About The Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society

Our Mission: Preserve the rich history of the Punta Gorda area through the beauty of mural art.
Our Vision: Position Punta Gorda as a major Mural City and destination location for visitors, tourists, etc. while educating the Community about our history.
Our Values:

• Quality – Professionally create and maintain our mural art.
• Integrity – Perform extensive research to ensure accurate depiction of our history.
• Education – Create an educational vehicle for children, students and adults to learn about art and our history.
• Collaboration – Partner with other Community organizations to expand the impact of our efforts.

Established in 1995, the Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society (PGHMS) is a non-profit, 501c(3) organization managed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. With strong Community support the PGHMS has created the wonderful historic murals throughout our city.
We are proud to be part of the Florida Mural Trail and invite you to visit the other Mural cities in Florida.
We hope you find this website useful and full of good information about our murals and the history they depict. Your continued support is appreciated.

Kelly Gaylord
PGHMS President

The History and the Dream

The PGHMS started with Dr. Robert Andrews’ dream to feature historic and educational murals around the City of Punta Gorda. Dr. Andrews contacted the Punta Gorda Business Alliance (forerunner of the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce) in 1993 for help in promoting the idea. The proposal was an instant hit and a committee was formed.

Through a lot of effort and support, the PGHMS was organized in late 1994 and approved to operate as a 501c(3) non-profit organization in 1995. Plans began for the first mural location, theme and artist selection.

The large wall on the south end of what was once the Punta Gorda Mall, located at 115 Tamiami Trial (US 41-North) was identified as a potential site. With support from the mall owner, painting by the local artist Tom Graham began in January 1995. The mural was finished in September and the dedication took place on October 11, 1995. With the first mural completed, the PGHMS was off and running.