The Key West Art & Historical Society

The Key West Art & Historical Society

Committed to preservation, the Key West Art & Historical Society collects, safeguards and interprets all facets of Florida Keys culture through compelling curatorial and educational initiatives and partnerships. With its four culturally distinct museums – Key West Museum of Art & History, the Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters, Fort East Martello and the Tennessee Williams Museum – the Society is dedicated to community engagement through its diverse educational programs, exhibitions and online resources.

As the stewards of Four Museums, the Key West Art & Historical Society educates the local community and visiting public by preserving, interpreting and exhibiting the art, architecture and history of the Florida Keys


For over 65 years, Key West Art & 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 1950s, moving on to the Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters in the 1980s, and culminating with the opening of the Custom House in 1999.

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.