North Carolina Shell Show
The North Carolina Shell Club will be hosting the 2025 North Carolina Shell Show on May 2–4. This is the largest gathering of shell collections in North Carolina, and features some of the world's most beautiful and rare seashells. The family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to learn about native North Carolina shells, meet other collectors, visit shell art and scientific displays, and purchase shells from around the world.
The annual shell show is a judged event, with awards given in a wide range of scientific categories, with special prizes for novices and juniors. Awards are also given for shell crafts and photography. You can view the full list of scientific and artistic categories on the North Carolina Shell Club website. https://www.ncshellclub.com/ShlShwCats.htm
Judges award prizes in each category and select winners of several special awards, plus attendees of the show can vote for their favorite display.
In addition to the scientific and artistic exhibits, the show features dealers selling a huge selection of beautiful, interesting, and rare shells from around the world. You can learn how to start your own collection and get inspired on how to display your own shells.
Editors of the recently updated book Seashells of North Carolina will be available on May 3 from 12:00-2:00 for a special book signing. Visitors enjoy a collaborative day with shell club members and receive a complimentary shell with each paid admission. Proceeds from the event help fund the N.C. Shell Club Scholarship at UNC-Wilmington and the Everett Long Scholarship at the Carteret Community College for Marine Sciences students.
The North Carolina Shell Club is an organization where people of all levels of expertise, ranging from beginner to professional, can meet and share knowledge and information about the fascinating world of shells. The Club meets four weekends per year, with additional programs featuring speakers and opportunities on weekends to collect shells. It was established in 1957 and is dedicated to responsible shell collecting, marine conservation and the study of malacology. The Club mission is to provide meaningful opportunities for members to share best practices, meet other shell enthusiasts and participate in networking opportunities. Membership includes beachcombers, explorers, citizen scientists and world travelers and provides networking and mentorship opportunities.
North Carolina Shell Club emphasizes reasonable and responsible collecting in order to minimize the environmental impact and preserve natural habitat and mollusks for future generations to enjoy and learn from. Club guidelines cover collecting responsibly, leaving habitats undisturbed, documenting scientific finds carefully, following local regulations, and respecting private property. As responsible shell collectors, it is important to protect the natural habitats and populations of the shells by avoiding over collection and destructive collection practices. Learn more about shelling in North Carolina. https://www.ncshellclub.com/Collect.htm
Shell Club meetings, events, and the show are all open to the public. Everyone from beginners to experienced collectors of all ages are welcome.
The Shell Show is held at the Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell Street, Morehead City, North Carolina. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and military, and free for children. The show is open Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, and on Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm.
Learn more at ncshellclub.com.
All photos courtesy of Dan Minior except as marked.
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