The Sanibel Community House

The Sanibel Community House has been a hub for Island residents and visitors since 1927! Learn more about this vital community staple.

The Sanibel Community House

The Sanibel Community House was established in 1927 to provide a gathering place for residents and visitors. It has a rich history and has been the birthplace of many civic groups. It has been a place to receive medical attention for the community. It continues to be a place to gather for activities and classes.

The Sanibel Community House was founded by Captiva resident and resident artist, Curtis Perry. Perry walked the length of Sanibel and Captiva going door to door to convince residents a community center was needed for the islands. He was so convincing in his mission, residents donated money, materials, and resources to have the center made. It has continued to thrive ever since. The house established one of the island’s first non-profits, The Sanibel Community Association. For more information listen to podcast #37 where we chat with Sarah Jacobson of the Sanibel Community House.

Sanibel’s Annual Shell Festival

The Community House has been hosting the Sanibel Annual Shell Festival for many years. The festival was started by Harriett (Granny) Matthews who moved to Sanibel with her husband in 1895. Harriet and her husband Will founded the historical Island Inn, the oldest inn on Sanibel. Harriet chose the location for the inn at the most south point of West Gulf Drive because of its amazing shelling, she was an avid shell collector and held the first shell festival on the inn’s porches in 1937. Another island pioneer and shell collector was Mary Aleck, Mary opened the first beauty salon on the Island in 1951, The Sanibel Beauty Salon. Many of Mary’s shells were donated to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum.

Directions

The Sanibel Community House is located on Periwinkle Way. When you cross the causeway, take a left at the four-way-stop onto Periwinkle Way and continue all the way down to 2173.

The Sanibel Community House
2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-2155
Visit The Sanibel Community House Website

Learn More About Sanibel History
Guide To Shelling On Sanibel & Captiva
Best Tools For Shelling

Sanibel Community House on Sanibel Island cooking class

The Sanibel Community House Programs & Classes

The Community House offers a whole array of programs and classes, there is truly something for everyone! There is programming in culinary education, art, and yoga classes! There are often community socials and, you can rent any of the 3 rooms for private events.

Check Their Event Calendar