Friends of Sebastian Inlet State ParkThe McLarty Treasure Museum
The McLarty Treasure Museum is located on the site of the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet salvaging camp; a site designated as a National Historical Landmark.From the 1500's to the early 1700's, Spain made vast quantities of silver and smaller amounts of gold in the mountains of Mexico and South America. Fashioned into ingots and coins, the treasure began its journey to Spain in wooden sailing vessels. The fleet encountered a large hurricane along Florida's coast and sank on the shoals between Cape Canaveral and Stuart. Some 1500 survivors struggled ashore, set up camps and sent for help from Spanish colonies in St. Augustine and Cuba. The Spanish salvaged the wreck sites for four years, but with the the passage of time this catastrophe was forgotten.
In the early 1960's, the wrecks were rediscovered and salvage operations recommenced. Modern salvaging techniques have yielded new discoveries that continue into the present.
The McLarty Treasure Museum is dedicated to telling the continuing story of the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet. Original artifacts are on display including gear from the galleons, weapons, and treasure. A video show presents the natural and cultural history of the area.
The McLarty Treasure Museum is located at 13180 North A1A between Melbourne and Vero Beach, Florida (5 miles north of Rt. 510 and 20 miles south of Rt. 192).
The museum is open 7 days a week 10am-4:30pm.
There is a $1.00 admissions fee. Children under 6 are admitted free.
The Sebastian Fishing Museum
The Sebastian Fishing Museum is devoted to educating the public on the rich cultural history of Sebastian's fishing industry. The life and history of the people who lived in Sebastian is interwoven with fishing and the Indian River Lagoon. The Lagoon provided food, transportation and a means of livelihood for many of Sebastian's early residents. The commercial fishing industry helped make Sebastian what it is today.The Sebastian Fishing Museum commemorates three of Sebastian's early families that operated fish houses: Sembler, Smith and Judah. Inside the museum you will find a replica of an original fish house and dock, the traditional heart of the industry. There is a homemade fishing boat, nets, fishing gear and photos of fishing in the Indian River Lagoon. A 24 minute video presentation explores the history and vast diversity of wildlife within the Indian River Lagoon.
The Sebastian Fishing Museum is located within the south use area of Sebastian Inlet State Park. It is approximately halfway between Melbourne and Vero Beach, on A1A.
The museum is open 7 days a week from 10am-4pm.
Admission is free with paid entry into the park.
For further information contact:
McLarty Treasure Museum
13180 North A1A
Vero Beach, FL 32963
Tel: (772)589-2147Sebastian Inlet State Park
9700 South A1A
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
Tel: (321)984-4852 or (772)589-9659
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