Historical museum, village to open for season
Following its annual seasonal closure from August through mid-October, the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village on Sanibel will reopen its grounds to visitors again starting next week.
Kicking off the season on Oct. 15, it will mark its 42nd year of preserving, sharing and celebrating Sanibel’s history. Founded in 1984, the village features historic buildings and numerous artifacts.
“We’re certainly happy to be open and available for visitors and guests to come and explore and experience with us,” Executive Director Pamela Miner said of the upcoming new season.
The general tour includes an orientation video and eight buildings, including Burnap Cottage, Miss Charlotta’s Tea Room, Morning Glories Cottage, Post Office, Old Bailey General Store, Sanibel School House for White Children, Shore Haven, and The Caretaker’s Cottage. All are handicap accessible.
The Rutland House remains closed post-Hurricane Ian as work continues on its restoration.
“It is slated to have a new roof coming,” she said, explaining that the next phase will involve an assessment of the structure for what needs to be done, with the hope of reopening in the near future.
The open eight buildings were moved to the grounds between 1984 and 2014. The oldest is the schoolhouse at 1896, then Burnap Cottage at 1898. Most structures are before the 1926 hurricane.
“We’re truly looking at an early period of the late 1800s,” Miner said. “We also see a way of life and reimaging on Sanibel that existed before the 1926 hurricane.”
The Old Bailey General Store served as the hub of the island and depicts what general stores were used for during that time. Miss Charlotta’s Tea Room was another gathering place, plus where to get a meal.
Last season, an updated and revitalized display showcasing 16 new exhibits was unveiled at the store. Historic photographs, personal stories and timelines span the space to educate and engage visitors about the Sanibel pioneer life, as well as the importance of agriculture, early communication methods, fishing and boat transportation.
“That’s still new if people haven’t been able to come and see it,” she said.
The Post Office dates back to 1926.
“It was the first independent post office building built for the post office,” Miner said.
Morning Glories Cottage and Shore Haven are Sears & Roebuck residences, which were prefabrication model home kits. Shore Haven also serves as the village’s welcome center and houses the gift shop. Along with The Caretaker’s Cottage, all three structures were originally located on the San Carlos Bay.
New exhibits are in the works for the schoolhouse, Morning Glories and Caretaker’s Cottage.
The gift shop is open to the public.
“You do not need to purchase a ticket to visit,” she said.
It features hats, water bottles, stickers, magnets, tea towels, aprons, art prints and more. One of the popular items for shoppers are the historical books, most of which are written by local authors.
In honor of the city’s 50th anniversary for its incorporation, it will reprint Betty Anholt’s “Sanibel’s Story: Voices and Images from Calusa to Incorporation,” which will be available in December.
“We’ll have a limited print of this iconic book about the island,” Miner said.
The village also hosts a variety of programs and events.
New this season, it has updated its schedule.
“We have shifted our open days to align with the farmers market on Sundays,” she said.
Open on Wednesday through Sunday, the hours of operation will be: Oct. 15 through Jan. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Jan. 7 through April 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., expanded hours for the high season; and May 1 through July 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets and gift shop sales end one hour before close.
Also new this season, the village updated its ticket costs.
Based on the experience, admissions will be:
SELF-GUIDED TOUR
– Adults (ages 19 and older) are $15
– Teens (ages 13-18) are $10
– Youths (ages 6-12) are $5
– Members and ages 5 and under are free
GUIDED TOUR
– Adults (ages 19 and older) are $20
– Teens (ages 13-18) are $15
– Youths (ages 6-12) are $10
– Ages 5 and under are free
“We have a self-guided experience,” Miner said, explaining that there is also labeling and QR codes offering various bits of information and history. “With that, you’re able to explore at your leisure.”
The guided tours will be offered based upon availability and take about an hour and a half.
“We’re going to offer our daily guided tours at specific times,” she said, explaining that they will cover everything from the self-guided one, but with a guide to enhance the experience with stories and more.
“We always have docents around, as well, for questions that you may have,” Miner added.
Annual memberships are available and include gift shop discounts.
The public is invited to stop in to learn about and experience the island’s history.
“It’s definitely an opportunity, whether you’re a resident or a guest,” she said. “You are able to step back in time to experience a Sanibel of the later 1800s and early 1900s.”
For more information, visit www.sanibelmuseum.org or call 239-472-4648.
People can also contact info@sanibelmuseum.org.
The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is at 950 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.