About The Museum
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is the only accredited museum in the United States devoted solely to shells and mollusks.
Our Vision: The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is a natural history museum that educates, inspires, builds community, and connects people through their love of shells, the diverse animals that create them, and the natural environment.
Our Mission: To use exceptional collections, aquariums, programs, experiences, and science to be the nation’s leading museum in the conservation, preservation, interpretation, and celebration of shells, the mollusks that create them, and their ecosystems.
Who We Are
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is a registered 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit with AAM accreditation.
Our Story
Started by a local shell collector in 1984, we've grown into a national and international resource for the study and distribution of knowledge about mollusks.