The Carrabelle History Museum is excited to present a special exhibit, “Shells & Shards”. This unique exhibit explores the rich prehistoric culture of Carrabelle, showcasing intricate Native American pottery shards and ancient shells that tell the stories of Carrabelle’s early cultural practices and daily life. This exhibit will be on display from Wednesday, October 2 through Saturday, October 27. The museum is open Wednesdays from 12 noon to 5 pm, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays 12 noon to 5 pm. There is no charge for admission; donations are gratefully accepted.

The exhibit showcases fascinating artifacts from Carrabelle’s first people, particularly the Apalachee tribes who lived along the shores of St. George Sound and local rivers over 2000 years ago. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of villages, middens, and burial grounds in Carrabelle, indicating the area was an important trade port due to its deep-water harbor and the nearby rivers.

Highlights from the “Shells & Shards” exhibit include artifacts from the Woodland period, around 3,000 years old, when Native people began establishing permanent settlements and producing pottery for storage. The exhibit features pottery made from local North Florida clay, which was flexible and strengthened with materials like sand or crushed shells. Visitors will also explore the processes used to create and fire these pots.

In addition to pottery, the exhibit features shells that were used as tools, jewelry, and decorative items. These shells, often uncovered after storms, date back to the time of the native peoples and provide valuable information about their prehistoric meals and resourcefulness. Visitors will discover how shells can be dated using growth bands, similar to tree rings, and will see examples of shells repurposed as tools or used in decoration.

The Carrabelle History Museum encourages visitors to take an active role in preserving Florida’s rich history. People who discover items of historical significance are asked to take a picture, leave the item in place, and report it to the Florida Public Archeology Network at 850-595-0500. Everyone can help protect and preserve our shared heritage for future generations.

This exhibit was made possible through the extensive research, design, and creative efforts of Skyler Frazier. Skyler graduated from Leon High School in 2023 and is currently pursuing a dual degree in Archeology and Art History from the University of Rochester. The Carrabelle History Museum is located at SE 106 Avenue B, Carrabelle, FL. For more information, visit www.carrabellehistorymuseum.org or contact carrabellehistorymuseum@gmail.com or 850-697-2141. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.