December 2018 
This shot shows an overview of the Coral Reef Exploration exhibit with the three aquariums, kiosks, tablets and storyboards. Photo credits: Conor Goulding, Mote Marine Laboratory.

Coral Reef Exploration Exhibit Open to the Public  

A comprehensive exhibit showcasing the unique ecosystem of the Florida Keys has landed permanently at Keys History & Discovery Center, MM 82 in Islamorada. The permanent exhibit, Coral Reef Exploration, features three aquariums, educational storyboards, interactive kiosks, video monitors and a game geared to children. The exhibit focuses on providing both a beautiful and educational view of our unique coral reef ecosystem and the challenges it faces.
 
The largest of the aquariums, at 1,250 gallons, showcases species making their home around the Florida Keys coral reefs, including angel fish, butterfly fish, tangs and wrasse. Guests to the Discovery Center can get up close and personal with invasive lionfish in a 280-gallon aquarium, and check out live coral, crustaceans and reef fish living in a second 280-gallon aquarium.
 
The result of an exciting partnership between Mote Marine Laboratory and Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, which operates the Discovery Center, these two not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizations worked to make this exhibit a reality.
 
Dr. Michael Crosby watches in pride as 23-month-old Violet Muir shows her excitement for the new exhibit. 
"Much of the culture, economy and physical existence of the Florida Keys are intimately linked to coral reefs that are unfortunately facing threats of extinction. Mote is pleased to partner with the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation to present this new exhibit that will help share the history and importance of ensuring the long-term vitality of the Keys through innovative coral research and restoration that Mote is leading," said Dr. Michael Crosby, President and CEO of Mote .
 
Located in the heart of Islamorada, the addition of the Coral Reef Exploration exhibit allows the Foundation to fulfill the mission of 'discovery' within the only bricks-and-mortar history & discovery center in the Upper Keys. Mote brings this engaging and educational exhibit to life.
 
"The creation of this extensive exhibit for our community is a gamechanger for the Keys History & Discovery Center," said Foundation President Rich Russell. "Our goals within our mission 'to support a world-class history and discovery center' have reached new heights with this permanent addition."
 
This $250,000 project was funded in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and through in-kind contributions from Mote, including annual maintenance and upkeep. An additional $171,000 was raised through a capital campaign to cover the costs of the project.
A Night at the Museum: Bootlegger Bash Raises $80,000

A Night at the Museum: Bootlegger Bash was held Saturday, Nov. 10, at Keys History & Discovery Center, where a secret speakeasy featured live jazz, booze and gaming. The clandestine evening, with presenting sponsor Islamorada Distilling/Islamorada Beer Company, entertained a sold-out crowd of 200. 

Venue sponsor Islander Resort delivered vintage-inspired hors d'oeuvres, entrĂ©e and desserts. A silent and live auction, gaming and a 50-50 raffle rounded out the events of the evening. The event raised more than $80,000. 

A Night at the Museum, the creative result of dedicated volunteer committee and staff, is an annual signature event to raise money for the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, a not-for-profit organization which supports Keys History & Discovery Center.

A crew from Islamorada Distilling/Islamorada Beer Company, the Presenting Sponsor, dressed in-line with the theme, Bootlegger Bash. From left, Nik Schroth, Nikki Cullen, Tyrone Bradley, Whitney Trentine, Chris Trentine, Larisa Baste, Ryan Weber, Stephanie Harper, and Mike Walter.


View event photos here! Enter passcode: historyanddiscovery
Lecture Series in Full Swing at Keys History & Discovery Center

Keys History & Discovery Center Presents...lecture series continues with a variety of interesting topics this month and into 2019. Lectures are Wednesdays 5-7 p.m., at the Discovery Center at MM 82 on the property of the Islander Resort in Islamorada.

Lectures are free for members with the cost for non-members being only $10, thanks in part to grant funding and individual contributions. Light appetizers and a cash bar are available. Reservations should be made by calling 305-922-2237 or via e-mail at info@keysdiscovery.com.

Upcoming dates and topics include the following:
  • Dec. 12 -- They Came from the Sea: Study of the Cuban Migrant Craft La Esparaza.
  • Jan. 16 -- The Lincoln Assassination and the Florida Keys.
  • Jan. 30 -- Exploring Molasses Reef
  • Feb. 13 -- The Legacy of FDR's Works Progress Administration in Florida.
  • Feb. 27 -- The Jewish Underground: Smuggling Refugees from Cuba to Key West.
Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, which operates Keys History & Discovery Center, is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. As such, donations to the Foundation help support the annual fund, as well as specific projects.  For more information about making a contribution, Visit our website or call 305-922-2237.  Keys History & Discovery Center is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission: $12, seniors: $10, and children 13-under are free.