Best wishes for Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year from Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation Board of Directors and Staff. 
December 2016 
From the Executive Director: Increased Support Needed!
Because to the wonderful support of many in the Upper Keys community, in just three short years the Keys History & Discovery Center has become a world-class facility meeting its goal to accurately reflect the history of our Florida Keys community in an exciting multi-faceted, interactive environment. For that, we thank you!
 
As one who holds a special affinity to the Florida Keys, you realize the importance of preserving and sharing our vast history as well as sharing the benefits of our unique natural environment. Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, is doing just that. Please consider the Foundation for your end-of-year tax-deductible donation.
 
2016 was a great year for development at the Center. Through the generosity of Islamorada's Ken and Dee Meeks, the history of Indian Key is exhibited through a model of the island circa 1840 and a kiosk sharing stories of the fascinating, albeit brief, history of the place once identified as the temporary location of the Dade County seat. Stories of the Upper Keys was unveiled in September with support from Monroe County TDC, the Charles G. Wright Endowment for Humanity, and the Flagler's Folly Society. The elaborate exhibit encapsulates several significant aspects of our local history, including Henry Flagler's Over-Sea Railway, the Overseas Highway, and the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane. The exhibit additionally explores the people who carved niches for themselves and their families from a considerably more inhospitable string of islands than the sub-tropical paradise we live in today.
 
The fragile environment of the Keys is showcased through a variety of traveling exhibits. Currently on display through March 5 is Trailblazers: The Perilous Story of the Tamiami Trail. And the state-of-the-art theater gives visitors a chance to watch interviews with local fishing legends and survivors of the 1935 Labor Day hurricane, as well as documentaries about Henry Flagler's Over-Sea Railway and coral reef restoration.
 
Keys History & Discovery Center (KHDC) holds the distinction of being the only facility in the Upper Keys committed to sharing Keys history, including Flagler's Over-Sea Railway, First People, Spanish Treasure Fleets, Pirates, Wreckers, Salvagers, and local fishing legends. KHDC is developing into a must-see for locals and tourists staying in the Upper Keys or traveling through the area.
 
With your gift, 2017 can be a year of continued development with the completion of the Jerry Wilkinson Research Library (of which we have raised more than $30,000 to build), the installation of visible permanent signage on U.S. 1, as well as a few surprises we have up our sleeves to keep you coming back.
 
Preserving the unique and vast history of the Upper Keys, sharing it now and for generations to come, is the main goal of the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation.
 
Your continued support will move us further along to reach the full potential of our mission of developing and maintaining a world-class history and discovery center that accurately reflects the history of our Florida Keys community in a multi-faceted and interactive environment.
 
Make a tax-deductible donation today. Call 305-922-2237, go to www.keysdiscovery.com, or mail to P.O. Box 1124, Islamorada, FL 33036. Your support means so much to our future! Thank you for your consideration.
 
My Warmest Wishes for the Holiday Season!
Jill Miranda Baker
Dade Collier Arch on the Trail, 1928. (Courtesy of the Collier County Museums).
Trailblazers: The Perilous Story of the Tamiami Trail

Trailblazers: The Perilous Story of the Tamiami Trail is the latest traveling exhibit to be presented by the Keys History & Discovery Center in Islamorada.
 
The Tamiami Trail's history, culture, devastating impact on the Everglades and plans to mitigate that damage are all featured in this multimedia exhibit featuring photographs, historic documents, and film. This exhibit is curated by Jon Ullman, who has been building coalition and organizing activists to restore the Everglades for the Sierra Club for more than 18 years. He organized a broad-based coalition to build the River of Grass Parkway, a 6.5-mile collection of bridges across Tamiami Trail to restore water flow to Everglades National Park and Florida Bay. His advocacy on the campaign to raise U.S. 41 helped result in the first raised mile and an additional planned 5.5-mile of bridging.
 
On loan from the Coral Gables Museum, this exhibit first appeared there in fall of 2015. The exhibit of Keys History & Discovery Center is made possible through the generosity of Ken and Dee Meeks, long-time Islamorada residents and philanthropists. Trailblazers is on display through March 5, 2017.
Keys History & Discovery Center Presents...

Upcoming presentation topics range from a documentary on Dr. Henry Perrine, Civil War in South Florida, and Calusa Indians. Mark your calendar now for the following upcoming presentations:

Wednesday, Jan. 11 -- Life and Times of Dr. Henry Perrine, Documentary Film Screening, 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. Includes brief remarks by Filmmaker Steven DeGroodt.

Wednesday, Jan. 25 -- The Civil War in South Florida, 1861-1865, with FAU Archaeologist Sara Ayers-Rigsby.

Wednesday, Feb. 8 -- The Calusa, Keys and Cuba Connection, with Archaeologist Theresa Schober.

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.

Judi Bray reacts in shock as her name is announced for the Volunteer of the Year.
Volunteers are Celebrated!

A reception at the home of Board Member Phyllis Mitchell and husband Bob celebrated the time and dedication of the volunteers who serve as docents at Keys History & Discovery Center. During the evening, Executive Director Jill Miranda Baker gave thanks to the group as they are the ones who keep the Center open Thursdays through Sundays. Three volunteers were recognized for covering weekly shifts, including Tricia Hynes and Jean Simmons. Judi Bray was honored as the Volunteer of the Year and given a compass rose necklace. 
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.