We are justifiably proud of our tour guides. Each has been chosen for his or her experience, whether as a tour guide, a public speaker or performer, a historian, or as a delightful combination of all the above. Each has been professionally trained to provide our valued guests with a history tour that is factual (as opposed to fantastical) and an experience that is both fun and educational.
Ladies and gentlemen, in their own words, let us introduce:
Rebecca Schwandt
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I am a native Floridian who was born and raised in Cape Coral. I left the area to pursue higher education, recieving a BA in history in St. Pete and an MA in public history in Orlando. While in Orlando I gained experience as a paranormal investigator as well as a healthy fear and respect of the unknown!It feels great to finally be back in my hometown living out my dream. By day I work as a museum assistant, by night I lead guests through the spooky twists and turns of Fort Myers’ history.Expect interesting storytelling and hands-on investigating on my tours as I utilize the skills from both of my backgrounds to give guests an unforgettable experience.
Seth Ford
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I grew up very close to downtown Fort Myers on Jackson Street. My family has been in the Fort Myers area since the 1910s and in Florida since the 1850s.
I grew up fishing in the river downtown, playing music, and singing. I still do that often with my wife and daughter. We’re called the Shytunas. We play all over Lee County at ice cream shops, street corners, and for people waiting in lines.
My close personal knowledge of downtown and my love for my hometown shines through in my tours and makes the experience even better for our guests.
Mercedes Price-Harry
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I grew up a military kid (Semper Fi!) and have lived in nearly every corner of the USA. Few places have captured my heart like Southwest Florida. After graduating with a BS in Speech Communication from Georgia Southern University I transferred to Cape Coral. What was supposed to be a brief period of my younger life has turned into 16 warm, tropical and funtastic years! I’ve worked on Matlacha Island for 7 years and it is, by far, my favorite island here in paradise. The fishing, the seafood, the art, the wildlife and the locals make it special. I’m excited to share this little treasure and it’s interesting history!
I have worked in both private and public sector career roles and offer a balanced and unique perspective on our urban centers that engage our guests. This tour also evokes for guests fond memories of their own hometowns.
Barbara Durham
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I grew up close to downtown Fort Myers, and have always been drawn to the history, and the enticing vibe of what downtown has to offer.
My family moved to this area in 1969. I grew up boating, skiing and playing in the Caloosahatchee and Orange rivers with my family and friends.
Some of my interests are history, dancing, community and photography.
With my enthusiasm for storytelling and sharing our rich history, it was natural for me to want to immerse myself and our guests into our tours, to provide the feeling as if you were walking in their footsteps.