CLOSED: TOURS WILL BE AVAILABLE OCT. 15

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Twilight Talk Series SECRETS AND STORIES OF THE SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE

SECRETS AND STORIES OF THE SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE will be presented on Tuesday, December 16 in the Village’s Shore Haven at 4:00pm. Tickets are $20 and are available to purchase HERE or the Village’s Shore Haven Welcome Desk.

During the dark night following Hurricane Ian, a question swirled on social media: is the Lighthouse down? In the morning after the storm, the answer was clear. Standing precariously on three legs, the iconic light tower survived. Everything else from the National Historic site was gone—including the sturdy Keepers Quarters. Exactly seven months before the monster storm, the Sanibel Museum & Village premiered a comprehensive documentary about the historic Lighthouse property.  Join us as we share a film about this Sanibel icon.

Ken Sneeden is an award-winning journalist and television station executive. Sneeden founded his Fort Myers based multimedia company in 1991. The firm produces high impact videos and multimedia presentations for diverse national clients showing proven expertise in high-end presentation services with an emphasis on visual storytelling. In 2016, Ken brought his professional skills to the islands. His tenacious research ethic, along with his passion for local history, has resulted in numerous full-length documentaries created for the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, as well as the Captiva Island Historical Society.

Remains of the Storm

On the grounds of the Village are artifacts remaining from the Lighthouse “prosthetic”  and Keepers Quarters. Arrive at 3:30 to view surviving pieces. 

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.