On Overseas Highway in Islamorada, the History of Diving Museum follows the human effort to explore underwater across roughly 4,000 years. Its collection spans antique helmets and hand-operated air pumps to armored deep-diving suits and recreational scuba gear, with a strong focus on South Florida and the Keys. Look for the Parade of Nations helmet display, treasure-hunting equipment and a room where you can lift a silver bar. Short films add context, and an online scavenger hunt gives younger visitors another way to explore.
A collection devoted to going underwater
The History of Diving Museum is an independent nonprofit museum on Overseas Highway in Islamorada. It opened in 2005, bringing together a collection assembled over decades by Joe and Sally Bauer. The exhibits trace the ways people have tried to work and explore beneath the surface, with particular attention to the history of diving in South Florida and the Florida Keys.
The collection ranges across equipment, photographs, books and other records. Its objects come from more than 30 countries and cover around 4,000 years of underwater exploration. Rather than concentrating on one kind of diving, the displays move from early methods and diving bells to commercial and deep-sea work, treasure hunting and recreational scuba.
Helmets, suits and treasure-hunting tools
Antique diving helmets are a central part of the collection. In the Parade of Nations display, helmets from different countries make the range of designs easy to compare. Elsewhere, you can see hand-operated air pumps, armored suits and equipment associated with deep diving. The exhibits also trace the development of scuba gear and explain how diving technology changed over time.
The Keys’ connection to underwater treasure hunting has its own place in the museum. Displays include tools and recovery equipment linked to pioneering treasure hunter Art McKee. In the treasure room, visitors can lift a silver bar. Another gallery follows the world of Captain Nemo from Jules Verne’s fiction, with a helmet associated with the film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and a model of the Nautilus.
Making time for the exhibits
A short film introduces the history of diving before the self-guided route through the displays. Videos around the museum provide further explanation, so leave time to stop and watch rather than moving straight from one object to the next. The online scavenger hunt adds a hands-on task for children, and the museum is suitable for families as well as people with a technical interest in diving.
The museum holds special events and presentations, and new exhibits may be on view. Check what is scheduled around your visit if you would like to attend a program. Guided tours are also available. A gift shop sells books and souvenirs, including items related to diving and the sea.
FAQ
How long should I spend at the History of Diving Museum?
Plan for 2 to 4 hours to explore the collection and watch the films around the museum.
What can you see at the History of Diving Museum?
Exhibits include antique helmets, hand-operated air pumps, armored suits, scuba equipment and artifacts tied to Florida Keys treasure hunting.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes. The museum is family-friendly, and an online scavenger hunt gives children an activity as they explore.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, guided tours are available. The museum also has a self-guided route and short films.
