CLOSED: TOURS WILL BE AVAILABLE OCT. 15

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Repairs to Begin as Historical Village Closes for Off-Season

After a successful two-month season, the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village will be closing beginning June 1 so repairs can be made to its nine historical buildings.

“We were very grateful to be able to open in April and May to serve the community,” said Board President Celina Kersh. “While traffic was slow, we were able to share Sanibel’s history with the people who came, and they enjoyed the experience.”

The Historical Museum & Village’s mission is to preserve, share, and celebrate Sanibel’s history. “There is a lot of history to preserve after Hurricane Ian devastated the island,” said Kersh. “All of the buildings in the Village sustained damage, some worse than others. We are going to use this time after June 1 to work with the City to complete repairs to our buildings in a historically accurate manner.”

The City of Sanibel owns the Historical Museum & Village and is working with the 501c3 that manages and operates the Village to effect repairs through the Florida Municipal Insurance Trust. Mayor Richard Johnson said every effort will be made to have most, if not all, repairs complete by the time the Village is set to re-open in the fall.

“We have a full season planned beginning in October,” said Kersh. “We’re excited to be offering a number of programs as well as a gala, which will be on February 20. Two Twilight Talks are planned, one on March 19 on the history of hurricanes on the islands, and a second on April 16 about the history of fishing on the islands.

The Historical Village will be in need of volunteers more than ever as it prepares to open and welcome guests once again. There are a variety of volunteer positions available with duties to suit everyone. To volunteer, contact Executive Director Mark Harmon at (239) 472-4648 or via email at info@sanibelmuseum.org.

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.