Greatest Need / Restoring the Museum Post-Hurricane

Thank you for your heartfelt concern and offers to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. We are grateful for your compassion.

The Museum was severely impacted by the storm. The ground floor which houses the aquariums flooded with over five feet of water causing extensive damage throughout. While some animals were saved, the majority perished, including our octopuses. The storm also tore a hole in the Museum’s brand-new roof, exposing the second and third floors – which include The Great Hall of Shells and storage for the shell collection – to water damage and the elements. 

Following the storm, staff relocated about 40% of the Museum’s collection of over 550,000 shells and other specimens to the second floor, and the collection is now safe. All aquarium equipment (such as pumps, filters, and water quality controls) was salvaged and tested, but unfortunately the large majority must be replaced. Water-damaged surfaces including walls and ceilings were removed, with about 30% of the building’s interior being gutted. 

From February 1 through the end of April, the Museum was able to reopen to the public in a limited capacity. Visitors were able to view the Great Hall of Shells and also a special photography exhibition In the Wake of the Flood: Community Photographs of Hurricane Ian and Its Aftermath, now available online. Educational programs including lectures, guided biodiversity walks, and the Mollusks on the Move youth outreach program resumed in January and will continue. 

Reconstruction began late April, prompting the re-closing of the Museum. Rebuilding will continue in phases throughout 2023 and into 2024, with the goal of first reopening the Living Gallery of aquariums and its exhibits of Giant Pacific Octopus, Cuttlefish, Giant Clams, Junonia, and over 60 species of marine life. In addition to essential structural repairs, the Museum also plans updates to permanent exhibits including the Great Hall of Shells for an improved visitor and educational experience upon full reopening. 

Many have asked how to support the Museum during this uniquely challenging time. Thank you. In addition to the major expense of reconstruction, the Museum faces a significant threat to our ability to fund the educational mission, which relies in large part on visitors to the islands who may not return to pre-storm levels for several years. Please consider a donation and join in helping to restore and renew the collection, aquariums, exhibits, and educational mission of the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum.

Thank you!