School Tours
Grade school tours involve lessons in Florida history and prehistory,
how we learn about the past through archaeology and historical documents,
and the connection between humans and the environment. Some of our on
site activities include exploring trays of fish bones and shells from
recent archaeological excavations on the property to understand ancient
food-ways and how shellfish adapt to microenvironments; and ancient technology
manufacture with indigenous plant and animal resources provides hands-on
activities that stress the importance of the local environment to the
Native American inhabitants of the region and to early populations that
homesteaded in south Florida.
Due to heavy traffic on Fort Myers Beach from January through April, we
encourage schools to schedule tours in the months of November, December,
May, and June. School programs vary in length and can be tailored to individual
class needs. Free of charge!
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Download the lesson plans here.
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Dowload Tour Suggestions here.
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Download FAQs for school groups here.
Thank you's from past school groups can be viewed in the Lil Fish Gallery.
Volunteer Training Exchange
The Mound House has initiated a community network of historical and environmental
facilities whose missions to educate and engage the public are supported
by volunteers. As part of the network, each organization provides training
workshops for other facilities' volunteers free of charge. The goal is
for volunteers to gain accurate background information and to gain familiarity
with other area resources. The Mound House has taken the lead on training
in archaeology, the indigenous people of southwest Florida and the environment
on which they relied.
Volunteer Program
The Mound House is a community treasure that welcomes everyone to participate
in our activities. Currently, volunteers conduct tours, help with special
events, provide clerical support, assist in the upkeep of the house and
grounds, and work in the archaeology laboratory and with field work. Tour
guides are trained in the history of the house, Estero Island, and the
Calusa Indians.
Internship Program
Internships at the Mound House are available for college and university
students and are tailored to the students interests and Mound House needs.
Interns have focused on a wide range of topics from public relations and
marketing, journalism, history, environment, archaeology, and elementary
education. Interested students are encouraged to download the application
packet for more information.
Descriptions of previous internship projects
Guided Kayak Tours
The Mound House offers a variety of guided educational kayak tours supporting
groups up to 15 people, with all equipment & basic paddling instruction
provided. Reservations are required and all tours are weather permitting.
A limited number of individuals with personal equipment may accompany
each tour. All Fort Myers Beach property owners can become Mound House
members to receive a 50% discount on tour fees. Please call to schedule
a tour for your group.