National Seashell Day

Supriya Jain
Sep 06, 2023 By Supriya Jain
Originally Published on Feb 14, 2022
Fact-checked by Dimple Malhotra
Fort Myers is one of the best locations to enjoy National Seashell Day.

Where is National Seashell Day celebrated?

 There is no specific location where this holiday is celebrated. It is celebrated across the USA and around the world. 

Who is National Seashell Day celebrated by?

Seashell lovers are the main people who find National Seashell Day more interesting and worth celebrating.

When did National Seashell Day first start?

National Seashell Day was first celebrated in 2016. The first celebration of National Seashell Day happened on Captiva Island with a TV show titled 'Good Morning America.'

Who started National Seashell Day?

National Seashell Day was started by the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau to attract tourists to Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island, situated in southwestern Florida.

History And Timeline

The day is celebrated to attract tourists to appreciate the beauty of seashells found on the Fort Myers and Sanibel beaches in southwest Florida.

Appearance of the first seashell

The earliest known seashells were discovered 809 million years ago. The appearance of seashells is the oldest evidence human beings have about how organisms use biomineralization for protection.

809 million years ago

The Seashell gathering by Holman

The collection of seashells by Holman started on May 5, 1976. This collection started with a usual walk at Satellite Beach in Florida. A small seashell rolled near them on the shore, and the curiosity associated with this small shell led to various inventions related to the seashell.

1976

Collection of shells with life inside was banned

Sanibel Island was famous for its shells. Since these shells attract tourists to a great extent, the Island suffers the loss of mollusks living inside the shells. This affected the ecology and environment badly.

1995

First Celebrations

National Seashell Day was first celebrated and founded by the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau on June 21, 2016.

2016

World record

On June 21, 2018, the Guinness world record for the largest human image made of seashells was awarded to the Fort Myers and Sanibel beaches situated in the USA.

2018

Traditions And Customs

Every year, the 21st day of June is celebrated as National Seashell Day. Seashells hold a lot of importance for the holiday, and you need to head to the beach and search for your favorite seashells.

On this day, people used to head out to beaches, especially the islands of Captiva and Sanibel, searching for seashells. The beaches themselves attract tourists because of their outstanding location and calm waves.

The collection of seashells with friends and family is a beautiful experience to add to the memory. These moments of fun and enjoyment usually relax people's minds who reach that point with work stress.

After collecting seashells from Sanibel Island, people visited Bailey Matthews National Seashell Museum on Sanibel Island. The museum is a rich repository of shells. The museum at Sanibel Island is the best place to understand the history and varieties of seashells. On National Seashell Day, people also protest against the illegal shell trade.

Ways To Celebrate National Seashell Day

You can search for and collect seashells from various sandy beaches, appreciate the beauty of these shells and share them with friends.

You shall use these shells to produce various crafts and can use them as showpieces, which add to the beauty of your home.

You may give seashells as gifts to our dear ones and visit seashell museums with friends and family or keep these shells as your little treasure.

You can also celebrate National Seashell Day by visiting beaches rich in shells like Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel. Collecting seashells with family and friends is an excellent way to enjoy your personal moments and can help relax you from work stress.

Facts And Stats

  • The National Seashell Day is an opportunity to remember and appreciate the beauty of seashells.
  • This day encourages people to visit nearby beaches and admire the beautiful shells left behind by snails and mollusks.
  • National Seashell Day was first celebrated in 2016.

Are seashells important?

Yes, seashells play an important role in coastal ecosystems. They provide houses for sea creatures and offer shelter for them. Fish use seashells to hide from their enemies. Seashells provide materials for birds to make their nests. Hermit crabs use seashells as temporary shelters.

How does celebrating National Seashell Day support the environment?

Celebrating National Seashell Day encourages people to visit their nearby beaches and appreciate the beauty of shells, which benefits the environment. It encourages people to protect the environment by protesting against the illegal seashell trade.

How is National Seashell Day beneficial for aquatic life?

Preservation of seashells is important as they provide a safe space to live for species like the hermit crab and small fishes. Seashells also provide nutrition for many aquatic species.

Who coined the idea of National Seashell Day?

National Seashell Day was founded by the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau

When was the first-time National Seashell Day celebrated?

National Seashell Day was first celebrated on June 21, 2016.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Sunday, June 21, 2020
  • Monday, June 21, 2021
  • Tuesday, June 21, 2022
  • Wednesday, June 21, 2023
  • Friday, June 21, 2024

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Written by Supriya Jain

Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing

Supriya Jain picture

Supriya JainBachelor of Commerce, Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing

As a skilled member of the Kidadl team, Shruti brings extensive experience and expertise in professional content writing. With a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Punjab University and an MBA in Business Administration from IMT Nagpur, Shruti has worked in diverse roles such as sales intern, content writer, executive trainee, and business development consultant. Her exceptional writing skills cover a wide range of areas, including SOP, SEO, B2B/B2C, and academic content.

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Fact-checked by Dimple Malhotra

Bachelor of Management Studies specializing in Finance

Dimple Malhotra picture

Dimple MalhotraBachelor of Management Studies specializing in Finance

Dimple is a final-year management studies student from Sheila Raheja School of Business Management and Research with a passion for teaching the English language and artistic design. She has earned distinctions in commerce and science modules and is currently pursuing courses in UI/UX design and Social Media Management to advance her career. She is experienced in content editing and proofreading, data monitoring, and search engine optimization.

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