Learn about island history at Sanibel Historical Museum and Village

While you soak up the sunshine and enjoy the Gulf waters during June and July, why not take time out to soak up some island history? The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is open on Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Aug. 6. The Museum Gift Shop, featuring a unique collection of all "Made in America" merchandise, has been moved to the Rutland House and will continue to operate from there during normal business hours. Visitors to Sanibel, as reported on the "TripAdvisor" travel website, have voted the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village the #3 attraction on Sanibel and given the museum a five-star rating.

A "step back in time" is the way the Historical Village is described by visitors. Seven historic island buildings have been preserved and moved to a charming "village" setting and are filled with artifacts and exhibits that chronicle the Calusa and Spanish periods and tell stories about the pioneer families who farmed and fished the islands from the 1880s to 1940s. Visitors see a way of life that is long gone, except as preserved at the Historical Village. Volunteer docents share island tales with visitors, and visitors, in turn, enjoy sharing their own Sanibel stories.

As a cultural attraction, the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village continues to offer an outstanding value. Admission is still only $5 for adults, 18 and over. Children and Museum members are free. The Historical Village is located at 950 Dunlop Road (next to BIG Arts) and is handicap accessible. For more information, call 472-4648 or visit the Museum website, wwwsanibelmuseum.org.