SeaShell Museum Story

October 2025 Update 

A note from Naomi Black, Curator

Russ and I have been working members 
of this local community for many, many years. 
I had my boutique shop, Off the Beach and 
together we founded the Mermaid's Market 
(a local Art Market). We were also very involved 
with tourism in northern Mexico. 

Merging my artsy interests with Russ' passion 
for showing tourists "cool stuff", we built a small 
Seashell Museum at my Off The Beach shop location. 
Opening in January of 2018, we welcomed visitors 
from at least a dozen countries over the next 7+ years.
 
Life changed abruptly for me in 2023. 
By the winter of 2024, I realized that I needed to 
find a new home for the Seashell Museum. 
I immediately knew in my heart that the perfect home 
would be the CEDO Campus. Happily, they agreed! 

After doing an inventory of the museum collection 
(10,804 shells to be exact), I began the move in June, 2025. 
By summer's end, the Seashell Museum was re-housed 
and with some new displays. There is a lot going on at CEDO: 
With 40 years of experience being the go-to location for all 
things "Desert and Ocean" related, it is a great stop when you 
have family and friends visiting! I encourage you to visit 
the CEDO Campus; if you haven't visited in awhile, 
you will find that the exhibits, museum and gift shop are all 
housed in the architecturally beautiful main building. 

I am thrilled that the Seashell Museum now calls CEDO home! 
I have always loved the location . . .
and now the little Seashell Museum has an ocean view. 
I will continue as a curator. 
It is now dedicated in Memory of Mr. Russ Black who 
(ever since the first time that I set my gaze on the Sea of Cortez) 
was my constant beachcombing companion. 
Those are my great memories - and to share that collection 
with future visitors young and old is a treasure. 
Thank you, CEDO. 
________________________________________

 
Here is the Original Story: 

 

Summer, 2017

"This summer Russ and I are building a SeaShell Museum.

It will be on the same property as my Off the Beach Workshop and Studio. 

It will be free to the public and should be a fun little tourist attraction. 

The building itself is being constructed of mostly recycled materials - as much as possible. 

We have a two room plan, which will be well-lit and will open onto a private garden."

...The story in Pictures:

Ready to Open in January 2018

Watch the YouTube Video