Sanibel Historical Village named the Best Place to Get In Touch With Old Florida

Submitted by Emilie Alfino

                The Sanibel Historical Museum & Village has been named the Best Place To Get In Touch With Old Florida by Florida Weekly newspaper, it was reported in the paper’s May 2-8 edition.

                “Sanibel did an unusual thing for an island dependent on tourism,” the newspaper reported. “Instead of bulldozing its historic buildings to make way for high-rises, it banned high-rises and set aside land for a recreated historic village. Here island leaders moved, clustered, and meticulously restored Sanibel’s treasures.”

                “This is a very rewarding achievement for us here at the village,” said Manager Emilie Alfino. “Our board members, our docents and staff are all very committed to the village and what it means for the preservation of Sanibel’s history. The village’s mission is to protect, share and celebrate our island’s history, and to educate those less familiar with it so they can better appreciate the island and its pioneers.”

                The Florida Weekly article continued, “Visitors can also tour typical island-style cottages, a post office, store, and even a [replica of] a 1900 packing house. Wander back in time through an old-Florida time capsule at 950 Dunlop Road.”

                The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is located at 950 Dunlop Road, next to BIG ARTS just past Sanibel City Hall. Summer hours, now in effect, are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Adult admission is $5; people under age, 18 and members are free. Single memberships are $50, and other levels are available. Call (239) 472-4648. The museum’s mailing address is PO Box 413, Sanibel, 33957. The museum’s website, www.sanibelmuseum.org, is undergoing a redesign right now but remains open and available for use.

Island Reporter  (May 11, 2012)