Guided Tours and Free Immerse Yourself Presentation: The Shipwreck, Secret War & Stolen Jade at the History of Diving Museum

This Valentine’s Day, join the History of Diving Museum for guided tours of the exhibits at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Come learn about famous underwater photographer couple Hans and Lotte Hass, and how local couple Drs. Joe and Sally Bauer created the Museum over 40 years of passionate collecting and research. Take advantage of the Museum’s buy one get one free admission promotion, which is valid only for Saturday, February 14th. Be sure to mention the Valentine’s Day promotion at the door to claim your free ticket.
 
On Wednesday, February 18th at 7 p.m. events continue with the Museum’s monthly free Immerse Yourself program. Join author and shipwreck expert John Christopher Fine as he takes us through the fascinating tale of the SS Springfjord. John is a Master Scuba Instructor and author who has dived on shipwrecks all over the world. His bibliography includes Treasures of the Spanish Main: Shipwrecked Galleons in the New World and Lost on the Ocean Floor: Diving the World's Ghost Ships. He has also written extensively on ocean pollution, and is the liaison officer of the United Nations Environment Programme and the Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques. John is a fellow of the Explorers Club and a member of the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences.
 
In this presentation, John will take us through the story of the SS Springfjord, a ship sunk by the CIA as part of a coup designed to overthrow the elected government of Guatemala. The program will also cover the destruction of a protected biosphere by organized criminals to steal jadeite, the most valuable gemstone in the world found now only in quantity in Guatemala.
 
The History of Diving Museum will have extended hours on Immerse Yourself night, with the last admission at 6:45 p.m. The free presentation with John Fine will begin promptly at 7 p.m.
 
If you are interested in attending the Immerse Yourself lecture either in-person or online via Zoom, visit divingmuseum.org to register. This session will also be recorded and posted to the HDM YouTube channel. The Museum would like to thank this month's sponsors: EZ Storage and the Newton Family.
 
 The History of Diving Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Islamorada (MM83). Divers and non-divers alike are amazed by over 5,000 years of “the quest to explore under the sea.” The Museum has 14 core exhibits plus two annual limited-time Featured Exhibits as well as a Museum Store with unique gifts. Check out DivingMuseum.org for more details, to become a member or shop online.