A Revitalized Look at Island History
Nov 03, 2024 09:00AM ● By Tracey Tenney
Wow! project proceeds at Sanibel Historical Museum
If you haven’t experienced the unique journey through time at the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village (SHMV) yet, or even within the past few months, it’s time for a visit. Efforts are well underway on the oft-delayed “Wow!” project to revitalize the exhibit space within the nine historic buildings at SHMV, starting with the 1927 Bailey’s General Store.
If you haven’t experienced the unique journey through time at the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village (SHMV) yet, or even within the past few months, it’s time for a visit. Efforts are well underway on the oft-delayed “Wow!” project to revitalize the exhibit space within the nine historic buildings at SHMV, starting with the 1927 Bailey’s General Store.
The renovation work on that iconic building was completed in June. As part of the celebrations for SHMV’s 40th anniversary and the city of Sanibel’s 50th year of incorporation, SHMV has
unveiled 16 new exhibits in the restored Bailey’s General Store.
These exhibits include professionally designed storyboards featuring treasured historic photographs, personal stories, and timelines to educate and engage visitors about Sanibel pioneer life and the significance of Bailey’s General Store—the hub of the island—as the lifeline for early Sanibel inhabitants and visitors.
The importance of agriculture, early communication methods, fishing, and boat transportation are conveyed through new exhibits using storyboards, tabletop and shelf displays, videos, and hands-on interactives. The building’s interior facelift also includes a fresh coat of paint on shelves and tabletops, decluttering and cleaning, and enhanced lighting. The upgrades and exhibits are designed to appeal to children and adults alike.
The importance of agriculture, early communication methods, fishing, and boat transportation are conveyed through new exhibits using storyboards, tabletop and shelf displays, videos, and hands-on interactives. The building’s interior facelift also includes a fresh coat of paint on shelves and tabletops, decluttering and cleaning, and enhanced lighting. The upgrades and exhibits are designed to appeal to children and adults alike.
A treasured archive video from the Sanibel Library is featured. Watch a first-hand account by long-time islander George Wiles as he tells stories about living and working on Sanibel in the early to mid 1900’s. Photos courtesy of the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
The project has been in the making for many years and will continue to raise funds, implement new exhibits in the other eight historic buildings, and upgrade exterior signage throughout the village. Nancy Siegel, a member of the SHMV board and project steering committee, recalled the project’s history. “In 2018, a visionary group of SHMV board members and volunteers first proposed a project to enhance the visitor experience and engagement. Due to financial constraints and then Covid, the project did not launch.” In early 2022, after several years of fundraising, SHMV contracted with Creative Arts Unlimited (CAU) and kicked off the project, dubbed “Wow!”. CAU is a comprehensive design, build, and installation firm based in Pinellas, Florida, that transforms ideas into inspiring destinations. Later in 2022, however, Hurricane Ian halted the project. In July 2023, after SHMV received a matching grant from the Florida Department of State, Wow! relaunched, focusing on revitalizing the interior of the Bailey’s Store.
The rich history of Sanibel and its people can be told through its historic buildings and artifacts. The project name “Wow!” was chosen because that’s the feeling many SHMV visitors express when taking a docent-led tour. They are surprised and impressed by the strength and resilience of Sanibel pioneers who braved many challenges living on a barrier island. The intent is for all SHMV visitors, on both docent-led and self-guided tours, to learn about and appreciate the commitment and perseverance of the people of Sanibel.
The support of members, donors, corporate sponsors, historians, and volunteers have made it possible for SHMV to move forward with the Wow! project. Even more fundraising and volunteer commitment is necessary to continue pursuing Wow!’s goals.
To learn more, visit sanibelmuseum.org or stop by during normal operating hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., to take a tour, donate, or volunteer.
Tracey Tenney is a board member and docent at the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village. She is the committee chairperson and project manager of the SHMV exhibit renovation project.
Creative Arts Unlimited based in Pinellas Park, FL — A comprehensive design, build and installation firm that transformsideas into inspiring destinations. For more than 25 years, it has worked on their own or collaboratively with other designers and builders to create consistently compelling spaces.
Museums, hospitals, libraries, corporate headquarters, and retailers have all benefitted from the immense professional pride and dedication to quality practiced daily by CAU’s artists and craftsmen.
Museums, hospitals, libraries, corporate headquarters, and retailers have all benefitted from the immense professional pride and dedication to quality practiced daily by CAU’s artists and craftsmen.
Its turnkey approach assures you will be working with the same dedicated team—from design, to build, to installation, to maintenance—and ensures a successful end product. creativeartsinc.com
