CLOSED: TOURS WILL BE AVAILABLE OCT. 15

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Deck The Shore Holiday Celebration: Stroll the Museum & Village, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Caroling, Holiday Gifts and More!

We are excited to announce that the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village is scheduled to reopen for the Season. We are planning a special Holiday Celebration on Friday, December 1, 2023, and then will resume our regular operating schedule on Saturday, December 2, 2023.

The December 1st celebration, “Deck the Shore”, will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Deck the Shore will be “bookended” with welcome remarks at 4:00 pm and then a Lighthouse themed tree lighting ceremony at 5:45 pm. In between, guests can stroll the Historical Village while enjoying cookies, treats, wine, cheese, and punch. You will be serenaded with Christmas carols by the BIG ARTS Community Chorus from around 4:30 to 5:45 pm.

Next door BIG ARTS will host an Open House from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and include an appearance by Santa Claus, artist demonstrations, and refreshments. Both the Historical Museum and the BIG ARTS event will be FREE that evening.

Sanibel Historical Museum & Village will begin its regular schedule on December 2, 2023, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is FREE for SHMV members and $15 for non-members (adults ages 18 years and up).

The Sanibel Historical Museum & Village is a 501(c)3 organization that relies on membership fees, admissions, and charitable donations. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Founded in 1984, the Village is excited to welcome visitors during its 42nd year of preserving, sharing, and celebrating Sanibel’s history. The general tour experience includes an orientation video and eight historic buildings displaying numerous artifacts telling engaging stories. Much of the site is handicap accessible. The Rutland House remains closed post-Hurricane Ian.

The Village Gift Shop in Shore Haven is open during the regular schedule. Admission is not required to shop. Much of the merchandise is by local authors, artists and entrepreneurs.

The Village is located on Sanibel Island at 950 Dunlop Road (next to BIG ARTS) and parking is free.

Visit the Village’s website for more information about Sanibel’s history, events and programs during the 2025-2026 Season, and to sign up for our E-Newsletter: www.sanibelmuseum.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

PUNTA RASSA BEFORE THE BRIDGE

Feb 28, 2026

On Monday, March 9th, the volunteers at the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village will have an opportunity to learn the “real story” of Punta Rassa from the grandchildren of Leon Crumpler and Clyde Riddle.

History of a Florida “Cracker”

Jan 17, 2026

Before tourism, theme parks, and booming cities, there was the Florida Cracker. “Crackers” are named from the sharp crack of long braided whip used by Florida cowmen to drive cattle through dense brush.