1 minute read
History of Diving Museum in
Islamorada, FL
Dive into the past with History of Diving Museum in Islamorada, FL. Enter through the ship-like hatch and discover 4,000 years of “Man’s Quest to Explore Under the Sea”. The Museum takes visitors back in time to the ancient Greeks, when they used free diving techniques to salvage shipwrecks and collect sponges. Follow the timeline as human ingenuity finds unique ways to spend longer amounts of time underwater through the centuries.
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Learn about Art Mckee, the Father of Modern Treasure Diving, and how he discovered artifacts from the 1733 fleet that sank off the coast of Islamorada. While in the Treasure Exhibit, try lifting a 70 lb Spanish silver bar! Peak into William Bebee’s lab and find out about early marine biology. For those who enjoy literature, embark on a voyage through Jules Verne’s 20,000 leagues under the sea and find out how he incorporated 1800’s diving technology into his books.
The crowning jewel of the Museum is the Parade of Nations. This exhibit displays one of the world’s largest international collections of hardhat diving helmets. The Military Exhibit describes how the Mark V helmet came to be and how important diving has been for rescue, maintenance and everyday workings in all branches of the military.
For those interested in SCUBA and recreational diving, the Museum leads you through the growth of the sport. It is amazing to see how much has changed within a period of a few decades. Stroll through the Abyss which features atmospheric suits used to reach hundreds of feet below the surface.
The Museum offers all of these exhibits and more. In addition to our regular exhibits, the Museum hosts Featured Exhibits throughout the year highlighting various aspects of diving and the culture around it. Visitors don’t have to be divers to enjoy the diversity of the Museum! There is something for everyone ranging from history, technology, and marine biology to a scavenger hunt for the whole family!
The History of Diving Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit which opened in 2005. Exhibits and the Museum Store are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Dive in for unique gift items, home decor, art, books and more.
Adults are $15; children 6-11 are $7; and 5 and under are FREE. Rain or shine, it’s a MUST SEE in the Florida Keys. Don’t drive by; dive in!
