Audubon House & Tropical Gardens

Key West, Florida

Art, Botanical Garden, History, Historic House

To educate and inform visitors about the artistic ornithological contributions of J.J. Audubon, the history and story of the Audubon House, its furnishings, and 19th century Key West and the Florida Keys.

Donkey Milk House, c. 1866 Historic Home

Key West, Florida

History

An unusual 1860's house complete with antiques presented as people lived; a rare educational offering is also provided. The award winning restoration of the Williams Mansion continues use as a private residence. The rare and delightful are presented with impeccable taste. Interiors featured in August 1995 Country Living Magazine. Tropical Gardens available for touring and special occasion rental. Featured on Restore America," H & G channel TV in 1999 and "If Walls Could Talk" in 2000."

Fort East Martello Museum

Key West, Florida

Art, History

Key West Harry Truman Foundation, Inc.

Key West, Florida

The two fold mission of the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation is the preservation and restoration of the Harry S. Truman Little White House State Heritage Landmark and the accumulation and dissemination of the history of the American presidency with emphasis on those presidents who have enjoyed Key West and the Florida Keys

Lighthouse Museum

Key West, Florida

History

Old Island Restoration Foundation

Key West, Florida

History

The builder of the Oldest House was Richard Cussans, who immigrated to the Island of Key West in about 1826 from the Bahamas. He was in his mid-twenties when he built the house. He may have trained and apprenticed as a ship’s carpenter but he would not have been a shipwright at that young age. That level of craft was not easily achieved. He owned slaves, and likely used their labors in the construction of the Oldest House in 1829. He was an enterprising and talented young man who built several of the original buildings on the island which he either sold or rented out. Several other structures he built have not survived. It is believed he left Key West in the late 1830s and sailed west to the new Republic of Texas. The house was built from lumber sourced in South Florida.

San Carlos Institute

Key West, Florida

History

Key West Art and Historical Society

Key West, Florida

Art, History

To promote the humanities, art and history of the Florida Keys by educating the public, and by collecting, preserving and exhibiting significant art, artifacts and historical properties.

Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House

Key West, Florida

Art, History

Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden

Key West, Florida

Arboretum, Botanical Garden, Nature Centers, Park

The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is the only "frost-free" botanical garden in the continental United States and a conservation zone for many endangered and threatened flora and fauna native to the Keys, Cuba and western Caribbean. Its historic roots were set in 1936 as part of a WPA project to vitalize the island as a tourist destination. Today, it continues to be a refreshing, natural oasis for the visiting public. The Forest offers an unusual opportunity to experience native Keys’ biodiversity and learn more about its importance. For instance, the Forest has fresh water ponds, a rare asset that makes it a major migratory stopping point for neo-tropical birds from places as far as South America, as well as being home to many rare Florida Keys species.

MEL FISHER MARITIME HERITAGE SOCIETY and MUSEUM

Key West, Florida

Anthropology, Archaeology, Children's, General, History, Historical Society, Library, Military, Nature Centers, Science

The Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society operates a two thousand square foot conservation laboratory that specializes in conserving underwater archaeological artifacts. This means all the artifacts that are either recovered from our archaeological expeditions or are donated are conserved on premises.

Pirate Soul Museum

Key West, Florida

History

U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum

Key West, Florida

Culture, History, Library, Military, Specialized

The Ingham is a National Historic Landmark, a museum, and a living classroom designed to inform and inspire generations to come. As a non-governmental, non-profit maritime museum, it is a repository of historical artifacts, a life-changing classroom for at-risk youth, and a powerful reminder of the U.S. Coast Guard's role in protecting America in times of peace and times of war. Rotating displays of artifacts like compasses, barometers, uniforms, photos, and memorabilia are exhibited in various cabins, staterooms, ward room, dining area, and other departments.