This summer if you find yourself out and about around our great state, see if you’re nearby any of these quirky museums. If so, we promise they are worth the day trip.
By Karin Fabry-Cushenbery
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Sanibel
If you’re looking for beautiful, unusual shells, then look no further. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum holds more than 30 permanent exhibits. The shell collection features shells from around the world, including right there in Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Some of the largest shells ever found, including the Goliath Conch, the Lightning Whelk and the Japanese Province are included. Learn the importance of mollusks and discover how shells have influenced artists and architects throughout time. The museum is also the place to turn to for tips and tricks for finding the best shells on area beaches and a handy shell identification guide. Make sure to check out their newest exhibit Coral Reefs: Nurseries of the Sea. shellmuseum.org
International Independent Showman’s Museum, Riverview
This colorful, eclectic museum celebrates the history of America’s traveling shows. One of the highlights on display is the Allan Herschell American Beauty Carousel, dating back to 1950. The Sideshow Exhibit takes a look at the stranger side of carnivals and traveling shows. Learn about the life of the “world’s strangest married couple.” Al Tomaini was born in 1912 and was 7 feet, 4 inches tall, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. His wife, Maria Bossone, was born without legs and was just 2 feet, 5 inches tall. Other exhibits include memorabilia and historical photos for shows dating back more than a century, plus much more. showmensmuseum.org
Pirate and Treasure Museum, St. Augustine
This fun museum will take your family on a journey back 300 years to Port Royal, Jamaica, to the golden age of piracy. While there, take in the world’s oldest wanted poster, try to lift a gold bar, fire a real cannon, check out a treasure chest, see Jack Sparrow’s sword and immerse yourself into an interactive world map of piracy. Be on the lookout for Discovery Drawers skull and crossbones markers. You’ll be rewarded with some pretty cool pirate history! thepiratemuseum.com
Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library, Cape Coral
This museum, which is free to the public, aims to educate visitors on our nation’s military heritage, by honoring the U.S. military, preserving and displaying artifacts and historical finds. Exhibits span from the Revolutionary War to the conflict in Afghanistan, and all artifacts on site have been donated or loaned by the government, the military or individual donors. swflmm.org
History of Diving Museum, Islamorada
Take a historical journey through the world of diving that includes more than 4,000 years of facts and stories. Sit inside a replica of Edmond Halley’s diving bell, see how long you can hold your breath and check out the original diving helmet. In the South Florida Adventure exhibit learn how the Miller-Dunn divinhood allowed for the eventual ride of underwater photos, treasure diving, sport diving and marine biology. Check out the Father of Modern Marine Biology William Beebe’s lab aboard the Arcturus to see how diving influenced marine biology. Also on display are treasure diving finds, beautiful underwater photography, an aquarium and so much more. There are plenty of hands-on, interactive exhibits for the kiddos, too. divingmuseum.org
Note: Before visiting, we encourage you to call ahead to ensure the museum is open and accepting visitors.
Check out more local entertainment like this at 352preview.com.