“It Takes A Village”

In 1984, the Rutland House stood alone as Sanibel’s historical museum. Since then, eight additional Sanibel historical buildings have joined it to create a village,” said Emilie Alfino, executive director. “Our theme says it all: It Take A Village to make the Historical Village such a vital part of the community. From our board members to our volunteers and docents – and, importantly, to the community of Sanibel – everyone plays a big part to make the village what it is today and what it hopes to be in the future.

The story of the Algiers harkens back to a time when our island’s growing tourist industry was emerging with simple seaside fun and the thrill of beautiful seashells.

Lathrop and Helen Brown loved coming to Sanibel. They brought the Mississippi ferryboat Algiers down from New Orleans and converted it into a luxurious houseboat, to be moored in a small channel they created on the Gulf. Alas, fate intervened and all that remains today is Algiers Lane and the romantic legend of a couple in love and their dream to live uniquely on Sanibel Island.