Marco Historical Society announces America the Beautiful exhibit
Published on March 24, 2026
Marco Island, FL — March 24, 2026 — In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) presents America the Beautiful — a large format photography exhibit by world-renowned photographer Clyde Butcher. The exhibit will be on display at the Marco Island Historical Museum (MIHM) from March 31 through July 11, 2026. The exhibit is sponsored by Neil and Vicki Bretthauer. It is free and open to the public.
On Thursday, April 9, MIHS presents a special commemorative event and exhibit opening reception in partnership with the Marco Island Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the MIHS Reenactors. The event will honor America’s founding ideals through history, performance and art. Doors open at 3 p.m. at the Rose History Auditorium for a 3:30 p.m. joint performance by the DAR and MIHS Reenactors of an original play, entitled Founding Mothers. An opening reception for America the Beautiful will follow at the Museum from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Butcher’s photography stretches from the Redwood forests of California to the Everglades swamps of Florida, capturing the essence of our national spaces and treasured landscapes. His images document the changing environment, record what is there today, and inspire us to appreciate and protect the beauty of the wilderness. Butcher raises awareness of our country’s remote places and the species that thrive there, allowing us a serene adventure through his lens.
America250 is a nonpartisan initiative to engage every American in commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 250th anniversary of our country. This multi-year effort continues through July 4, 2026 to encourage nationwide programs that celebrate and commemorate the nation’s Semiquincentennial.
“The Marco Island Historical Society and Museum present this exhibit of Clyde Butcher’s brilliantly captured scenes from America’s awe-inspiring wilderness as our participation in the America250 initiative,” notes Marco Island Historical Society CEO Pat Rutledge. “What better way for us to celebrate and honor this momentous time in history than through the artistic and unforgettable photography of Clyde Butcher?”
Clyde Butcher has been called the next Ansel Adams by Popular Photography magazine. He has been recognized as a humanitarian for acting for the betterment of his community, and recognized as a conservationist for bringing issues to the forefront of people’s minds through his artwork. The majestic beauty, boldness and depth of his photographs have earned him recognition as the foremost landscape photographic artist in America today.
The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and the site is fully ADA compliant and accessible to all visitors. For information call (239) 389-6447 or visit www.themihs.org.