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
1922 – Key West fish houses were expecting a strong season, as orders had already been placed to keep them busy through March. Crews were arriving to work on the kingfishing smacks and get them in good condition.
1951 – Iconic Key West dog “Teddy” died at the age of 15. Teddy was nationally known for riding on top of Ramon Navarro’s sight-seeing bus as it toured the island, and he had been featured in countless magazine and newspaper articles.
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.