Jan-Michael T.
Yelp
It is amazing how many museums I am finding on my treasure hunting adventures. Yes, I too try to follow underwater currents and streams and read ledgers to determine where ships may have sunken. My success rate however is almost zilch.
On the other hand, I still look up to Mel Fisher as he is the original treasure hunter who was successful, finding many treasure ships off the Treasure Coast, including the Atochaa.
Now all that history and all that lore is being shared through a museum called the Mel Fisher Treasure Museum.
Located along US1 in Vero Beach, the building is not hard to miss as it is on the eastside of the highway and stands out with all the anchors and pirate statues.
Parking is free but there is an entrance fee of $10 with certain discounts for veterans and senior citizens. I believe children up to a certain age (can't remember) are free. The tour is short but packed with a lot of information. You'll start with a movie showing Mel's adventures which includes how he setup shop to find said treasure ships.
After the movie, you get to walk around on your own seeing mutliple cases of items found on the four shipwrecks Mel Fisher found. There are coins, ingots, and everyday jewelry and gear that would be seen on a ships.
Before leaving the museum part, you can feel the weight of a gold ingot, sign the visitor's ledger, then puruse the store.
Ultimately, this museum is well-priced for a one-and-done, but there is so much you can learn and observe. I am definitely putting this place as a must-see, at least once, if you live in Brevard County.