CLOSED: TOURS WILL BE AVAILABLE OCT. 15

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Join the Sanibel Historical Museum for an Olde Style Cracker Fest

An Evening of Olde Florida Fun, Food, Music, and Unique Auction Experiences to be held on Friday, January 30th at The Community House

Photo Caption: These Village Volunteers are working hard so y’all will have a Cracking good time on January 30th.
L to R: Heather Corbin, Nancy Siegel, Tracey Tenney, Julie Peress, Celina Kersh Monte-Sano, Gayle Pence, & Mary Henderson.

Join the Museum & Village for a great old Florida experience on Friday, January 30, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at the Sanibel Community House. This year’s benefit will be full of fun opportunities. We’re offering classic Cracker cocktails, Florida-style BBQ, a DJ, a line dancing demo led by a professional, and a live auction hosted by local celebrity Victor Mayeron.

There will be several one-of-a-kind live auction experiences offered: exotic travels, fine jewelry, and a combination wine tasting, tapas and painting class. This year, we are adding a silent auction with unique items and gift certificates. But if you don’t want to travel or don’t need a thing, then there are also naming opportunities to help improve our Village Green outdoor experience such as new benches, picnic tables, a putting green, and rocking chairs. Give a special gift to the Museum in your, or someone else’s name; or you can sponsor the continued restoration and revitalization of our Museum’s exhibits, and our outreach educational programs. 

Come join us wearing your favorite “cowgirl and cowboy duds”. Be ready to kick-up your heels and have a rip-roaring time. Tickets are $180 per person and are selling fast so purchase yours as soon as you can. The best way to get your tickets is CLICK HERE, or for more information you can contact the Museum directly at 239-472-4648. Hope to see you at the Fest on January 30th.

The Sanibel Historical Village and Museum features nine historic buildings and store. Located at 950 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm until January 4 and then starting January 7, 10 am to 4 pm through April.

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.