The History of Diving Museum is celebrating Vintage Diving Days with back-to-back movie nights.
A screening of select “Sea Hunt” episodes will take place during the Morada Way Art Walk on Thursday, Aug. 19, along with a specially curated pop-up exhibit about this show and its impact on diving history. On Friday, Aug. 20, there will be a special screening of a vintage, classic underwater movie at the Florida Keys Brewing Co.
“Sea Hunt” was a 1950s TV show about the underwater adventures of an ex-Navy frogman, played by Lloyd Bridges. The show revolutionized public perceptions about diving and featured impressive underwater feats. The screening will be happening outdoors at Portside Gallery and Studio’s yard in Islamorada, 81888 Overseas Hwy., and viewers can stop by anytime between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
On Friday, Aug. 20, the festivities begin at 7 p.m. in the beer garden at Florida Keys Brewing Co., as the museum hosts the screening of a 1954 monster movie with astounding underwater scenes and stunts. Once again, museum staff will be on hand with information about the importance of the film and diving in pop culture. The movie will start at 8 p.m., but come early so you don’t miss any of the fun. There will be activity guides for the kids and bingo for the adults. Purchase passes for the museum and receive a special gift. The brewery is located at 81611 Old Highway, Islamorada.
Vintage Diving Days is a collaboration with the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), celebrating the pioneers of diving and vintage gear. The events are free to the public and no registration is required. During Vintage Diving Days there will be an opportunity to sign up for a dive using vintage double hose regulators with NAUI instructors coming in December.
“Sea Hunt” and other classic underwater shows and movies are featured in the current temporary exhibit, Diving In Pop Culture, on view at the History of Diving Museum through December 2021. The exhibit features books, movies, TV shows and video games and explores the impact pop culture has had on modern diving.
The monthly “Immerse Yourself” presentations, held every third Wednesday of every month, will welcome Terrance Tysall, NAUI’s vice president of training worldwide, vintage diving enthusiast and underwater explorer. Set for Wednesday, Aug. 18, he will be speaking about his experiences diving in some of the most remote places around the world, including shipwrecks and cavern diving.
One of the only divers to explore the wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald, Tysall is one of the underwater world’s most accomplished explorers. The presentation will be virtual, and you can email programs@divingmuseum.org to register and request the zoom link. This month’s event is sponsored by The Surgery Center.
