BIG ARTS Sanibel

Sanibel FL

Edward Scissorhands

Stay cool by joining one of our expert educators on a Beat the Heat Beach Walk. Participants will explore the Sanibel beach, learn about various local shells and mollusks, and see the sunrise while avoiding the afternoon heat and humidity of the wet season. These early morning walks will last about an hour and take place at Gulfside City Park on Sanibel Island.
Location is Gulfside City Park, 2001 Algiers Lane, Sanibel
All walks begin at 7am.

Local Event: Beat the Heat Beach Walk 

Lee County

Sanibel

Florida

Beat the Heat Beach Walk 

Stay cool by joining one of our expert educators on a Beat the Heat Beach Walk. Participants will explore the Sanibel beach,...

Week 3: Coral Reefs – Rainforests of the Sea

Crafternoon

Beach Bingo

Explore the world of shells and mollusks through new homeschool programs!&nbsp;How does a shell become a fossil? In this program, students explore the fossil creation process, compare and contrast fossil and extant species, and make their own fossil.&nbsp;After the program, students will have the opportunity to explore the Living Gallery of Aquariums and Great Hall of Shells on their own.Homeschool Half-Days programs are offered on select Thursdays, September-December, 2-4pm for ages 5-8 and 9-12. Program registration is $25 ($15 for Museum members) and accommodates one homeschool student and one guardian. Students must be supervised by their guardians at all times.Register online at <a href="https://shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/homeschool/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/homeschool/</a>

Local Event: Homeschool Half-Days - Fossils (Ages 5-8) 

Homeschool Half-Days - Fossils (Ages 5-8) 

Explore the world of shells and mollusks through new homeschool programs! How does a shell become a fossil? In this program,...

Sanibel Moorings Resort

Guided Beach Walk @ Sanibel Moorings

Caloosa Comedy Club

Caloosa Comedy's Ultimate Comedy Showcase!!

Psycho

Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium

The elusive nature of large, shell-crushing predators (such as rays and sea turtles) creates challenges to our scientific understanding of the ecological role of these predators in seabed communities, including where and when they interact with molluscan shellfish.
This talk covers how Dr. Matt Ajemian’s team uses innovative methods and technologies including shell fragmentation, eDNA, and acoustics to detect and study predator-prey interactions (a “who crushed who”?) within various underwater habitats and conditions. Attendees will also experience how Ajemian’s team uses specialized tags to track the foraging behavior of a large predator, the whitespotted eagle ray, in Bermuda and Florida. The talk closes with a discussion of the relevance of the findings to marine ecosystem ecology and applied shellfish restoration projects occurring in the state of Florida and beyond.
Dr. Ajemian is an Associate Research Professor at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) where he leads the Fisheries Ecology and Conservation program at FAU Harbor Branch. He has published over 80 articles and has received competitive early-career awards from the National Academy of Sciences and the National Science Foundation, as well as applied grants from NOAA Fisheries, the Department of Defense, and Florida Sea Grant.Register online at <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0eQ1tJIOSz-kkFa-FR-Bsg#/registration" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Webinar Registration - Zoom</a>

Local Event: Online Lecture - Picking Up the Pieces: Tracking Elusive Predators on Mollusks 

Online Lecture - Picking Up the Pieces:...

The elusive nature of large, shell-crushing predators (such as rays and sea turtles) creates challenges to our scientific...

Online Lecture - Picking Up the Pieces: Tracking Elusive Predators on Mollusks 

Local Event: Homeschool Half-Days - Fossils (Ages 9-12) 

Homeschool Half-Days - Fossils (Ages 9-12) 

Explore the world of shells and mollusks through new homeschool programs!&nbsp;The connection between humans and mollusks is much deeper than most people realize. This program will explore the various connections in food, culture, and history.&nbsp;After the program, students will have the opportunity to explore the Living Gallery of Aquariums and Great Hall of Shells on their own.Homeschool Half-Days programs are offered on select Thursdays, September-December, 2-4pm for ages 5-8 and 9-12. Program registration is $25 ($15 for Museum members) and accommodates one homeschool student and one guardian. Students must be supervised by their guardians at all times.Register online at <a href="https://shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/homeschool/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/homeschool/</a>

Local Event: November - Shells, Mollusks, and Human Connection (Ages 5-8)

November - Shells, Mollusks, and Human...

Explore the world of shells and mollusks through new homeschool programs! The connection between humans and mollusks is much...

November - Shells, Mollusks, and Human Connection (Ages 5-8)

Dr. José H. Leal has served as the Museum’s Curator for over 30 years and is retiring at the end of 2026. His work has profoundly influenced the organization for the better, and for many, Dr. Leal is synonymous with the Museum and its educational mission.
In this talk, Dr. Leal will reflect on more than three decades of growth, change, challenges, and triumphs at the Museum and in the field of malacology. From his arrival in 1996 as the institution was first opening its doors to the public, to the growth and management of what is today one of the top dozen collections of shells in the U.S., to the design of the new Great Hall of Shells, to the future of malacology, Dr. Leal will share stories of circumstances and people that helped shape this museum and drive the local and international pursuit of knowledge about mollusks and shells.Cost: $25, $15 for Museum Members. Includes beverages and light hors d’oeuvres.Register online at <a href="https://shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/lectures/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/lectures/</a>

Local Event: An Awesome Challenge: My 30+ Years at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium 

An Awesome Challenge: My 30+ Years at the...

Dr. José H. Leal has served as the Museum’s Curator for over 30 years and is retiring at the end of 2026. His work has...

An Awesome Challenge: My 30+ Years at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium 

Explore the world of shells and mollusks through new homeschool programs!&nbsp;The connection between humans and mollusks is much deeper than most people realize. This program will explore the various connections in food, culture, and history.After the program, students will have the opportunity to explore the Living Gallery of Aquariums and Great Hall of Shells on their own.&nbsp;Homeschool Half-Days programs are offered on select Thursdays, September-December, 2-4pm for ages 5-8 and 9-12. Program registration is $25 ($15 for Museum members) and accommodates one homeschool student and one guardian. Students must be supervised by their guardians at all times.Register online at <a href="https://shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/homeschool/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/homeschool/</a>

Local Event: Homeschool Half-Days - Shells, Mollusks, and Human Connection (Ages 9-12) 

Homeschool Half-Days - Shells, Mollusks, and...

Homeschool Half-Days - Shells, Mollusks, and Human Connection (Ages 9-12) 

Walk Sanibel’s beaches at some of the lowest tides of the year to observe and document sightings of living mollusks. Data collected is used to benchmark local mollusk populations.
There is no cost to participate, but pre-registration is required. Please contact Jorden Falker at <a href="mailto:jfalker@shellmuseum.org">jfalker@shellmuseum.org</a> with questions or to register.

Local Event: Live Mollusk Count - November 

Live Mollusk Count - November 

Walk Sanibel’s beaches at some of the lowest tides of the year to observe and document sightings of living mollusks. Data...

Local Event: Live Mollusk Count 

Live Mollusk Count 

Explore the world of shells and mollusks through new homeschool programs!&nbsp;With more than 85,000 species on the planet, mollusks are very diverse, and many have unique ways of surviving. Students will learn about various molluscan adaptations as well as the diversity of the phylum.&nbsp;After the program, students will have the opportunity to explore the Living Gallery of Aquariums and Great Hall of Shells on their own.Homeschool Half-Days programs are offered on select Thursdays, September-December, 2-4pm for ages 5-8 and 9-12. Program registration is $25 ($15 for Museum members) and accommodates one homeschool student and one guardian. Students must be supervised by their guardians at all times.Register online at <a href="https://shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/homeschool/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/homeschool/</a>

Local Event: Homeschool Half-Days - Mollusk Diversity and Adaptations (Ages 5-8) 

Homeschool Half-Days - Mollusk Diversity and...

Explore the world of shells and mollusks through new homeschool programs! With more than 85,000 species on the planet, mollusks...

Homeschool Half-Days - Mollusk Diversity and Adaptations (Ages 5-8) 

Local Event: Homeschool Half-Days - Mollusk Diversity and Adaptations (Ages 9-12) 

Homeschool Half-Days - Mollusk Diversity and Adaptations (Ages 9-12) 

Instructors: Jorden Falker, Director of Education; Jessie Macaluso, Education Coordinator; Chris Whitt, Marine Biologist and Collections Assistant
This course prepares students to become a Museum Shell Ambassador volunteer and educate beachgoers about shells, mollusks, and local coastal ecosystems. Topics include local shell identification, mollusk biology, dune plant and animal identification, Sanibel beach laws, tides, and identification of beach finds. To successfully become a Shell Ambassador, students will pass tests on shell identification and beach regulations.
Materials recommended: Florida’s Living Beaches by Blair and Dawn Witherington, pen/pencil and a notebook
Materials provided: Pre-course study materials, laminated shell guide, Shell Ambassador certificate and official shirt (upon completion). Coffee, light breakfast, and lunch are provided.
Cost:$150 ($120 for Museum Members)
Maximum 15 students.Register online at <a href="https://shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/classes//learn-and-experience/classes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/classes//learn-and-experience/classes/</a>

Local Event: Shell Ambassador Certification 

Shell Ambassador Certification 

Instructors: Jorden Falker, Director of Education; Jessie Macaluso, Education Coordinator; Chris Whitt, Marine Biologist and...

Instructor: Chris Whitt, Marine Biologist
Become a student of marine biology and learn about marine life (including mollusks) at Sanibel’s Gulfside City Park. This hands-on course will cover finding and identifying micromollusks, phytoplankton collecting, and the role of phytoplankton in local food webs, invertebrate diversity, and more.
Prerequisites: Ability to walk in wet sand and mud, crouch down, and stand for periods of 30+ minutes. This is a rain or shine class but will be rescheduled for dangerous weather.
Materials Required: Transportation to and from Gulfside City Park ($5/hour parking fee not included). Students must provide their own field-appropriate clothes (shoes, hat, jacket, poncho, etc.).
Materials Recommended: Florida’s Living Beaches by Blair and Dawn Witherington
Materials Provided: Mini field lab notebook, pencil, laminated shell guide, and all materials necessary to collect micromollusks, phytoplankton, and conduct water quality testing.
Cost:$75 ($60 for Museum Members)
Maximum 8 students.

Local Event: Marine Biology and Field Lab 

Marine Biology and Field Lab 

Instructor: Chris Whitt, Marine Biologist
Become a student of marine biology and learn about marine life (including mollusks)...

Join us at Mysteries of the Deep – a Masquerade Ball benefiting the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum &amp; Aquarium.
Enjoy an evening of elegance and intrigue in attire fit for a Gothic-inspired ball, a Venetian-inspired Carnival, or your own masquerade interpretation! Or, come dressed however you are most comfortable, and we’ll provide a mask if you’d like!
Attendees will enjoy an evening of camaraderie at The Community House, live music by the Rockefellers, and a delicious dinner catered by Savour First Choice Catering.
The evening raises funds for the Museum’s educational mission&nbsp;with an exciting auction of original items and experiences&nbsp;and a Paddles Up!Presented by Florida Trust Wealth Management. Purchase tickets or sponsorships online at <a href="https://shellmuseum.org/gala/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">shellmuseum.org/gala/</a>

Local Event: 2027 Annual Gala - Mysteries of the Deep 

2027 Annual Gala - Mysteries of the Deep 

Join us at Mysteries of the Deep – a Masquerade Ball benefiting the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium.
Enjoy an...

Learn how to create decoupage shells during this exciting crafting evening at the Museum. Local artist Pam Kunz will demonstrate and teach decoupage – an art and craft technique that decorates an object with cut-out paper or fabric and then seals it. &nbsp;
Participants will craft their own decoupage shell while enjoying wine or non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks during this after-hours experience. Artists of all levels are welcome; no experience is required.
Materials Provided: All decoupage materials and shells. Wine and light snacks included.
Cost: $50 ($40 for Museum Members)
Maximum 12 students.Register online at <a href="https://shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/classes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/classes/</a>

Local Event: Delightful Decoupage 

Delightful Decoupage 

Learn how to create decoupage shells during this exciting crafting evening at the Museum. Local artist Pam Kunz will...

Enjoy a relaxing and fun evening at the Museum while learning techniques of painting and combining them with your interest in shells. Local artist Laura Ball will guide participants step by step in creating their own shell painting to bring home while enjoying a glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage of choice in the unique after-hours setting of the Museum. No artistic experience is necessary.
Materials Provided: Canvas, paints, and brushes. Wine and light snacks included.Register online at <a href="https://shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/classes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/classes/</a>
Cost:$65 ($50 for Museum Members)
Maximum 15 students.

Local Event: Paint & Sip in the Galleries 

Paint & Sip in the Galleries 

Enjoy a relaxing and fun evening at the Museum while learning techniques of painting and combining them with your interest in...

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