The Key West Museum of Art & History is asking residents of Key West and Monroe County to dig into their pantries, storage nooks and attics — and share the tools, traditions and family heirlooms that tell the story of how food has shaped island life over the decades.
As part of a new collaboration with Florida Humanities and the Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), the museum is preparing an exhibit titled “Food: Celebrating Conch Cuisine,” set to open in late February 2026.
This exhibit is one of the first in a new national initiative, the “Exhibition Starter Kit: Food” program, which empowers local museums to explore regional culinary histories through community participation and storytelling and thanks to a grant from Florida Humanities, and with guidance and resources from the Smithsonian.
Museum curator and historian Cori Convertito is asking residents to lend objects that reflect the unique food culture of the Keys. These items can include vintage kitchen tools, antique cookware, old fishing equipment, family recipe cards, menus from long-gone restaurants, even furniture that once held a place in historic kitchens.
“This is an incredible opportunity to bring the Smithsonian experience to Monroe County while spotlighting the real stories and heritage of our community,” said Convertito. “We’re looking for those tangible pieces of the past — perhaps a hand-cranked milk separator, a weathered Key lime pie tin, bottles from Adams Dairy, or a well-used ice chest — that can help us illustrate the culinary history that has shaped our Conch identity.”
Convertito added that objects such as antique dining furniture, aged silverware sets or long-retired cooking utensils could also provide a compelling window into the everyday lives of past generations.
How to contribute
Residents who own historically significant or meaningful food-related items may share their stories for possible inclusion in the exhibition based on the museum’s curatorial needs.
Contributors should email cconvertito@kwahs.org with the following:
Clear photographs of the item(s), a brief description of the object(s) and information about who in the family used the item(s) and during what time period.
“This is your chance to be part of an important story — to help us preserve and share the flavors, traditions and voices that define life in the Keys,” Convertito said.
More information is at kwahs.org/exhibit/food/.
