Aquariums
Three living aquariums bring the coral reef ecosystem up close — watch tropical fish, invertebrates, and the waters that surround our islands at work.
A living window into the environment our mission conserves.
Islamorada · Mile Marker 82
Conserve the Keys. Inspire every child. Engage our community.
Nine thousand years of island history in a 7,500-square-foot discovery center at Mile Marker 82 — where dynamic exhibits, innovative programs, and community events bring the Keys to life.
On view now
What you'll see
Fishing exhibits
Explore the legendary guides, captains, and waters that made Islamorada the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, and the traditions families still carry on today.
From first charter to world record — the story of fishing in the Upper Keys.
Historical exhibits
Trace nine thousand years of island history — the railroad that reached the Keys, the hurricanes that tested its people, the shipwrecks, and the pioneers who built a life here.
How these islands were made, and the people who made them home.
Theater
Settle in for Florida Keys stories on the big screen — films on shipwrecks, the Overseas Railway, and the natural wonders of the reef play throughout your visit.
A short film makes a great pause in your visit.
Research library
A treasure for curious minds of any age — historic photographs, maps, charts, and documents preserved here for researchers, students, and anyone who loves the Keys.
The records behind every story we tell.
Rotating gallery
Experience rotating exhibitions, including work by artists of the Upper Keys — a colorful stop for young discoverers and a gathering place for our creative community.
Art inspired by the islands we all call home.
Why we are here
Three pillars guide everything we do
The Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation mission is to conserve the history, culture, and ecosystems of the Keys by inspiring current and future generations to discover our islands through dynamic exhibits, innovative programs, and community events.
Conserve
The history and ecosystems of the Florida Keys, and the record of both.
Inspire
Every child in the Keys through hands-on discovery of these islands.
Engage
Our community by making the museum a gathering place for events, exhibits, and programming.
Our vision
A future in which the history, culture, and natural environment of the Florida Keys are protected, every child is inspired to discover the reefs, the railroad, and the stories of these islands, and all who live in or visit the Keys are engaged in keeping those stories alive.
Coming up
Events & programs
Our next programs are being scheduled.
Our newsletter · October 2026
Tides and Times
From Soil to Sea opens October 14, plus Tasting Night at the Islander, Celebrity Bartender Night, the fall lecture series, and our new NARM member perk.
Belong here
Become a member
Memberships begin at $75 and help conserve the Keys, inspire discovery, and keep our community engaged.
Explore membershipConserve · Inspire · Engage
Make a gift
Annual giving begins at $500 and sustains dynamic exhibits, innovative programs, community events, and the Keys Heritage Ledger.
The Keys Heritage Ledger
Every gift of $500 or more earns Heritage Shares — one share for every $500.
Heritage Shares are not another way to give — they sit above annual giving, sponsorship, and naming support, and count all of your giving together for a lifetime.
- Shares accumulate over time and never expire
- A framed certificate at every Mile Marker — 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 shares and beyond
- Your name on the Heritage Ledger Wall in our lobby, in the annual report, and here on the website
From our channels
Latest posts & videos
Follow along for exhibit news, historic photographs, program announcements, and videos from inside the Center.
2026 FKHDC Summer Kids Camp
Posted August 26, 2026
Watch on YouTube →
Cubans in the Keys: Dr. Heather Gonyeau
Posted February 12, 2026
Watch on YouTube →
Growing Up In The Keys, Part 1: Plantation Key and Tavernier
Posted January 12, 2023
Watch on YouTube →
Audience counts verified September 17, 2026. Video list verified September 20, 2026.
Professional community & access
Members of & affiliations
The Center is a member of the American Alliance of Museums and Florida Association of Museums, and participates in Museums for All. Membership does not imply accreditation. GuideStar recognition shown is from 2021. We also work alongside the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust in our conservation and education efforts. Islander Resort, the Mile Marker 82 property that is home to the Center, is a valued partner in our work.
Sponsored by
Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Council on Arts and Culture, Florida Humanities, Florida Keys Council of the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.