Classes
The Museum offers classes in the fall and spring that dive deeper into the science, culture, conservation, and abundant creativity inherent in the world of shells and mollusks.
Learn how to identify Southwest Florida shells. Become a Marine Biologist for a day, exploring coastal ecosystems. Paint shells while sipping your favorite beverage. Practice the time-honored creative tradition of the Sailors’ Valentine. Get guidance on organizing and caring for your personal shell collection. These are just a few examples of classes recently offered.
With inquiries please contact Associate Director of Education Jorden Falker: jfalker@shellmuseum.org.
Shell Ambassador Certification
Friday, January 9, 8:30am–5pm
Friday, March 13, 8:30am–5pm
*please only register for one date. Only one class is required to become a Shell Ambassador.
Instructors: Dr. José H. Leal, Science Director and Curator; Jorden Falker, Associate Director of Education; Jessie Macaluso, Marine Biologist
This course prepares students to become a Museum Shell Ambassador volunteer and educate beachgoers about shells and mollusks. 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 must pass exams on shell and beach identification as well as Sanibel’s beach regulations.
The Museum provides materials including pre-course study materials, a laminated shell guide, Shell Ambassador certificate and official shirt (upon completion). Coffee, light breakfast, and lunch are provided. Recommended advance reading is Florida’s Living Beaches by Blair and Dawn Witherington.
Cost:$160 ($130 for Museum Members).
Click here to register for January 9.
Click here to register for March 13.
Marine Biology and Beach Field Lab
Friday, December 19, 7-9am
Monday, February 2, 7-9am
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 covers finding and identifying micromollusks, phytoplankton collecting, invertebrate diversity, learning about the beach ecosystem, and more. The course takes place during a negative tide, giving participants a higher probability of observing live mollusks.
Participants should be able to walk in wet sand and mud, crouch down, and stand for periods of 30+ minutes. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Gulfside City Park. This is a rain or shine class but will be rescheduled for dangerous weather.
The Museum provides materials including mini field lab notebook, pencil, shell guide, and all materials necessary to collect micromollusks, phytoplankton, and conduct water quality testing. Recommended advance reading is Florida’s Living Beaches by Blair and Dawn Witherington.
Cost: $75 ($60 for Museum Members).
$5/hour parking fee at Gulfside City Park is not included.
Click here to register for December 19.
Click here to register for February 2.
Creating Sailors’ Valentines
Tuesday, February 24, 9:30am-3:30pm
Instructor: Karen Irvine
A Sailors’ Valentine is an intricate and historic art form based on using shells to create kaleidoscopic designs in octagonal boxes. With origins in early 19th century Barbados, the art of creating Sailors’ Valentines gained new popularity in the mid-20th century and continues today.
Participants will craft their own original Sailors’ Valentine, learn the principles of this traditional art form and create their own unique masterpiece. Previous experience is not required.
Materials provided include boxes, shells, other materials, glue, and everything needed. Participants are welcome (but not required) to bring their own small shells to include, or items for a centerpiece. Lunch is included.
Cost: $375 for materials kit and instruction ($350 for Museum Members).
Now You See Them, Now You Don’t
Instructor: Dr. José H. Leal, Science Director and Curator
Have you ever searched the beach for a Junonia or a Lion Paw, but came up empty handed? You’re not alone! Some shells found on Sanibel are rare to find, and leave beachgoers determined for decades to discover one of their own. In this presentation, Dr. Leal discusses various elusive Sanibel shells and what makes them so hard to find. Afterwards, participants will have a chance to explore the newly reopened Great Hall of Shells and find these mysterious shells themselves.
Cost: $75 ($60 for Museum Members).
Click here to register.
