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| GREAT HALL OF SHELLS EXHIBITS | |
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GIFTS FROM THE SEAS OF SANIBEL & CAPTIVA - A display of the most common species of seashells likely to be found on the beaches and in the backwaters of the islands. SANIBEL AND CAPTIVA HABITATS Local shells live Beneath The Seas in San Carlos Bay and offshore; on Wharves and Seawalls; on Beaches; in Mangrove Estuaries; and on Dry Land. EARLY ISLAND SHELL COLLECTORS When conchology became a serious science and a popular hobby, early settlers and visiting scientists sampled and classified the rich molluscan fauna of Sanibel and Captiva. SHELL CLASSIFICATION WHEEL Turn the sides of the wheel toward you to learn how to classify and identify your Southwest Florida shells. KINGDOM OF THE LANDSHELLS A sampling of the 25,000 kinds of endangered air-breathing snails that inhabit woods, trees, and gardens. FLORIDA FOSSIL SHELLS Walk through the distant past, examining some of the more impressive fossil shells from Southwest Florida. ECPHORA Rare treasures found in fossil pits from Maryland to Florida. Now extinct, Ecphora flourished some 30 million to 3 million years ago. CALUSA THE ORIGINAL SHELL PEOPLE Life-size models of a father explaining shell tools to his son and a display of shell hammers, anvils, and fishing tools show how the Calusa of Southwest Florida made the most of their abundant marine resources. MOLLUSKS, MEDICINE AND MAN Some mollusks carry diseases fatal to humans but many have beneficial medicinal qualities, including anticancer and antiviral properties. SHELLS AS MONEY Get acquainted with the money cowrie (Cypraea moneta), the most widely circulated currency in history. CARRIER-SHELLS Fascinating carrier-shells attach other shells, corals, and small objects to their own shells. SCHOOL SHELL COLLECTION KITS A representation of the kit that is part of the Museums educational program. (Information is available from docents and the front desk.) THE SCALLOP A dazzling display of this colorful shell, including its use in art, religion, heraldry, and at the table. |
TREASURES OF THE DEEP CONES Rare or highly prized specimens of the cone family. SAILORS VALENTINES A magnificent shell art form developed in the early 19th century by women of Barbados and other Caribbean areas for sailors to take home to their loved ones. CAMEOS A highly specialized art requiring the talents of a skilled engraver to turn part of a seashell into a delicate relief image. SHELL INLAYS Since earliest times, people have admired and used mother-of-pearl, the iridescent surface of certain seashells. BUTTONS & BOWS In the early 20th century, manufacturers used freshwater pearly mussel shells to make buttons. CHILDRENS LEARNING LAB - Hands-on displays, games, and a live tank offer visitors of all ages a chance to become familiar with creatures they dont ordinarily encounter. MICROMOLLUSKS A video and specimens highlight the smallest shells found in the sea, sometimes as little as grains of sand. See how some shells change radically during growth from baby to adult. TREASURES OF THE DEEP VOLUTES Rare or highly prized specimens of the volute family. SHELLS IN TRIBAL ART [COMING SOON!] An exhibit on shells used in ceremonial dress, decorations, and other items from the South Seas, Asia and Africa. SHELL OF THE MOMENT Temporary exhibit of rare, beautiful, or unusual specimens from the Museum research and collection department. SHELLS IN ARCHITECTURE See how shell shapes, patterns and proportions have influenced architectural design throughout history. SHELLS IN GEOGRAPHY Diverse shells of the Pacific Northwest, Saudi Arabia, and Japan. CEPHALOPODS Life-size models of a giant squid, nautilus, and octopus, in addition to photographs and text, explain the three main surviving branches of Cephalopods. WORLDWIDE SHELLS Centerpiece of the Great Hall of Shells is a six-foot diameter globe surrounded by shell exhibits from various geographic provinces. |
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