History of Diving Museum – Islamorada, FL

Disclosure: My families admission to the museum was provided.

The History of Diving Museum is located on Islamorada in the Florida Keys. Right at mile marker 83.It is dedicated to collecting, preserving, displaying, and interpreting artifacts, antiques, books, documents, photographs and history relative to the History of Diving. Our visit took about an hour. The museum tells the international story of man’s attempts to explore, understand, and venture under the sea.  It also celebrates the special role that South Florida and the Florida Keys played in this story.The majority of the Museum’s artifacts have been provided through the generous support of its founders, Drs. Joe and Sally Bauer, who hold one of the largest collection of historic diving equipment and research documents in the world.

Over a span of forty years, the Bauers acquired the world’s largest collection of diving helmets, hand-operated air pumps, armored suits, lights and other accessory gear, plus memorabilia, prints, photographs, books, film and video and have allowed the museum to use a portion of it.The History of Diving Museum was first incorporated in 2000 and opened to the public on a part-time basis in September 2005.  For the next twelve months, the museum installed a new exhibit monthly, opening each exhibit with a lecture and tour. The museum began full-time operation  in September 2006. Younger children can search for toy divers through out each exhibit as well as participate in an scavenger hunt. There is no reading required to do either of these. My 6 year old found every single thing on the hunt and many toy divers.My kids enjoyed looking at the treasure the most. There were lots of salvaged gold coins as well as a replica silver bar. To really be able to enjoy the museum, children must be able to read or have an interest in diving and someone to read to them. Our children had an alright time, but were very ready to leave after our short hour in the museum.If they are looking to cater to children or families, and get them interested in diving I think a few hands on activities would go a long way.Visit: The Museum is open from 10 am-5 pm every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Admission is $12 for an adult and $6 for a child. Those under 5 are free. There is a $2 off coupon here.