Sanibel Historical Museum and Village

The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is located on Sanibel Island, Florida and offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of the small, historic island. The museum was founded in 1984 and seeks to share and preserve the history of the island. The adventures of the fisherman, warriors, farmers and proprietors are all told at the museum. There are seven historic buildings located in this village that were moved from their original locations. Each of the buildings has been restored to its original condition and visitors are able to see how people lived more than a century ago in Sanibel Island. The village welcomes nearly 10,000 visitors annually. The village and museum are managed by 100 volunteers including gardeners, tour leaders, docents, board members, fundraisers, publicists and helpers. Special events are occasionally held in the village, as well as archiving and research projects. Historic buildings in the village include the packing house, the 1927 Old Bailey General Store, Miss Charlotta's Tea Rooms, the 1926 Post Office, the 1898 Burnap Cottage, the 1913 Rutland House, the 1896 School House and the 1925 Morning Glory House. The Morning Glory House was a Sears & Roebuck prefab home that cost $2211 to purchase in 1925. The building was delivered to Sanibel in 30,000 pieces and had to be assembled.