The Sanibel-Captiva Shell Show has been held annually for 85 years, making it the longest running, premier shell show in the world. The Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club was formed to exchange information in the field of conchology and malacology, to foster public education and intelligent conservation, and to encourage and support studies and research activities in those fields. The Shell Show is one of the Shell Club’s most visible means of providing the community with an opportunity to view incredible works of Mother Nature via Scientific Displays, while also enabling the public to appreciate stunning works of art created with shells by artisans in our Artistic Division. We turn our profits generated from the Shell Show back into the community annually, via grants to colleges and educational institutions.
On September 28, 2022, Sanibel Island was devastated by a near category 5 hurricane. Hurricane “Ian” brought deadly storm surge and winds that exceeded 150 MPH, and damage to the island was catastrophic. Our 2023 show was cancelled out of necessity, and we are currently searching for a new venue for the 2024 Shell Show.
Through our research, we learned that the cost of a new show venue will be much higher than in the past. So, for the 2024 Shell Show to go on, we need your financial support. Both the exhibitors and the public consider this show a tradition that compares to no other, and the 2024 Shell Show will deliver the promise of a return to normalcy for the formerly beautiful island of Sanibel. Truly, every little improvement, activity or business reopening is critical to the morale of residents there, trying to recover.
Please help us to continue the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Show tradition by donating today. Our precious oceans and the marine wildlife, large and small, that live there, need your help. Thank you!