Leading Ladies of Sarasota

Actress and tour guide Kathryn Chesley specializes in donning period costumes and portraying Sarasota's most influential women -- Mable Ringling, Marie Selby, and Bertha Palmer -- and telling the story of the Sarasota and how each of these women and their unique contributions helped to make the city what it is today.

The past comes to life in an informative and entertaining way on this historical 90-minute city trolley tour led by costumed guide, Kathryn Chesley, as she plays the parts of Mable Ringling (wife of John Ringling), Marie Selby (wife of William Selby and Philanthropist), or Bertha Palmer (Rancher and Developer) on alternating tours.

Find out what Sarasota was like 100 years ago through the eyes of each of these impactful women during the time they lived here. See the historical places in Sarasota and learn about its key development.

Each week’s air-conditioned tour features a different leading lady founder and focuses on her unique contributions to Sarasota.