Pfeifer Realty Group recently launched its 2019 Community Support Campaign with proactive giving. Their campaign continues with a $1,000 donation to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Since opening to the public in 1995, this Natural History Museum remains the only museum in the United States solely focused on shells and the mollusks that make them. “As a non-profit, our ability to educate, advocate and research depends on public support,” said Dorrie Hipschman, Executive Director of the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. “Donations allow us to continue our mission to connect people with the natural world and to develop environmental stewards both locally and globally.”

Sanibel is world-renowned for being one of the best shelling spots on the planet. It’s only fitting that the Island is home to such a vibrant museum dedicated to increasing the knowledge of, and appreciation for the shells and the fascinating mollusks that make them. “To be quite honest, Sanibel’s shells and the role they played in my wife’s childhood are the reason we chose to move to the island in 2001. My wife Mary Ellen’s obsession with shells and her love of science and marine ecology has filled our home and office with shells, shells, and more shells. Supporting the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum’s mission is a privilege. They are a national treasure in our own backyard” said Eric Pfeifer, Broker-Owner Pfeifer Realty Group. “We look forward to the National Shell Museum’s next major transformation: the incorporation of a new aquarium facility. This will make them the first aquarium in the world solely devoted to mollusks.” continued Eric. “Because of the enormous generosity of the Sanibel community, we were recently able to break ground on adding a living aquarium to our existing extensive shell collection. This work could not be accomplished without our community partners!” stated Hipschman. The new aquarium facility is expected to be completed in 2020 and the National Shell Museum plans to remain open during the renovations.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm. For more information on the Museum’s programs, volunteer opportunities and ways you can support their mission visit: www.ShellMuseum.org or call 239-395-2233. To see what a lifetime of shell obsession looks like, feel free to stop by the Pfeifer Realty Group office on Periwinkle Way anytime.