September 2019

In This Issue: New Books, Research Library Progress and Lecture Series
A Night at the Museum: Bootlegger Bash is Saturday, Nov. 16


Plans are underway for the third annual signature event,  A Night at the Museum: Bootlegger Bash ,  with title sponsors, Islamorada Distillery and Islamorada Beer Company. The event is Saturday, Nov. 16, 6 p.m., at Keys History & Discovery Center and the Islander Resort Conference Center, MM 82.
 
For one night only, we'll harken back to the Keys' rum-running days where the prohibition contraband will be flowing and casino gaming chips will be flying! Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, a delicious dinner and dessert, as well as an opportunity to bid on enticing trips, jewelry, personal indulgences, and much more in the live and silent auctions --  all while having a roaring good time! 
 
Numerous sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available. The Signature Event Committee is also seeking items for the live and silent auctions. This event sold out in advance the last two years; ensure you don't miss the fun and secure your seats today! For more information, contact Foundation Membership and Events Manager Erin Muir  at 305-922-2237 or at [email protected].
 
The signature fundraising event benefits the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, which operates the Keys History & Discovery Center, a world-class museum facility that preserves and shares the incredible history of our Upper Keys community and explores the unique ecology of the region. 
Re-released Books Now Available for Purchase

It Had To Be You and Storm of the Century: The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 are two new titles available for purchase at Keys History & Discovery Center. The books have been re-released after being out of publication for many years. 

Storm of the Century, first released in 2002, was updated to include comparisons to Hurricane Irma which made landfall in the 
Lower Keys in 2017. Author Willie Drye will be presenting on this topic the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 20, as part of Keys History & Discovery Center Presents... lecture series.

It Had To Be You is a look back to the late 1930s in an area of Key Largo once known as Planter. The book, originally printed in 1996, documents fond memories of K Wilkinson who lived simply at the water's edge with husband Jack. 

In  addition, It Had To Be You, the exhibit,  is on display through late October. The Discovery Center is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Library Welcomes Researchers; Donations Sought

Thanks to the efforts of local Media Specialist Nicky Laak and visiting Archivist Lisa Kelman, the Jerry Wilkinson Research Library (JWRL) is organized and ready for researchers. Several topics of research have occurred during the summer months, one of which resulted in a booklet, Attic Treasure: Flagler's Dream Train, by University of Miami Senior Lecturer Judy Hood. This publication is based on the discovery of the original blueprints for the railroad, dated 1905, in the attic of a Krome family home. The booklet is available in the research library.

Scholars, researchers and amateur genealogists can gain access to a multitude of topics, not limited to Indian artifacts, trains, hurricanes, maps, magazines and so much more.  The JWRL is available by appointment.  Schedule an appointment.

The long-term goal for the research library is to provide digital access to each document and photo; the short-term goal is to continue to enter each group of materials into a user-friendly catalog allowing researchers to explore topics of interest in an organized fashion. 

We are applying for grants and seeking private donations. Your gift would help support subscription requirements, archival supplies, furnishings and the continued work of trained librarians and archivist. 

Gifts made at the $1,000 level or above will receive name recognition on the KeysDiscovery.com website and within the Research Library.

JWRL Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Goal: $20,000. Click here to donate!
Keys History & Discovery Center Presents... Lecture Series

Mark your calendars for the kick-off of the Fall 2019 Keys History & Discovery Center Presents... lecture series on Wednesday, Oct. 23, titled  Beyond the Sunshine: A Timeline of Florida's Past  with Author  Rick Baker , a former mayor of St. Petersburg.

Doors to the museum will open at 5:30 p.m. (note new start time), allowing for 30-minutes of social time prior to the 6 p.m. lecture. Cash bar and snacks will be available. 

Additional fall dates include Nov. 6, Nov. 20, and Dec. 11. Click here for schedule details. 

The popular and well-attended lecture series continues featuring renowned authors, professors and scientists. Donations are sought to offset speaker honorariums, lodging and travel, as well as marketing, food and lecture space rental. Gifts made at the $1,000 level or above will receive name recognition on the KeysDiscovery.com website. 

A gift of $3,500 will underwrite a specific lecture of the donor's choosing and donor will be recognized as the sponsor of the evening.

Lecture Series FY 2019-2020 Goal: $50,000.  Click here to donate!
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.