2017 was one for the history  books...for many good reaso n s and for that one bad reason named Irma. While the storm tried to block some of the successes we had been experiencing throughout the year, we fought back and held strong to host our inaugural signature event, A Night at the Museum . The ev ent, oversold with a wait list to attend, welcomed 163 guests. 

Due to the tremendous support of our community, the event netted more than $60,000, through sponsorships, auctions, a raffle and seat sales.  At what some are calling a franchise event, historical characters came to life in the form of a pirate, wrecker, Henry Flagler and "ladies of the 40s." The date has been set for 2018 --  Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 with many surprises in store!

The greatest accomplishment of 2017 was the incredible donation of $1 million from Islamorada residents Ken and Dee Meeks. This donation has allowed the Foundation to pay down debt and establish an endowment fund to secure a long-term future for the Keys History & Discovery Center, a future in which the Discovery Center will continue to grow through exhibits, programming and more. 

Community members also have supported our growth through the Jerry Wilkinson  Research Library and the much-needed highway signage. Due to the generous contributions of many and a guarantee $15,000 match, more than $32,000 was raised specific to the research library and the Tourist Development Council added an additional $10,300 for the capital project.  The highway signage, a year in development with permitting obstacles, generated $25,000 to cover the costs of sign and building permit fees, as well as the design and creation. That pesky Irma has delayed the sign installation, which will be installed within a couple weeks. 

Grants from Monroe County's Tourist Development Council, VISIT FLORIDA and Florida Humanities Council will allow for further design and installation of exhibits, a revamping of www.keysdiscovery.com, and the creation of a  walkin g tour app of historic Islamorada.  

Keys History & Discovery Center Presents...continues to bring new and educational programming, with topics to include archeological digs, Bahamas' deep influence on the Keys, women's efforts to save Florida's environment, and coral reef restoration. Lecture notifications will continue to be sent via e-mail, posted on community calendars, and advertised through the local newspapers. 

 

 

As the Keys History & Discovery Center continues on its mission to preserve and share the history of the Upper Keys, community involvement continues to be a priority in achieving the mission. Numerous ways exist to support the mission of the community's crown jewel. 

 

• Become a member or increase your current membership level. 
• Buy a gift of annual membership, which includes unlimited admissions, free lectures and discounts on merchandise.
• Contribute to the development of a bronze cannon exhibit or help finish the Cuban Refugee Boat exhibit. 
• Do your holiday shopping at the Discovery Center or through Amazon Smile, and choose Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation as your charity of choice.
• Make a donation in honor of someone special in your life. 

Your continued support is greatly appreciated. For more information, go to Join or Donate Here, call 305-922-2237 or e-mail info@keysdiscovery.com.