Shell museum staffers attend annual Conchologists of America Convention
By BMNSM - | Jul 28, 2021
BMNSM
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum Executive Director Sam Ankerson, Science Director and Curator Dr. José H. Leal and Senior Marine Biologist Rebecca Mensch.
Several staff members from the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum recently participated in the 2021 Conchologists of America Convention in Melbourne.
An international organization dedicated to the scientific study of shells, the COA has long had a close connection with the museum and the islands, holding its 2019 convention on Captiva and counting many local residents as members and volunteer leaders.
Senior Marine Biologist Rebecca Mensch gave a talk recapping the last several years of renovations at the museum. Her presentation began with a brief history of the facility and animal programs in 2018, followed by an overview of the reconstruction of the facility and installation of new marine life exhibits in 2019
Organizers find reimagined ways to continue shell fest tradition
By STAFF REPORT / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com - | Mar 2, 2021
Like many annual events planned for the islands, this year’s shell festival typically put on and coordinated by three different groups is going to look a little different due to the pandemic.
During a normal year, the Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club, Sanibel Community Association and Shell Crafters partner to put on the popular Annual Sanibel Shell Festival at The Community House. There is a juried show inside with artistic and scientific entries, plus an author’s table, shell ID assistance, games and more. Outside, attendees can purchase an array of shells, shell critters, shell jewelry and such.
Show to offer ‘Behind The Tanks’ and ‘101 Ways To Display Shells’
By SHELL CLUB - | Feb 12, 2021
PHOTO PROVIDED
The Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club’s 2021 Virtual Sanibel Shell Show will premiere on March 5-6 from noon to 3 p.m. on the club’s YouTube channel. The free show will feature more than 35 original video vignettes, a photo contest and door prizes and offer something to entertain and educate every interest.
One video will guide viewers “Behind the Tanks” at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum’s aquarium gallery. Aquarists Rebecca Mensch and Carly Hulse will host a special tour on how they keep the animals healthy and happy. Watch a menu prepared to match the diet of the mollusks, fish and coral. Explore the equipment and testing necessary to ensure that the water temperature and chemical balance is right. See the veterinarian do a monthly check on the animals, and learn which ones seldom reproduce and which ones reproduce repeatedly and rapidly in capt