Florida Keys History & Discovery Center

06/19/2026

Happy Find-it Friday! Where could you find this favorite Key's eatery?

Congrats to Ric Johnson for another win! He correctly identified the iconic First National Bank building on the corner of Duval and Front Streets, originally founded in 1891.

06/18/2026

Key West, Florida, has long been known for its laid-back island character and its reputation as a welcoming, independent-minded community. Its geographic isolation, creative culture, and free-spirited atmosphere made it especially appealing to those seeking a little more freedom than they found on the mainland. By the 1970s and 1980s, the island had become a destination for visitors drawn to its arts scene and sense of openness. The adoption of the motto “One Human Family” reflects that broader tradition of Key West as a place that values individuality, community, and belonging.

McDonald, Dale M., 1949-2007. Sunset Celebration performer "Magical Mystical Michael" on Mallory Square, Key West, FL.. 1970 (circa). State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

06/17/2026

☕️Join us next week for Coffee with the Curator

Spend the morning with us enjoying pastries, conversation, and a closer look at Florida Keys history. It’s a relaxed chance to explore artifacts from the collection, hear the stories behind them, and connect with others who love local history.

06/16/2026

Before it was lowered into the waters off Key Largo, Christ of the Abyss arrived by ship in New York Harbor from Italy.

This famous 9-foot bronze statue, now resting in 25 feet of water at Dry Rocks reef in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, is the third casting of Il Cristo degli Abissi by Italian sculptor Guido Galletti. The original was placed in the Mediterranean near San Fruttuoso in 1954. Commissioned for Key Largo in 1961 and donated to the Underwater Society of America in 1962, the statue was installed off Key Largo on August 25, 1965.

Mounted on a massive 20,000-pound concrete base, Christ of the Abyss has become one of the most iconic underwater landmarks in the Florida Keys.

06/15/2026

🌺 A naturalist once described the roseate spoonbill as looking “as though an orchid had spread its lovely wings and flown.” 🌺

With its bright pink feathers and distinctive spoon-shaped bill, it remains one of Florida’s most recognizable birds. Like flamingos, spoonbills get their color from the small crustaceans they eat. Young birds begin life bright white, with their signature sunset pinks and oranges developing over about three years.

Though John James Audubon noted that spoonbills were poor eating, that did not spare them from danger. By the early 20th century, plume hunters had pushed the species close to extermination, killing birds for feathers that were turned into fans and fashion accessories. Today, the roseate spoonbill is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, though it still faces threats from habitat loss and environmental change.

Image: Roseate Spoonbill, 1836. Robert Havell after John James Audubon.

06/12/2026

It's time again for Find-it Friday! On a busy corner in Key West, you'll spot this unique art deco building from 1891. Now home to shops and tourist sites, what was its original purpose and name?

Last week we featured another iconic Key West building, the Convent of Mary Immaculate. It was Florida's first Catholic school, opening in 1869. All of our followers were stumped! If you think you know this week's building, comment below for a chance to be our winner!

06/10/2026

🎣 Exciting News! 🎣

The Florida Keys History & Discovery Foundation is honored and excited to announce that we have been selected as a grant recipient for this year’s Conch Scramble! 💙

We are incredibly grateful for the support of this amazing community event and the impact it makes for local organizations throughout the Florida Keys.

As preparations begin, we are now accepting auction items at the museum and sponsorship opportunities are officially open! If you or your business would like to support the Conch Scramble and help us continue our mission of preserving and sharing the history, culture, and stories of the Florida Keys, we would love to hear from you!

✨ Donate an auction item
✨ Become a sponsor
✨ Support local history and education

Please reach out:
[email protected]
📞 305-922-2237

Registration begins on July 15th at 9am!!! We are currently accepting sponsors, some of which will hold you a team spot if you want in early! Please visit is at https://www.conchscramble.com/sponsors or call .re at 305-393-2725 for info. We can't do this without you! 🛥🏌⛳🥰

06/10/2026

Save the Date! Our annual lecture series begins again this October. Stay tuned for the exciting lineup of scientists, historians and community leaders coming to speak at the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center.

06/08/2026

“Pinderville” was one of three early family-based settlements on Upper Matecumbe. It was also sometimes called “The Hole” because of its location between the Russell and Parker properties. Most of old Matecumbe’s settlements were on the oceanside, where the sea breeze helped deter mosquitoes—a constant concern for early settlers. Richard Pinder and his sons, Cephas and Adolphus, farmed three homesteads of roughly 140 acres each. Though isolated and often at the mercy of a harsh climate, they grew limes, pineapples, tomatoes, and melons for market. The arrival of the railroad eventually led to these large homesteads being divided into smaller parcels for new families and industries.

06/05/2026

Happy Find-It Friday!

We’ll share a location from Florida Keys past or present, and you guess its name. Pictured here in 1956, can you identify this beautiful building?

Last week’s mystery spot was the iconic Alligator Lighthouse. Congratulations to Trish Calvert for guessing it correctly!