History of Diving Museum: The Quest to Explore Under the Sea

History of Diving Museum - The Quest to Explore Under the Sea

By: Benjamin Chewning

32 BETTER OFF WET | OCTOBER 2022

I would just like to start off by saying; I have had so many folks tell me they have “passed by” the History of Diving Museum, headed South to a destination in the Keys. I am taking this opportunity to tell you Mr. or Mrs. Reader do not be the next passerby. If, you are reading this magazine, chances are you love the water. So, if you love the water, I think you will fall in love with this museum.

I am a bit partial, being a scuba diver as well as a commercial diver. But, I have to say the way the History of Diving Museum is laid out, is wonderful. They start in ancient times, with hieroglyphs depicting divers and end up with multiple one atmosphere suits, showing the incredible path humans have gone down in the world of diving. If, you

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History of Diving Museum - The Quest to Explore Under the Sea

are a professional or working diver, I cannot imagine you getting as excited as I do to see all the dive helmets, on display at the museum. The museum has done a fantastic job at showing how commercial divers have progressed with their equipment over the years.

Next time you find yourself South of Miami, take the time to visit the History of Diving Museum. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time and don’t be in a rush. The museum has lots to take in. The text and information found below is from: https://divingmuseum. org The Florida Keys History of Diving Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, displaying and interpreting artifacts, antiques, books, documents, photographs and oral history relative to the History of Diving. We tell the international story of the attempts to explore, understand and venture under the sea. We also celebrate the special role that South Florida and the Florida Keys played in this untold story.

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History of Diving Museum - The Quest to Explore Under the Sea

Over a span of forty years, Drs. Joe and Sally Bauer acquired one of the world’s largest collections of diving helmets, hand-operated air pumps, armored suits, lights and other accessory gear, plus memorabilia, prints, photographs, books, film and video. Their passion took them to virtually every corner of the world and the Museum’s collection now represents the contributions of more than 30 countries to diving history. As their research evolved and collections grew, the Bauer’s were inspired by the idea of using their collection— which had become one of the largest and most comprehensive in the

world—as the basis for a museum to share their knowledge and passion for diving history with the public. Following the Bauer’s’ retirement, they moved permanently from Cleveland, Ohio to the Florida Keys, the perfect location to establish what became The History of Diving Museum. The History of Diving Museum was first incorporated in 2000 and opened to the public on a part-time basis in September 2005. For the next twelve months, the museum installed a new exhibit monthly, opening each exhibit with a lecture and tour. The museum began full-time operation in September 2006.

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History of Diving Museum - The Quest to Explore Under the Sea

Sadly, the museum suffered a tragic setback in early 2007. The unexpected death of Dr. Joseph Bauer left a large void in the overall organization and in historical documentation. Although the museum took some time to recover, to its credit, it has managed to overcome and adapt. Dr. Joseph Bauer’s legacy is a major theme at the museum and inspires its continued development. Dr. Sally Bauer exemplifies the fortitude of the museum, and also serves to remind us of the original vision and purpose.

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History of Diving Museum - The Quest to Explore Under the Sea

The Bauer Diving History Research Library opened in February of 2012. It houses over 2500 books, prints, and photographs about the history of diving and is the largest collection of historic and rare literature of diving history currently in existence. The research library is for students and scholars, a project funded by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and the History of Diving Museum. If you would like more information regarding library access, what materials are available, or opportunities for research, please contact us at programs@divingmuseum.org.

The Research Library is also available as a meeting, conference or special occasion rental space. For information, please email us at programs@divingmuseum.org. On the third Wednesday of every month, the Museum proudly offers Immerse Yourself!, a free public program covering special topics such as regional diving history, marine archaeology, new technologies, diving safety, and more. These programs are FREE to the public.

Museum and Store Hours Open Daily 10-5 Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day 82990 Overseas Hwy, MM83 Islamorada, FL 33036 305-664-9737 info@divingmuseum.org

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