The School Bell is Back at the Historic Sanibel Schoolhouse
June 18th marked another milestone at the Village. The bell was re-installed in the belltower of the historic Sanibel Schoolhouse. About 40 people attended the event. While there were a couple of glitches to overcome, all worked well in the end.
The bell was signed by attendees at the re-installation ceremony for the historic Sanibel Schoolhouse.
Originally, the plan was for the Sanibel Fire Department to bring their ladder truck to the Village, haul the bell up to the roof and hang it in the tower. Well, 3 days before the well-advertised event, we found out that the ladder truck was in for repairs and therefore not available. Oh, no! Now what?!
On June 18, 2024, the bell was reinstalled inside the belltower of the historic Sanibel Schoolhouse.
In comes Tree West to the Fire Department’s rescue! When asked to help, Owner Juergen Schreyer and Manager Earl Persinger readily agreed. They brought one of their big trucks in and used the 70’ boom to reach the bell tower. While the brackets were being made ready by employees Ceasar Martinez and David Espinoza, attendees were invited to sign the bell.
There was a drawing of the children present to see who would get to be the first to the ring newly installed bell. Four-year-old Theo Roussil, grandson of a former volunteer, Jewel Jensen, was the excited winner.
Four-year-old Theo Roussil, grandson of a former volunteer, Jewel Jensen, is the first to ring the newly installed bell.
We are so grateful to all of our community partners – the City of Sanibel, the Sanibel Fire Department, and Tree West – for working together to help us accomplish another big step in recovery. It’s so great to hear that bell ringing again!
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!
The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village announces it will close to the public starting April 27, 2026. Tours will be available again on October 15, 2026.
The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village has engaged Soukup Strategic Solutions, a Southwest Florida–based consulting firm that advises nonprofit organizations nationwide on governance, fundraising strategy, and organizational leadership, to conduct an organizational assessment and provide interim executive leadership support.
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.
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.
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