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Sanibel Museum and Historical Village Circa 1898-1927
When visiting the Islands, put the Sanibel Museum and Historical Village on your itinerary. Located next to Big Arts on Dunlop Road, this small but mighty statement about life on Sanibel offers history buffs and the layperson a perspective of Sanibel, the farming community. Sanibel provided the Northeast with fruits and vegetables, especially during the winter months. Later, as other farming communities on the mainland began competing, Sanibel became a shelling and wildlfe preserve for tourists to enjoy during season.
The seven buildings located in the Historical Village are original residences and businesses moved to this location from 1983-2004. The Packing House, used for archives, is the only replicated structure. Interiors of each building are decorated with period furniture, many are antiques donated by families of the original homesteaders.
Come see the original schoolhouse from 1896, a fishing cottage dated 1898, and a grand old 1913 Cracker House. The original Bailey’s General Store and the Post Office are from 1926-1927. The Sears Roebuck kit house from 1925 also is on site.
Docents conduct tours and will answer questions, or a printed guide is available for self-guided tours. Plan on spending an hour or more as there is much to see.
Open November through April 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and May to August 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Special group tours are available Sunday through Tuesday and can be arranged by calling 239-472-4648 or 239-472-9075. Donations of $5.00 per adult are appreciated.
