The Florida Keys History and Discovery Center is hosting the return of the Indian Key Celebration on Saturday, April 30 on the grounds of the Islander Resort in Islamorada. The event is free and the museum will be open to the public with both indoor and outdoor activities.
In 1971, the state of Florida purchased Indian Key and designated it a state historic site. The venue has changed this year as Indian Key’s dock needs repair, and proceeds will be shared between the Keys History & Discovery Foundation and the Friends of Islamorada Area State Parks.
This free event honors a tradition that began in 1974 through the dedication and efforts of Irving R. Ester, former Dade County archaeologist and founder of the Upper Keys Historical Society, and president of the Matecumbe Historical Trust until his passing. The Discovery Center is partnering with the Friends of Islamorada Area State Parks to bring Indian Key’s history to life.
Indian Key was designated the Dade County seat in 1836 and the small island had more than 20 homes, a hotel, bowling alley, billiard hall and general store. The island once boasted the largest population between Jacksonville and Key West. Naturalist John James Audubon sketched birds here and Dr. Henry Perrine, a botanist, attempted to demonstrate the area’s adaptability for growing plants that would be of economic benefit to the United States.
This year’s Indian Key Celebration will showcase the 18th-century story of the sinking of the treasure laden Spanish galleon San Pedro in 1733; explore the fascinating story of Jacob Housman’s settlement of the 1830’s; and include the 20th-century depiction of life at a fishing camp, with highlights touching on hurricanes that affected the area and the building of the famed Overseas Railroad.
Activities will be held on the Islander property focusing on entertainment for families and people of all ages. There will be educational presentations in the conference center, food trucks, reenactors, nonprofit education, and arts and crafts booths, live music and adult beverages for sale. It’s a fun-filled event for everyone. Only service animals will be allowed as there will be live animals on display.
The Discovery Center says it could not do this event without the assistance of its sponsors, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, Holly Merrill Rashein, Bob Lodge, Phyllis Mitchell, the Islander Resort and a dedicated volunteer committee.
For more information, to volunteer, or be involved in presentations or reenactments, call Megan Scallan at 305-922-2237, curator@keysdiscovery.com.
