Broward Shell Club Shell Show

The Broward Shell Club is gearing up for the 58th Annual Broward Shell Club Shell Show in January 2025. Founded in 1962, the Club’s mission is to further the study of shells and share knowledge and ideas through the annual Shell Show and cooperation with professional conchologists, malacologists, and scientific institutions. The Shell Show is a chance for Club members to help spread knowledge and appreciation of mollusks, plus support shell crafters and seashell artists.

The Show features scientific exhibits in 31 categories, ranging from single-shell exhibits to exhibits with multiple tables full of shells found around the world. There are also categories for fossils, beach-collected shells, sea life, plus land and freshwater shells.

In addition to the scientific categories, there are 47 categories for artistic exhibitors of all levels. Categories include pictures, mosaics, flower arrangements, sailor’s valentines, mirrors, lamps, home décor, tabletop items, photography, paintings, drawings, jewelry, novelties, holiday themes, and sewing or needlework.

This is a judged show with trophies and ribbons awarded by well-known malacologists and artistic experts. There are usually over 60 scientific and artistic exhibitors in the show, many from Florida but some from other states.

There are also around 20 vendors selling shells, shell crafts, home décor, jewelry, and other specialty items. They come from California, Maryland, and around Florida. At the Show, the Club sells shells, books, and artistic items made by the members throughout the year.

Seeing the wonderful exhibits, shopping with the vendors, and socializing with other collectors are highlights of the show. Club member Sonny Ogden was stationed in Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands in the 1960s, where she collected a dead giant clam. The clam measures three feet across and weighs several hundred pounds. It has become a mascot at the show and provides a backdrop for countless show photos.

Club members volunteer their time and expertise to help organize before, during and after the Show. Experts are available during the event to help identify shells that visitors bring to the show. During the year, the Club organizes field trips to museums, shell collecting trips, IMAX lunch-and-a-movie events, and picnics at shell collecting sites. The Club has monthly meetings with a variety of programs and a monthly artistic meeting for members to be creative and have hands-on experiences. The Club also provides scholarships to students focusing on marine biology, or any other shell related interests.

While visiting for the show, be sure to check out the local beaches, especially after a storm. You can find shells, sea beans (the seed pods from tropical trees that drifts with currents to the beaches), sea glass, coral fragments, driftwood, sponges, and soft corals. If you strike out on the beach, you can try snorkeling or diving for shells, or you can always pick up your favorite shells at the Show. You can also find shells and related items at the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop and local garage sales.

Don’t miss your chance to view some historical seashell collections. The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens (bonnethouse.org) in Fort Lauderdale displays shell art through the estate. The Sandoway Discovery Center (sandoway.org) is a nature center housed in a 1936 beachfront house with hands-on exhibits, live animals, and thousands of seashells on display.

Save the date for this FREE event: Jan. 25, 2025, 9 am – 5 pm  and Jan. 26, 2025, 9 am – 4 pm. at the E. Pat Larkins Community Center, 520 NW 3rd St, Pompano Beach, Florida.

Learn more at browardshellclub.org or on Facebook @BrowardShellClub.