We all know and love our little piece of Paradise here at Pelicans Roost on Sanibel Island.
We have our routines of beach activity, collecting all those shells, grilling with the family, and lounging in the pool. But, have you ever wondered what life was like long ago for the settlers that came to Sanibel or even before for the Spanish Conquistadors and Calusa Indians?
If you visit the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, located just minutes away from Pelicans Roost– you’ll find the answer to these questions.
Enter a fascinating world of days gone by visiting homes and businesses gathered from the entire island and relocated in this village setting, much like they might have stood before our more busy times. Tour all 7 buildings from a schoolhouse, Miss Charlotta’s Tea Room, the original Bailey grocery store, a vegetable packing house, private residences (one with a ghost! and one prefabricated home from Sears and Roebuck, shipped here in 30,000 pieces) and a post office. Each one lovingly restored and furnished in period style. When you walk in it’s as if the owners have just stepped out and could return at any moment. The schoolhouse awaits a crowd of children looking eagerly for the teacher, or not…
Join the volunteer docents for a fascinating journey back in time with storytelling, facts and lore about the life back before air conditioning and automobiles. They will describe for you the lifestyles of the Calusa Indians who were the original settlers followed by the adventurous Spanish with their stories of treasure, mayhem, and Conquistadors. The Village is open Wednesday to Saturday weekly from 10 am to 1 pm. Visit the gift shop for interesting and unique gifts and souvenirs to bring back home with you. Admission is $10 for adults and free to those under 18. The Village is located at 950 Dunlop Road right off Periwinkle Way.
The Sanibel Historical Village will re-open October 20, 2020, the regularly scheduled opening date for the 2020-2021 season. The Board has established a committee to use this time to develop and implement a detailed plan that ensures the safety of visitors, members, and staff while still offering an excellent experience.
