Found in Ima Hogg’s art collection, sailor’s valentines may look like floral arrangements, but they are really made from hundreds of shells! Contrary to Victorian myth, “sailor’s valentines” were likely not hand crafted by lonely sailors at sea but rather craftspeople—specifically Barbadian women. Discover the hidden stories of these craftswomen, consider how myths develop, and make a sailor valentine of your own. 

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a sculpture made of seashells in the pattern of a heart in a wooden case

Figure 1. Sailors Valentines, Cahoon Museums. https://cahoonmuseum.org/history-of-sailors-valentines/

No registration required. Program is free with admission to the site. Adult $10, Senior/Veteran/Teacher/First Responder $8, Child (6-17) $5, Child (5 and under) Free, Family (2 adults & 1 child) $22, each additional child $1