Shell museum adds classes to its educational programming lineup
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is introducing four new classes for the fall.
The classes will complement the virtual lecture series that has engaged the public throughout 2021, along with the museum’s guided beach walks, keeper chats, Adopt-A-Class K-12 school program and other educational programming.
“The museum is glad to expand upon its educational mission by offering these new opportunities for shell enthusiasts at all levels, photographers and collectors who are interested in building their knowledge base and skills,” Executive Director Sam Ankerson said.
The fall class lineup is as follows:
– Oct. 28: “Shell Morphology: Understanding Shell Descriptions” from 2 to 4 p.m.
Is that a varix or a suture? Are these nodes or spines? Written descriptions of shells have you stymied? The course will go over some of the more commonly used terminology in shell descriptions. Participants will have a chance to reinforce their new vocabulary with interactive activities and will gain the knowledge necessary to accurately describe their shells and easily understand written descriptions in guidebooks and scientific papers. Cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members.
– Nov. 11: “Shell Photography” from 5 to 7 p.m.
The course includes one hour of lecture and one hour of hands-on learning. Participants will learn how to photograph shells, in nature and in a controlled environment. Additional attention will be devoted to photography of small shells and basic rudiments of Adobe Photoshop as it applies to shell photography. Participants will learn methods of shell photography applicable to documentation, collection curating, social media and art. Cost is $60 for members and $75 for non-members.
– Nov. 16 and 18: “What’s That Shell?” from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Love shelling, but not sure what you are finding? Interested in becoming a Shell Ambassador, but a little shaky on your ID skills? The first session of the two-part class will focus on the practice of identifying local Southwest Florida shells and introduce resources for identification. The second class will include hands-on time for participants to use their new knowledge and resources to identify their own shells, with expert staff helping to guide and answer questions. Cost is $60 for members and $75 for non-members.
– Dec. 7 and 9: “Understanding and Curating Your Shell Collection” from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
The first session of the two-part class will introduce shell collections and their merit and address ideal collection organization and maintenance. It will be followed by practical considerations on curating and maintaining a personal shell collection and how to maximize its value, both from the monetary and scientific points of view. The second session will entail hands-on curating of one’s collection with professional materials and expert staff available to guide and answer questions. Participants will gain the tools necessary to properly care for and document their collection. Helpful for estate planning. Cost is $100 for members and $125 for non-members.
Held at the museum, the classes will be taught by Science Director Dr. José H. Leal and senior marine biologist Rebecca Mensch. Registration for each class will be capped at a maximum of 20 people.
For more information, visit https://www.shellmuseum.org/classes.
To register or for questions, contact Mensch at rmensch@shellmuseum.org.
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is at 3075 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel.