande Woman’s Club. After Covid, Hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton they have been working from home as the History Center building was severely damaged. The Boca Grande Historical Society and History Center has been able to lease space in the Crowninshield Community Center located a short distance from it’s former location. During the past year the Blaha’s have worked full time along with the BGHS administrator to develop a state of the art Center employing a professional museum design firm. We look forward to the November 2025 grand opening “ Footprints From the Past” exhibit.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As the Boca Grande Historical Society and History Center is a nonprofit organization funding is always an issue. Archival materials, storage facilities, office and History Center expenses including that of staff salaries are ongoing expenses. Due to the hurricanes and to developing a state-of-the-art History Center we are in the midst of a large legacy fund campaign. The organization strongly believes in providing historical experiences for our on island charter school children both field trip experiences and visits to the History Center. The Boca Grande Historical Society and History Center is celebrating over 30 years of existence and a Legacy Fund has been established to raise the necessary funds to enable it to be a viable force in the community.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
See previous re job experiences
Our goals are always to be where we can contribute and benefit our society. We love our island community and it’s history and thus enjoy sharing it with others.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Life experiences have taught us what is important and what is not important.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bocagrandehistoricalsociety.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bocagrandehistoricalsociety
- Facebook: bocagrandehistoricalsociety
Image Credits
Our photos are on our iphone so we will send separately.
