The Catawba Island Historical Society is sponsoring “A Short History of Local Pleasure Boating” by Dr. Richard Thomas on Monday, August 11, 2025, from 4-5pm at Ida Rupp Public Library.
In this free lecture, Dr. Thomas will share a fast-paced and fun look at all things boating, from powerboats to sailboats, from Matthews to Lyman, from indigenous tribal canoes to modern rumrunners, and much more.
Dr. Thomas is a Catawba Island Historical Society Board of Trustee and Chief Designer for the Catawba Island History Museum at Union Chapel. Ida Rupp Public Library is located at 310 Madison Street, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452.
About Us
WHO WE ARE
HOW TO JOIN
WHO WE ARE
The Catawba Island Historical Society was established in 2017 as a federal tax exempt 501(c)(3) corporation.
Our mission is to "educate and inspire by collecting, preserving, and displaying artifacts from Catawba Island's rich history."
Thanks to CIHS membership fees, grants, bequests and Township support, the public may visit the museum at no charge.
WHAT WE DO
HOW TO JOIN
WHO WE ARE
Our inaugural community service was sponsoring an educational lecture series. We continue presenting regular speakers on historic and informative topics.
In 2018 we began operation of the museum/cultural center in the Union Chapel, a renovated non-denominational house of worship built in 1888. The structure is a Catawba icon.
HOW TO JOIN
HOW TO JOIN
HOW TO JOIN
CIHS provides membership opportunities for every budget and level of interest.
A lifetime subscription is offered for a single payment of $1000. Two categories of annual membership – one for $100 and one for $25 per year - are also available.
For more information, email us at info@catawbaislandhistoricalsociety.com or call our Museum Curator at (419) 967-5363.
Membership Makes a Difference
Lifetime and annual memberships – along with endowments & sponsorships – underwrite all aspects of CIHS programming.
We invite you to see the vital role your membership dollars play in our museum during this, our 8th, summer season.
