McLarty Treasure Museum

McLarty Treasure Museum is located at 13180 North A1A, Vero Beach, FL 32963, Treasure Coast Florida. After the recovery and salvage of many sunken ships in the area the name “Treasure” is dominant in this coastal section of Florida. The museum is not very large but the knowledgeable staff, artifacts, and a less than an hour movie make it a must-see place in Vero Beach. The McLarty Museum actually sits on the same site as the camp built by the survivors of the galleon disaster while waiting for rescue.

One of the most famous sunken treasures goes back to 1715 when 11 doomed Spanish galleon ships encountered a hurricane off the coast of Florida. The treasure-filled ships were traveling from Havana, Cuba to Spain when they were sunk. As many as 1,000 lives were lost when the wind force of hurricanes along with high waves smashed them into the reefs.

The Opening Of Mel Fisher Treasure Museum

During the 300 plus years, many treasure hunters and salvagers have searched the area hoping to find some of what is known as the Queen’s Jewels. The area became more famous after the world-renowned treasure hunter, Mel Fisher, successfully salvaged some of the lost treasures of the Spanish galleons. In 1963 after moving his family to Vero Beach Mel Fisher originally from California called the area home. In 1985, Mel Fisher’s success extended to the Florida Keys with the discovery and salvage of another famous Spanish galleon the  Nuestra Señora de Atocha. Mel Fisher opened his museum in Sebastian, FL and named it Mel Fisher Treasure Museum. It is a short driving distance from the MacLarty Treasure Museum.

Brent Brisobon Queen’s Jewels Bought Salvage Rights

Mel Fisher’s family eventually sold their salvage rights in the area to Brent Brisbon and his company Queen’s Jewels. Brisbon employed a different business plan by using subcontractors interested in the salvage program. All the costs of the boats and crew are paid by subcontractors. The State of Florida is entitled to 20% of salvaged treasures while Brisbon’s company and subcontractors split the remaining treasures equally.

Treasure Hunters Find New Coins

Ironically, one of the successful discoveries happened in 2015, the 300th anniversary of the unfortunate event. The findings were the result of the efforts of two divers and treasure hunters, William Barlette, and Dan Beckingham alongside the boat captain, Jonah Martinez. The trio was able to salvage 350 coins from the shipwreck with an estimated value of $45o million. There have been additional discoveries, most of them valued to be over one million dollars, by other treasure hunters in recent years.  More discoveries is expected in coming years as the remaining treasure is estimated to worth over $400 million.