Indian Key Celebration

Indian Key Celebration April 30, 2022

Islamorada, FL – Don’t miss out on this year’s Indian Key Celebration April 30, 10am-4pm. The celebration and admission are free at the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center, 82100 Overseas Highway on the property of the Islander Resort, Islamorada, FL. 

Take a walk with us through time as we honor a long-held tradition which began in 1974 to bring Indian Key’s history to life. Indian Key was designated the Dade County seat in 1836 and the small island had more than 20 homes, a hotel, bowling alley, billiard hall, and general store. The island once boasted the largest population between Jacksonville and Key West. Naturalist John James Audubon sketched birds here and Dr. Henry Perrine, a botanist, attempted to demonstrate the area’s adaptability for growing plants that would be of economic benefit to the United States.

This family-friendly community event will feature entertainment for families and people of all ages. There will be food trucks, reenactors, educational tables, crafts, live animals, art vendors, live music by Mangrove Swamp Band, adult beverages for sale, and more. Check out some of the old Indian Key movies playing in the theater. Come dressed in period clothing as your favorite wrecker or southern belle if you’d like. 

Register in advance for Sea Base’s narrated water tours around Indian Key, click here, departing and returning to their location at 73800 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada.  

Make sure to check out the new exhibition on Indian Key, “Indian Key Memories: A Community Scrapbook.” You can still participate by bringing your personal photographs, stories, poems, and artwork inspired by Indian Key and share those special moments that help tell the story of Indian Key. You will be included in our “History Harvest” exhibit in our upstairs gallery, remaining on display after the Celebration. Staff and volunteers will scan paper items onsite and immediately return the owner’s original materials, along with a free digital copy. For more information email Megan Scallan: curator@keysdiscovery.com. 

It’s a fun-filled event for everyone. Only service animals will be allowed as there will be live animal demonstrations. Museum tours on-going throughout the day. 

SHARE YOUR PERSONAL STORIES!
We are requesting stories about your special moments and photographic images to help tell the story of Indian Key to be included as a special exhibit in our upstairs gallery that remain after the Celebration. For more information email: curator@keysdiscovery.com.

We could not do this event without the assistance of our sponsors, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, Holly Merrill Rashein, Bob Lodge, Phyllis Mitchell, the Islander Resort, First State Bank, and of course, our dedicated volunteer committee, and a community that cares. The event benefits the Friends of Islamorada State Parks and the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center.