CLOSED: TOURS WILL BE AVAILABLE OCT. 15

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Historic Rutland House Begins Roof Replacement as Part of Post-Hurricane Ian Restoration on Tuesday, October 14

Rutland House - Present
Rutland House today, as roof replacement preparations begin at The Village.

The Rutland House Roof Replacement Project at the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village is planned to begin on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. As property owner and partner in fulfilling SHMV’s mission, the City of Sanibel is funding the project and selected Quick Roofing LLC to perform the work. The scope includes removal and replacement of the metal roofing system, as well as a structure retrofit and installation of sheathing to comply with current building and wind codes. This is the first essential repair to be completed post-Hurricane Ian before re-opening the house to the public.

Rutland House - After Hurricane Ian
Rutland House following Hurricane Ian, showing roof damage sustained during the 2022 storm.

Built in 1913, Rutland was originally located on Periwinkle Way, west of the current Periwinkle Park trailer park. It is constructed of slash pine and is a cracker architectural design identified with elements including the wood frame structure with a low-slung roof and a wide front porch. “Cracker” refers to early pioneers in Florida and their descendants.

Rutland House - Original
The Rutland House was the first building moved to the Historical Museum and Village site in 1982.

Clarence Rutland purchased the home in 1928 and lived there until his death in 1982. He was the son of Irene Rutland. After her first husband’s death, Irene married Henry Shanahan, the Sanibel lighthouse keeper in the early 1900s. 

Rutland and his wife Ruth (Wiles) had no children, but everyone referred to him as Uncle Clarence, and he was known as a “jack of all trades.” Ruth became ill and passed away in 1952.  After Clarence’s death the building was brought to the historical village in 1982 and for many years housed the entire museum, which opened in 1984.

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.