Last chance to see the shrimp drop at the Amelia Island Museum of History

If you’ve visited the Amelia Island Museum of History recently, you may have noticed an eye-catching guest in the Temporary Gallery: the Shrimp Drop. This giant metallic framework, sculpted from rods and chicken wire, is the glowing star that hovers over Fernandina’s riverfront every December 31 to ring in the New Year. In fact, it was ranked the No. 3 Best New Year’s Eve Drop in the U.S. by USA Today in 2024.

Now, it takes center stage as the highlight of the current quarterly exhibit, Fernandina and the Sea: The Story of a Shrimping Empire. The exhibit explores the innovations and individuals that earned Fernandina Beach the title of “Birthplace of the Modern Shrimping Industry.” From the launch of the first motorized shrimp boats to the development of refrigerated shipping, these advancements helped shape the town’s economic and cultural identity.

There are just a few days left to see one of Fernandina Beach’s most festive icons up close. The Shrimp Drop installation was made possible through the collaboration of Light Up Amelia and Florida Public Utilities, and will remain on view through June 8, 2025, before heading back into storage until its next drop on New Year’s Eve.

For museum hours and more information, visit the museum's website or call  904-261-7378.