Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum Exhibit Renovations Planned

The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is currently renovating the Raymond Burr Memorial Exhibit, established in memory of the deceased actor prior to his death in 1993. The exhibit, currently housed in the lower level of the museum, will be relocated into the Great Hall of Shells and will feature newly acquired shells from his personal collection as well as memorabilia from Mr. Burr’s very illustrious career.

Idyllic and isolated South Seas islands were magnets for Burr, who in 1965 purchased Naitamba Island in Fiji. There, he and his partner, Robert Benevides, collected shells as a relaxing hobby. Mr. Benevides recently donated items from his personal collections to the museum to support the renovation of the exhibit about Burr.

The actor, most popular for his roles on the television series Perry Mason and Ironside, spent many hours on Sanibel as benefactor and fundraiser for the museum. As an early supporter of the museum, Burr chaired its first capital campaign and graciously hosted several fundraisers. The museum established the Raymond Burr Memorial Garden to recognize his pivotal role in helping to establish the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum.

Island Sun (May 18, 2012)