Cape Coral museum connects local stories to defining moments in American history

The Cape Coral Historical Museum is unveiling a new exhibit this Thursday that ties 10 defining moments in American history to the city’s unique local stories.

The museum, known for preserving Cape Coral’s transformation from marshy wilderness to a developed city by the Rosen brothers starting in 1957, is now showcasing a broader historical perspective.

"We start with the signing of the declaration," said Wendy Schroder, who curated the exhibit.

The display includes personal stories, such as that of Schroder’s father-in-law, Aage Schroder, who fought in France during World War II. Decades later, he reconnected with a French woman whose family cared for him while he was liberating their country from Nazi occupation as they sent each other letters.

The Schroder family was among the first to settle in Cape Coral, becoming the 12th family to move to the area.

When asked if the city’s relatively young history might obscure its connection to major historical events, Janel Trull, the museum's executive director, acknowledged the challenge.

"I do, we do have that challenge," she said.

The exhibit will remain on display at the museum at least until the end of the year.