Please note: All branches of the Monroe County Public Library will be closed on Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25
The Florida Keys History Center is dedicated to the stewardship, knowledge, and understanding of the historic, cultural, and ecological diversity of the Florida Keys. Archival materials include newspapers, maps, images, and genealogy resources.
Located in the Key West Library
Historian: Corey Malcom
Archivist: Breana Sowers
(305) 809-5260
Hours of Operation
Monday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
1912 – President William H. Taft arrived in Key West via train. After touring the city and attending a luncheon in his honor, he sailed on a Navy ship to Panama to inspect the construction of the Panama Canal, then in progress.
1897 – The USS Maine fired warning shots toward schooners leaving Key West to command them to halt. The vessels were then boarded by officers from the battleship and searched for arms and ammunition that might be used to illegally supply revolutionary forces in Cuba. Nothing was found.
For non-county residents unable to visit the archive, some services are available.
Learn more about how you can acquire and use images from our archive.
Please call or email before planning a trip, as staff may not always be available to assist.
Read Island Chronicles, the monthly feature by Lead Historian Dr. Corey Malcom
Enhanced access to the FamilySearch database. Available only at your nearest library, access provided via our PCs or WiFi.
Your ancestors left clues along the way. Now, you can trace them online. Available only at your nearest library, access provided via our PCs or WiFi.
A collaborative digital library project of the Monroe County Public Library and Florida International University.
A geographical directory of every place name for an island in the Florida Keys, a digitized version of the comprehensive publication created by the late Jim Clupper.
Free online access to select archival resources from collections housed in the State Library and Archives of Florida.
View the Monroe County Public Library’s contributions to the Digital Public Library of America.