Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum facts for kids
2014 view of the museum with shell banners
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| Established | 1995 |
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| Location | 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, Florida, 33957, U.S. |
| Type | Malacology and Conchology |
| Accreditation | American Alliance of Museums, 2010 |
| Architect | George "Tutts" Tuttle Jr. |
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is a special place all about seashells! It teaches you about conchology (the study of shells) and malacology (the study of the animals that make shells, called mollusks). You can also learn about how shells were used long ago. The museum is located in Sanibel, Florida, right on the Gulf of Mexico coast.
The museum first opened its doors in 1995. It's a great spot for scientists, students, and anyone who loves shells to learn more. They especially focus on mollusks from the Gulf of Mexico and Florida. The museum is recognized by the American Alliance of Museums.
Sadly, the museum was badly damaged by Hurricane Ian. But it worked hard to rebuild and reopened in February 2023!
Amazing Shell Collections
The museum has shells from all over the world. Many of the shells on display are from Florida. A lot of them come from Sanibel and Captiva islands. This is because Sanibel Island is one of the best places in the world to find seashells!
Did you know that actor Raymond Burr (who played Perry Mason) helped the museum? He owned an island in the Fijis. He gave the museum a collection of Pacific Ocean cowries and cones. He also helped raise money to build the museum.
What You Can Do and Learn
The museum has many exhibits to explore. They also offer fun public programs. You can even go on guided beach walks with museum experts! They will help you find shells and teach you about the amazing animals that live inside them.
The museum also works with many other groups. These include the Smithsonian Institution and local schools. They share knowledge and help people learn more about shells. Their website lets you search for information about shells found in the museum and in Southwest Florida.
How the Museum Started
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum began with a generous gift. In 1990, three brothers, John, Francis, and Sam Bailey, donated the land. They did this to honor their parents. A famous shell expert, R. Tucker Abbott, was the first director. The museum building was designed by George "Tutts" Tuttle Jr.
The museum officially opened on November 18, 1995. In 1996, another shell expert, José H. Leal, became the director. The museum even started publishing The Nautilus. This is one of the oldest English-language science journals about shells!
Over the years, the museum grew stronger. It received grants and built up its funds. In 2014, it changed its name to the "Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum." This showed its importance as a national center for shell studies.
Images for kids
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An exhibit showing how the Calusa Native American people used the shells of large whelks to make tools.
