Major accomplishments reached in 2015 include the opening of the 35-seat state-of-the-art theater in May, which showcases interviews with local fishing legends and survivors of the
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Brad Bertelli, Curator/Historian |
1935 Labor Day hurricane, as well as documentaries about Henry Flagler's Over-Sea Railway and coral reef restoration. T
hen in September, the installation of four permanent exhibits on topics of First People, Spanish Treasure Fleets and Pirates/Wreckers/Salvagers, offer portions of Florida Keys history unknown to most. Our curator/historian Brad Bertelli is instrumental in bringing to life these exhibits, with their historical tales and artifacts, educating all who visit.
Traveling exhibits on topics of Lighthouses of the Florida Reef, Roadside Attractions of the Keys, and Flagler's Over-Sea Railway have educated and entertained. Discovery Reef and Sanctuary Reef, on loan from Mote Marine Laboratory, have appealed particularly to children, and offer a look into the undersea world of our areas' unique coral reefs.
Through Keys History & Discovery Center Presents..., the monthly lecture series, nearly 1,000 people heard from experts about the Florida's East Coast Railway, Lignumvitae Key, Filming in the Keys, Treasure Diving, and Early Island Life, to name a few topics. Mid-week Matinees are featured monthly on the first Wednesday at 2 p.m., featuring movies made in and/or about the Keys, including Key Largo, PT-109 and The Rose Tattoo. Movies for 2016 include Running Scared, True Lies and African Queen.
More than 3,500 people visited the Discovery Center in 2015, coming to see the exhibits, watching a documentary or movie, listening in on a presentation or attending a special event. Our retail offerings also have expanded during the second half of 2015, with more than 50 book titles, including childr
en's books, as well as housewares, Tervis Tumblers, and a selection of collectibles from the Flagler Museum.
Our annual membership has grown to nearly 300 members at all levels, starting with general membership (individual, dual and family) as well as sustaining memberships from Rock Harbor ($250) to Matecumbe ($1,000).
Flagler's Folly Society, a young professionals group for those 21-45ish, was introduced in April with the goal to engage the next generation of leaders in the shared goal of preserving and sharing the history of the Upper Keys. Quarterly socials are offered and fundraising goes toward the development of a
Communities exhibit to include
Matecumbe, Planter, Tavernier, Rock Harbor and Key Largo.
2016 has more great plans ahead with the development and installation of a replica of Indian Key, circa 1835, telling and sharing the vast story of this tiny island. The replica will include building models, touchscreen monitors, reader rails and storyboards. This exhibit is made possible through the generous support of longtime Islamorada residents Ken and Dee Meeks.
Additional plans also include an expansion on the current Legends of the Line fishing exhibit as well as the build-out of the Jerry Wilkinson Research Library.
Renowned photographer Clyde Butcher returns to the Keys History & Discovery Center in June with his Nature's Places exhibit. Lectures planned during 2016 include topics of Florida Bay and Everglades, Building Over-Sea Railroad, the science of coral restoration, and legendary fishing guides.
The current rotating exhibits, Florida Bay Forever: A Photographic Exhibit, and the two on loan from Mote Marine, are in place through Feb. 28. We hope you continue to come to the Discovery Center as each visit offers more to ex
plore and learn. Your support as a member, a donor, and/or a volunteer, makes our mission a reality: "to develop and maintain a world-class history & discovery center that accurately reflects the history of our Florida Keys community in a multi-faceted and interactive environment."
Thanks for being on this journey with us and hope more can join! Annual memberships are available at a variety of levels, for more information or to join online,
Visit our Website!