1974 – Congressman Dante Fascell’s office was in contact with the Navy to see if there was an interest in acquiring the presidential yacht USS Williamsburg, once used by Harry S. Truman, for use as a museum in Key West. At the time, the vessel was being used as a restaurant and cocktail bar in New Jersey.
Florida Keys History Center
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
Florida Keys History News
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Today in Keys History – March 18, 2024
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Today in Keys History – March 17, 2024
1941 – Grant Wood, the American artist famous for his painting “American Gothic,” gave a lecture at the Key West High School auditorium. The event was a benefit for the Key West Art Center and the Woman’s Club Library Building Fund.
Florida History Services
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Florida History Distance Services
For non-county residents unable to visit the archive, some services are available for a fee.
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Florida History Image Services
Learn more about how you can acquire and use images from our archive.
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Florida History Visitor Services
Please call or email before planning a trip, as staff may not always be available to assist.
Florida Keys History Resources
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FamilySearch Affiliate Library
Enhanced access to the FamilySearch database. Available only at your nearest library, access provided via our PCs or WiFi.
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Ancestry Library Edition
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.
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Mile Markers: Keys History
A collaborative digital library project of the Monroe County Public Library and Florida International University.
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Key Names Gazetteer
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.
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Florida Memory
Free online access to select archival resources from collections housed in the State Library and Archives of Florida.
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DPLA
View the Monroe County Public Library’s contributions to the Digital Public Library of America.