Key West’s founders battled Indians, pirates, and deadly diseases, before establishing a permanent settlement here in1822. Today, Parrotheads, Hemingway aficionados, and sun worshipers view this bizarre and remarkable island as a tropical paradise where scores of writers have set tales of mystery and romance.
But while tourism remains the island’s mainstay, it’s just a tiny portion of Key West’s story. The true breadth, depth and diversity of this island is so much more — a remarkably captivating history that deserves to be celebrated. So to commemorate its 200 years of history, food, culture, art, and more, Key Westers are throwing a year-long bicentennial bash that kicks off this Spring. There are lots of events activities, exhibits, and historical lectures in store with more special happenings throughout the year.
Now through December 11, the Custom House Museum is staging “Key West 200” which explores Key West’s people, culture and community. The exhibit begins with settlers and government officials arriving on the remote island in 1822 and traces its historical milestones including the Civil War, Great Depression and World War II. You can see this fascinating exhibit daily from 9:30am – 4:30pm at the Custom House Museum, 281 Front Street. Info: 305-295-6616; kwahs.org.
On Tuesday, March 22, the Key West Art & Historical Society and filmmaker Michael J. Kirk host the premier of the first ever documentary on the history of Key West. Titled “Key West: 200 Years of History & Culture,” the film forms an important component of the island-wide bicentennial celebration. Showtime is 7 – 9pm at the Casa Marina, 1500 Reynolds Street.
The Key West Art & Historical Society is also teaming up with Great Events for its annual picnic-style heritage dinner. Prepared by acclaimed chefs Martha Hubbard and Dave Furman, the Conch Revival Picnic celebrates our local Bahamian and Cuban communities with historic dishes that pay homage to Key West’s culinary history. This year’s picnic takes place on Wednesday, March 23 from 6 to 9pm on the grounds of the Key West Lighthouse, 938 Whitehead Street. For tickets, go to kwahs.org or call 305-295-6616 x106.
Mallory Square takes center stage on Friday, March 25 at 4pm when the City stages a live reenactment of when Navy Lt. Commodore Mathew Perry claimed Key West as US territory in 1822. Local dignitaries, personalities and Navy officials will be on hand and a “200th Celebration Time Capsule” with locally curated items will be dedicated for an unveiling at Key West’s 250th celebration in 2072.
Later that evening, the Oldest House Museum and Garden is hosting a Key West Bicentennial Celebratory Gala from 6 – 9pm at 322 Duval St. The event showcases period costumes and includes local food and attendance by local and Bahamian officials.
The celebration continues on Saturday, March 26 with the Key West 200th Heritage Festival where you can enjoy bicentennial exhibits, stage performances, historical reenactments, vendors, conch cuisine and much more. Festivities kick off at 10am with an opening ceremony and live entertainment throughout the day.
The evening caps off with a 15-minute silent drone fireworks show set to music. This pet-friendly, silent and completely eco-friendly presentation is the first of its kind in Key West and will feature custom created configurations representing some of the most iconic symbols in our Conch community.
The festival takes place from 10am — 9pm at Truman Waterfront Park. FYI: Admission is free but parking is limited to one handicapped lot and one moped lot. You should plan on taking the free Duval Loop, bike or ride share to the Truman Waterfront. For more info on these and other upcoming events, hit up keywest200th.com.
