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
1864 – Admiral Theodorus Bailey, flag officer commanding the East Gulf Blockading Squadron at Key West, wrote: “My worst fears have been more than realized, and for more than two months [yellow fever] has held its course without abatement… [it] has been raging at this post with a violence that has exceeded that of 1862, or I believe of any previous year.”
1865 – A visitor arriving at Key West wrote, “The view as you approach Key West is decidedly tropical. Tall cocoa nut trees wave their graceful plumes; dark fir trees fill in the background. Little boys of mixed races were diving and swimming in the water as though it were their native element.”
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.
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.