CLOSED: TOURS WILL BE AVAILABLE OCT. 15

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HOLIDAY DISPLAY AND PRE-LUMINARY VILLAGE OPEN HOUSE ON DECEMBER 5

The Village invites the public to join us during a FREE Open House from 3:00pm-5:00pm on Friday, December 5th. A Sanibel Cracker Christmas display highlights Cracker inspired decorations throughout the site.  A merry group of volunteers will soon be trimming trees, wreaths, and garland to adorn Bailey’s General Store, Miss Charlotta’s Tea Room, School House, Shore Haven, Morning Glories Cottage, Post Office, Burnap Cottage, Village Entrance, and Pavilion. Stroll the Village to brighten your holiday spirit. The Holiday display continues through December.

The Village’s 2025 annual theme celebrates Florida Cracker Culture. Today “Cracker” is primarily used as a term of cultural identity and pride among people whose families have lived in Florida for many generations, especially those descended from early pioneers, cattlemen, and homesteaders. The name “Cracker” likely originated from the cracking sound of whips used by early Florida cattle herders as they drove cattle though the palmetto scrub.

Join us in our Shore Haven Welcome Center for cookies and punch, as well as the BIG ARTS Chorus and more!  Find holiday presents in our Gift Shop. A unique gift is Sanibel’s Story: Voices and Images from Calusa to Incorporation by local author Betty Anholt. The Village funded the reprinting of this special book with the support of the City and in recognition of Sanibel’s 50th Anniversary. Betty will be with us to share Sanibel’s history.

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.