First of Many Permanent Exhibits, Legends of the Line, Unveiled
Keys History & Discovery Center Opens New Exhibit
Islamorada, FL – A special ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on June 19, opening day of two new exhibits, The Art of Millard Wells and Legends of the Line, at Keys History & Discovery Center. Islamorada Chamber of Commerce Board Members and Ambassadors were on hand to participate.
Legends of the Line is a historical perspective of the development of sportfishing in the Upper Keys, including high-profile fishermen like the prolific Zane Grey and baseball’s iconic Ted Williams. Legends of the Line explores, not only the characters that helped develop fishing practices used today, but also the development of a brand new industry – tourism.
The Art of Millard Wells features more than 60 original watercolors, culled from 35 private collectors covering an array of subject matter, including landscapes, landmarks, fishing and boating. Most of the paintings feature scenes in the Florida Keys but several reflect Wells’ travels, including Michigan, Delaware and Europe. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Wells’ daughters Wendy Sage and Joel Green made a surprise visit.
The exhibit runs Thursday, June 19 through Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014, at the Discovery Center in Islamorada, MM 82, located at the Islander Resort. The exhibit is open Thursdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $12. Admission for seniors is $10 and children 13-under are free. The exhibit is sponsored by the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, a not-for-profit organization formed to develop and operate the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center. For more information, call 305-922-2237 or visit our website at www.keysdiscovery.com.
Foundation Executive Director Jill Miranda Baker and Islamorada Chamber Board Member Joel Young ceremoniously cut the ribbon as Wendy (Wells) Sage helps with the scissors. Others in the photo include Mark Kohl, Ed Kinkelaar, Foundation Board Member Phyllis Mitchell, Marcia DeClue, Foundation Board President Rich Russell, Vicki Walker, Joel (Wells) Green, Jennifer Miller and Kris Gustinger.
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The Board of Directors is currently focused on developing and creating themes that will inspire exhibits and other activities at the Discovery Center. Current themes being studied and under consideration:
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Main Themes
- Hurricane 1935
- Flagler Railroad
- Indian Key
Sub-themes
- Land Conservation
- Climate change
- Hurricanes
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Geography
- Geological formation
- Florida Bay
- Everglades National Park
- Other National Parks
People & Culture
- Indian Key
- Founding Families
- Landmarks
- Lighthouses
- Historical Events
- Famous People
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Marine Resources
- Diving
- Fishing
- Shipwrecks
- Coral Reefs
- Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
- Ocean & Bay Conservation
Industry
- Railroad
- Fishing
- Trade – both legal and illicit
- Wrecking
- Agriculture
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