Local Partners

Old Island Restoration Foundation

In the 1950s Key West’s citizens watched as several of their most valued architectural treasures were lost to neglect or new development. These events galvanized preservationists to organize the nonprofit Old Island Restoration Foundation in 1960 to promote the preservation and restoration of historically significant buildings.

Over the years, Old Island Restoration Foundation has raised and granted hundreds of thousands of dollars to maintain the Oldest House Museum and to award grants to restore historic buildings in Key West, including: 

  • The Custom House
  • The Key West Lighthouse
  • The Martello Forts
  • Old City Hall
  • Several churches
  • The Women’s Club
  • And more

All activities are funded by member contributions, the annual house tours, rental of the Oldest House’s beautiful garden for weddings and other events such as the annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest. The Old Island Restoration Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with an office in the Oldest House and Garden Museum at 322 Duval Street in Key West, Florida.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the Old Island Restoration Foundation.

Historic Florida Keys FoundationHistoric Florida Keys Foundation

The Florida legislature established the Historic Key West Preservation Board to reflect the expansion of its mission to all of Monroe County. The Historic Florida Keys Foundation incorporated as a direct-support organization to the Preservation Board by 1991. The Legislature abolished the State office six years later, and the Foundation took over its duties.

The Foundation manages Old City Hall, the Armory, the Harry S Truman Little White House and leases the Oldest House to the Old Island Restoration Foundation and provides preservation services for the Key West Cemetery. The foundation also manages the historic preservation program for Monroe County. Since 1981, the Foundation has presented awards to recognize excellence for preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, and new construction.

For more information, visit the Historic Florida Keys Foundation.

Key West Art and Historical SocietyKey West Art & Historical Society

For over 60 years, Key West Art and Historical Society has been committed to preservation of the island’s historic structures and collection of artifacts and art that reflect the history of the Florida Keys.

KWAHS has been at the forefront of historical preservation in Key West beginning with Fort East Martello in the 50’s, moving on to the Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters, and culminating with the opening of the Custom House in 1999. It’s mission is to preserve the culture of the Florida Keys through exhibiting and displaying regional art, architecture and history for the purpose of educating the community and visiting public. Concurrently, the Society has maintained and interpreted its extensive collection of objects for research and exhibition.

As one of the oldest non-profits in the Florida Keys, the Society also works with the local community to provide programs that support diverse groups of all ages. The Society is steadily involved in an array of programs such as ArtCamp!, the Road Scholar course established by Elderhostel, Community Day, and Hemingway Days. Looking toward the future, the Society remains dedicated to current programs while also striving to enhance community involvement.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the Key West Art and Historical Society.