Coral Reef Exploration Exhibit is a Result of Partnership between Two Not-for-Profit Organizations

ISLAMORADA, FL – A comprehensive exhibit showcasing the unique ecosystem of the Florida Keys has landed permanently at Keys History & Discovery Center, MM 82. The permanent exhibit, Coral Reef Exploration, features three aquariums, educational storyboards, interactive kiosks, video monitors and a game geared to children. The exhibit focuses on providing both a beautiful and educational view of our unique coral reef ecosystem and the challenges it faces.

The largest of the aquariums, at 1,250 gallons, showcases species making their home around the Florida Keys coral reefs, including angel fish, butterfly fish, tangs and wrasse. Guests to the Discovery Center can get up close and personal with invasive lionfish in a 280-gallon aquarium, and check out live coral, crustaceans and reef fish living in a second 280-gallon aquarium.

The result of an exciting partnership between Mote Marine Laboratory and Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, which operates the Discovery Center, these two not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizations worked to make this exhibit a reality.

Mote’s remote exhibit opens at the Florida Key’s History & Discovery Center on Friday, November 30, 2018. (Photo by Conor Goulding/Mote Marine Laboratory.)

“Much of the culture, economy and physical existence of the Florida Keys are intimately linked to coral reefs that are unfortunately facing threats of extinction. Mote is pleased to partner with the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation to present this new exhibit that will help share the history and importance of ensuring the long-term vitality of the Keys through innovative coral research and restoration that Mote is leading,” said Dr. Michael Crosby, President and CEO of Mote. “The Florida Keys coral reefs are a national and international treasure, and Mote looks forward to working closely with the Discovery Center as we expand our local community outreach and partnerships in the Keys.”

Located in the heart of Islamorada, the addition of the Coral Reef Exploration exhibit allows the Foundation to fulfill the mission of ‘discovery’ within the only bricks-and-mortar history & discovery center in the Upper Keys. Mote brings this engaging and educational exhibit to life.

“The creation of this extensive exhibit for our community is a gamechanger for the Keys History & Discovery Center,” said Foundation President Rich Russell. “Our goals within our mission ‘to support a world-class history and discovery center’ have reached new heights with this permanent addition.”

Mote President and CEO Dr. Michael Crosby chats with Islander Resort Owner David and Annette Curry. (Photo by Conor Goulding/Mote Marine Laboratory.)

This $250,000 project was funded in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and through in-kind contributions from Mote, including annual maintenance and upkeep. An additional $171,000 was raised through a capital campaign to cover the costs of the project.

For more information on becoming a part of this unique and comprehensive exhibit, contact Foundation Executive Director Jill Miranda Baker at 305-922-2237 or via info@keysdiscovery.com.

About Keys History & Discovery Center:
Keys History & Discovery Center is a world-class museum that preserves and shares the incredible history of our Upper Keys community and explores the unique ecology of the region. In addition to permanent exhibits on subjects such as Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railway, Legends of the Line, and First People, the Discovery Center offers a lecture series, educating the public through presentations from a variety of expert speakers. The museum’s second floor features a state-of-the-art theater showing documentaries on topics like the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane and Indian Key, as well as traveling exhibits, and the Jerry Wilkinson Research Library. The center, on the property of the Islander Resort, is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

About Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation:
Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation formed in 2013 to develop and operate Keys History & Discovery Center. The not-for-profit organization’s board of directors is comprised of community-minded volunteers with a passion for the mission of preserving and sharing the unique history and environment of the Florida Keys, particularly that of the Upper Keys. More information can be found at www.keysdiscovery.com or by calling 305-922-2237.

About Mote Marine Laboratory:
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium has been an independent, nonprofit 501(c)3 research organization since it was created in 1955. Mote has five campuses stretching from Sarasota Bay to the Florida Keys, and Mote scientists conduct research on the oceans surrounding all seven of the Earth’s continents in more than 20 diverse research programs. Mote’s Summerland Key campus, The Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration (IC2R3), is dedicated to coral reef research, restoration and understanding the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification on marine organisms — especially corals. For more information, visit www.mote.org.