Bear Trap

Bear Trap

by | Aug 15, 2024 | Adopt An Artifact

About this Artifact Don’t let this antiquity “fall into a trap”! Bears were prolific along the Florida peninsula in the 1800s. They would swim from the mainland to Hutchinson Island to scavenge for turtle eggs. As a result, bear traps were used on...
Breeches Buoy

Breeches Buoy

by | Aug 15, 2024 | Adopt An Artifact

About this Artifact One of the great tools of the trade for the men of the U.S. Life-Saving Service! Before the exciting media coverage of helicopters and rescue swimmers, the breeches buoy was one of the great tools of the trade for the men of the U.S. Life-Saving...
Keeper Herbert Bessey’s Workbench

Keeper Herbert Bessey’s Workbench

by | Aug 15, 2024 | Adopt An Artifact

About this Artifact This workbench is a tangible piece of history! Keeper Bessey was indeed a “jack of all trades”! Not only was he Keeper of the House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar for many years, but he built boats on the side, owned a pineapple...
Spanish-American War Commemorative Clock

Spanish-American War Commemorative Clock

by | Aug 15, 2024 | Adopt An Artifact

About this Artifact A timeless piece! The Spanish-American War of 1898 was a six-week conflict between the United States and Spain that resulted in a decisive victory for the U.S. We have it on good authority that in honor of his relationship with Keeper Bessey,...
Vintage Doll Made of Stockings

Vintage Doll Made of Stockings

by | Aug 15, 2024 | Adopt An Artifact

About this Artifact This charming artifact reflects the resourcefulness and creativity of past generations! Many toys in the early 1900s looked a lot different than they do today. Plastic toys did not exist yet. Because toys could be expensive and hard to obtain, many...
World War II Life Jacket

World War II Life Jacket

by | Aug 15, 2024 | Adopt An Artifact

About this Artifact This WW II Life Jacket is a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who served. The U.S. Coast Guard played a vital role in World War II, supporting both combat and traditional service missions. The Coast Guard’s...