New Shell Museum features Shell Cathedral Church of Germany
The Shell Factory Shoppes have launched a new free exhibit – the Shell Museum, a 74-year collection featuring hundreds of rare shells.
It includes a replica of the famous All Saints Church, which is located in Wittenburgh, Germany. In 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle church.
“It was created by Anne Rasmussan of Orlando, and took her over 1,000 hours and a year to complete,” said the Shell Factory’s new marketing director, Rick Tupper. “Visitors will also have an opportunity to win prizes guessing the number of shells on the church.”
The Shell Factory is inviting everyone to view the exhibit – including parishioners from area churches, with a prize for their entire congregation. “Last week, New Testament Baptist Church Junior High School came to the exhibit, and the principal came along and explained the significance of the church model.
“It’s very interesting and different than anything that has been done with shells here,” Tupper said. “We view this donation from the original owners of the Shell Factory to help acquaint people with the world of shells. It can promote more people to learn and become interested in shells.”
Tupper is a former banker just recently brought aboard to help expand programs, the volunteer base and special events.
“I’ve been coming here to the Shell Factory for 10 years,” Tupper said. “After being a customer for 10 years, I thought it would be fun to be part of Tom’s team (Tom Cronin Sr.) and help market the attraction.”
The Nature Park has over 300 animals, birds, fish and reptiles. My first goal is to build an army of volunteers to help with; enrichment for the animals, landscaping for the beautiful botanical trails and hopefully a few to help usher children through the exhibits during the daily field trips. If you love animals, the Nature Park need you.”
Animal one-on-one care is not involved, but animal care for their habitat is. “Volunteers could do everything from painting to general maintenance to plant pruning. Volunteers will meet on Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m and help in the park until about 11:30 a.m.” Volunteer hours for college-age students are available through The Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation, a 501c3 Corporation.
Further, Tupper intends to expand the special event program. Currently the landmark attraction hosts more than 100 public and private events annually. One of the most exciting new events already under way is in conjunction with Vicki Tighe, president of Suncoast Dock Dogs. “They are negotiating to bring the national organization to Lee County for two championship events in Doggy Heaven, the on-site canine sports park. Actually, the first dock dog jumping event will be Jan. 27 through 29 – it is national in scope and we hope to have three or four more throughout the year.”
“Locals are invited to participate, and participants will be coming from all over the state for the event.”
For information on the Shell Factory & Nature Park, call 995-2141, or for the dog event and volunteer opportunities, call Tupper at 560-9522.
The Shell Factory is at 2787 N Tamiami Trail in North Fort Myers.