Best Museums in Sebastian Florida
Sebastian is a unique little city with many hidden treasures.
One of these treasures is museums that are available to the public. Below you will find our top picks for the best museums in Sebastian, Florida.
The Sebastian Fishing Museum
The mission of the Sebastian Fishing Museum is to inform the general public about the intricate cultural background of Sebastian’s fishing industry.
Fishing and the Indian River Lagoon are integral to the life and heritage of the Sebastian population. Many of Sebastian’s early settlers found food, transportation, and a means of support from the Lagoon.
The Sebastian of today would not exist without the commercial fishing sector. The Sembler, Smith, and Judah families, who ran fish houses in Sebastian’s early days, are honored at the Sebastian Fishing Museum. A reproduction of an original fish house and pier, the historical hub of the industry, can be found inside the museum. There are photographs of fishing in the Indian River Lagoon and homemade fishing boats, nets, and equipment. The rich diversity of animals found in the Indian River Lagoon is explored in a 24-minute video presentation.
At Sebastian Inlet State Park, on the south side of Sebastian Inlet, is where you’ll find the Sebastian Fishing Museum. The business is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week; some holidays are excluded.
The Sebastian Area Historical Museum
The Sebastian Area Historical Museum is committed to presenting local history to the community and visitors through the museum’s educational programs and exhibits, to preserving local history through research and publications, and to safeguarding historical objects, structures, and locations for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
At 1235 Main Street in Sebastian, the Museum is housed in a historic public school built in 1927. It features displays on Pelican Island, the Ais Indians, clothing, family life, quilts, fishing, agriculture, the military, transportation, early shops and trades, a book store, and research facilities. Although there is no admission fee, donations are highly appreciated.
A volunteer team is on hand to welcome you, respond to your inquiries, and describe the exhibits and artifacts at the Sebastian Area Historical Museum, which is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
If the usual business hours are inconvenient for you, call 772 581-1380 to set up an appointment. Come experience history in action!
Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum
If treasure hunting ever sparked your imagination, this is the place for you!
This museum celebrates the life and contributions of well-known treasure hunter Mel Fisher. Many Spanish artifacts that Mel and his team were able to save from the Nuestra Senora de Atocha and the Treasure Galleons of the 1715 Fleet are contained within. Discovering history is entertaining and educational, and you can even hoist a genuine Atocha Gold Bar!
Join the millions who have watched this great collection grow in size and splendor, and even “Own a Piece of History” for yourself! The gift shop is a secret gem in and of itself; it is jam-packed with authentic pieces of eight, museum-quality replicas, merchandise with maritime and pirate motifs, kid-friendly toys, and, of course, mementos from Mel Fisher.
Visitors to the museum can see gold coins minted centuries ago, glittering jewels, and even bones preserved by the salt water.