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Mound House

A Cultural & Environmental Learning Center

Educational Programs

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school tours involve lessons in Florida history and prehistory, how we learn about the past through archaeology and historical documents, and the connection between humans and the environment.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; a sloped beach area on Estero Bay provides a first hand view of fiddler crab and mangrove habitat and life in the estuary; 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!

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. In the past three years, interns have focused on a wide range of topics from public relations and marketing, journalism, history, archaeology, and elementary education. Descriptions of intern projects can be found here.  Interested students are encouraged to meet with directors to discuss a possible internship.

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