It’s National Seashell Day!

It’s National Seashell Day! 🐚🐚🐚

The United States is home to the Seashell Capital of the World – Sanibel Island. The island’s location on the Gulf of Mexico makes its beaches a perfect landing place for shells. 🏖🏖🏖

Did you know? Humans are very creative with seashells, using them for artwork and practical and spiritual purposes. Among other Native American tribes, the Calusa people of Florida created shell mounds as territorial markers and burial memorials. Many of these mounds still stand today.

Sailor’s valentines – elaborate designs made of seashells – are enhanced by the many colors of shells, including orange, pink, and iridescent silver. 🧡💗🤍 These “valentines,” made popular in the 1800s, were often given to loved ones by sailors as souvenirs.

Still life of sea shells, Antoine Berjon, early 1800s

-Written by Anna Zemaitaitis, Communications and Design Officer