Get spooky with Robert the Doll

Get spooky with Robert the Doll - A group of stuffed animals sitting next to a person - Robert

Key West artifact travels to Upper Keys museum

In collaboration with the Key West Art and Historical Society, the one and only Robert the Doll will be coming to the Keys History & Discovery Center for a night of ghost stories with Key West author and ghost hunter, David Sloan. The event is on Thursday, Oct. 27; doors open at 5 p.m. and the presentation starts at 6 p.m.

Sloan is the foremost authority on the history of the doll and has written the book, “Robert the Doll.”  Reportedly the most haunted artifact in the Florida Keys, it is the only one in the island chain with its own Facebook page!

The doll was originally given to Robert Eugene Otto on his fourth birthday, October 25, 1904. The birthday boy promptly declared that he would now go by the name Gene and the doll would be named Robert. According to all accounts, Robert and Gene were inseparable. What soon became apparent in the Otto house was that something out of the ordinary was occurring. When Gene was playing with Robert in his room, Gene could be heard having conversations that were accompanied by giggling.

To hear more about the fascinating life of Robert the Doll, come hear David Sloan as he reveals the haunted history of this fascinating doll. After the program, David will be available for a book signing.

Cost for non-Discovery Center members is $25 and includes admission to the movie and museum as well as light appetizers. A cash bar will be available. Reservations are recommended and can be made at 305-922-2237 or info@keysdiscovery.com. The Discovery Center is in Islamorada, MM 82.

CAROL TEDESCO/Contributed

Ghost Hunter David Sloan brings Robert the Doll for some scary stories on Thursday, Oct. 27.