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
1911 – Parishioners of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church accepted plans submitted by architect George L. Pfeiffer for a new church building. It was said the structure’s style would be “of the Gothic school, and the building will be a beautiful and imposing edifice.” Construction costs were estimated at $25,000.
1983 – Jennie Bethel deBoer died at the age of 97. She grew up at the Key West Lighthouse, where her father William Bethel was the keeper for 25 years. During World War I, she served in the Navy as a Yeomanette. After the war, she worked for The Key West Citizen for 35 years.
For non-county residents unable to visit the archive, some services are available for a fee.
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.