Florida Keys History of Diving Museum

About

Over a span of forty years, Drs. Joe and Sally Bauer have acquired the world’s largest collection of diving helmets, hand-operated air pumps, armored suits, lights and other accessory gear, plus memorabilia, prints, photographs, books, film and video. Their passion took them to virtually every corner of the world and the Museum’s collection now represents the contributions of more than 30 countries to diving history.

As their research evolved and collections grew, the Bauers were inspired by the idea of using their collection—which had become the largest and most comprehensive in the world—as the basis for a museum to share their knowledge and passion for diving history with the public. Following the Bauers’ retirement, they moved permanently from Cleveland, Ohio to Islamorada, Florida Keys, the perfect location to establish what became The History of Diving Museum.

The museum officially opened its doors full time in 2006 unveiling the largest collection of diving apparatus in the world. The collection is painstakingly interpreted and takes the visitor on a journey that chronicles the stork of mankind's quest to explore under the sea.