Make a Sailor's Valentine

Make a special sailor’s valentine!

On Saturday, February 10, we will provide the materials to create a one-of-a-kind Valentine in the style of this popular 19th-century souvenir. All you have to bring is the creativity! This drop-in activity is free to Museum visitors.

What is a sailor’s valentine? These works of art are made by arranging small seashells in a symmetrical pattern, commonly in an octagonal box. They were a popular souvenir purchased by sailors for their sweethearts back home and often featured a symbol of love at the center. While the name suggests that the sailors created these themselves, most were created and purchased on the island of Barbados.