Fort Myers Museums

(Fort Myers, Florida - FL, USA)

As a region with a rich and varied heritage, it is not surprising that Fort Myers contains some great museums. Full of history and interesting information about the Fort Myers area, these museums are dedicated to preserving those aspects of the region's past that have contributed so much to its present day identity, demonstrating real integrity.

One of the city's particular cultural highlights is the Fort Myers Historical Museum, which aims to provide a good general introduction to the history of the area. Also very much of note is the Williams Academy Black History Museum, where something of a more diverse historical aspect is presented, ensuring that visitors will likely find something of interest.

Southwest Florida Museum of History

Address: 2031 Jackson Street, Fort Myers, Florida FL, USA
Tel: +1 239 321 7430
This popular attraction, housed in the former Atlantic Coastline Railroad depot, focuses on preserving and interpreting the history of southwest Florida and in particular Fort Myers. Among the displays at the Southwest Florida Museum of History are depictions of the Paleo Indians, Calusa, Seminoles, Spanish explorers and early settlers. Between January and April walking tours are available on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 10 a.m., for a deeper insight into the area's history.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and seniors

Randell Research Center

Address: University of Florida, Pineland, Fort Myers, Florida FL, 33901, USA
Tel: +1 239 283 2062
Randell Research Center is a history based museum-type attraction, which gives visitors the opportunity to experience the world of Florida's Calusa Indians by taking a walking tour of the Pineland site complex. Alternatively, kayak trips to Josslyn Island, from where visitors can learn about the history of the Indians as well as their beliefs, livelihood, diet and social and political structure, are available.
Open hours: Calusa Heritage Trail: daily - sunrise to sunset; Gift Shop: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and seniors

Williams Academy Black History Museum

Address: 1936 Henderson Avenue, Fort Myers, Florida FL, 33916, USA
Tel: +1 239 332 8778
The Black History Museum, built in 1913, is housed in the 1942 addition of the Williams Academy. The center's aim is to preserve and commemorate cultural and educational contributions made by both locally and nationally known black people. Visitors can appreciate the museum's efforts via a range of exhibits featuring replications of local black community members and their contribution to the area's history.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 12:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge

The Mound House

Address: 451 Connecticut Street, Fort Myers Beach, Florida FL, 33931, USA
Tel: +1 239 765 0865
Located on a historic site at Estero Bay, the Mound House is the oldest surviving home in the Fort Myers Beach area. Before the construction of the house, the site was home to the Calusa Native Americans and later the house itself served as the Estero lsland post office and subsequently as a residence for members of the Koreshan Unity. Free tours of both the house and the land in which it is set are available to visitors.
Open hours: Tours: October to April, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday - 10:00 to 14:00, May to September, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday - 09:00 to 12:00
Admission: free

Museum of Medical History

Address: Building AA, Room 178, Edison State College, Fort Myers, Florida FL, 33919, USA
Tel: +1 239 489 9208
A strictly non-profit organization, the Museum of Medical History is dedicated to the collection, preservation and interpretation of all aspects of medical history from different periods. The current collection of artifacts on display to visitors is primarily from Lee County and the surrounding Florida areas, but the main aim is to expand to include items from around the world. Besides being open for tours, this attraction presents educational programs, public events and lectures in the pursuit of educating others about medical history.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 14:00, or by appointment
Admission: charge