An Awesome Challenge: My 30+ Years at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

Dr. José H. Leal has served as the Museum’s Curator for over 30 years and is retiring at the end of 2026. His work has profoundly influenced the organization for the better, and for many, Dr. Leal is synonymous with the Museum and its educational mission.

In this talk, Dr. Leal will reflect on more than three decades of growth, change, challenges, and triumphs at the Museum and in the field of malacology. From his arrival in 1996 as the institution was first opening its doors to the public, to the growth and management of what is today one of the top dozen collections of shells in the U.S., to the design of the new Great Hall of Shells, to the future of malacology, Dr. Leal will share stories of circumstances and people that helped shape this museum and drive the local and international pursuit of knowledge about mollusks and shells.

Cost: $25, $15 for Museum Members. Includes beverages and light hors d’oeuvres.

Register online at https://shellmuseum.org/learn-and-experience/lectures/