October 2017 
Message from the Executive Director

It's been nearly a month since all the Keys community and much of Florida began preparing for a storm named Irma. Since the days of her ominous landfall in the Lower Keys, life as we know it throughout the Keys has changed and Hurricane Irma is one for the history books...and history museums. 

Keys History & Discovery Center and the building in which it is housed on the property of the Islander Resort fared well through the storm, with only minor cosmetic damage to the exterior of the building. Unfortunately, the Islander Resort, a Guy Harvey Outpost, took a huge hit, flooding the property, the majority of rooms, the bar and restaurants, and the main lobby. Needless to say, the property is closed for the next six to 12 months to rebuild. 

For the time being, the Islander staff has set-up their operations center in the first floor of the museum, working on rebuilding efforts and connecting with their guests, past and future. At this point, we do not have an reopening date or expectation, but I am happy to report that we can resume our lecture series and our first signature event, A Night at the Museum, will be held as planned on Friday, Nov. 10!  See below for the lecture schedule, which kicks off Thursday, Oct. 26 with the Return of Robert the Doll, as well as for details for the fundraiser. Now more than ever the museum needs your help to continue to preserve and share the history of the Keys. 

Our Curator Brad Bertelli has been formulating a future exhibit specific to hurricanes of the Keys and you can be sure Irma will be featured along with Donna and others. We already have two artifacts to be part of a future exhibit...a Red Cross apron signed by many volunteers who helped with the immediate recovery efforts in Islamorada and a six-pack of canned water from Anheuser-Busch. 

While we are not sure when the doors will once again open to the public, the Discovery Center will continue to bring our mission to the community through our lecture series, A Night at the Museum, and a series of pop-up exhibits that will help our community discover some of our treasured island chains' incredible history. If you are interested in hosting one of our pop-up exhibits, please call 305-922-2237.  

For those who have experienced loss, please know our hearts are with you. The Keys are a resilient community and will come back better than ever. Hope to see you in the Keys History & Discovery Center soon. 

Best, 

Jill Miranda Baker  
Support A Night at the Museum: Exhibits Come to Life! 
A Night at the Museum: E xhibits C ome to Life! will be held Friday, Nov. 10,  at the Keys History & Discovery Center located at the Islander Resort, a Guy Harvey Outpost.  This inaugural signature event, co-chaired by Foundation Board Members Bob Lodge and Erin Muir, includes a fun-filled evening, incorporating a cocktail reception in the museum where historical figures (think Indians, pirates and Henry Flagler) from the exhibits will come to life, a surf-and-turf dinner, live and silent auctions, and dessert. 

The top item in the live auction is a stay for up to eight people at  Cabo San Lucas Villas, l ocated on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. Other auction items include four Walt Disney Park Hopper passes, a half-day offshore fishing trip with Capt. Skip Bradeen, a snorkel and sunset sail for 20 out of the Florida Sea Base, a set of MacGregor golf clubs, spa services and more. Donations are still being collected. 

Cost for the fundraising event is $125 per person. To reserve your seats,  call 305-922-2237 or go online to Purchase Event Seat Here!. This is going to be a night to remember!
Keys History & Discovery Center Presents...

Mark your calendar for these enlightening and engaging lectures starting in October! 

Thursday, Oct 26 -- Haunted History: Robert the Doll Returns

Wednesday, Nov. 15 -- Florida is a Land Remembered with Rick Smith Jr. 

Wednesday, Nov. 29 -- Biscayne National Park with Dr. James Kushlan and Kirsten Hines

Wednesday, Dec. 13 -- Oh Florida! with Craig Pittman

Doors to the Discovery Center open at 5 p.m., to allow guests to see current exhibits. Presentations begin at  6 p.m. Members of the Discovery Center are free. Cost for non-members is $25, which includes admission and light appetizers. A cash bar in available. Reservations are strongly suggested and can be made via e-mail at info@keysdiscovery.com or by calling 305-922-2237.
Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, which operates Keys History & Discovery Center, is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Board of Directors is comprised of members of the community who serve voluntarily.