Islamorada, FL – Though once the second largest community in the Florida Keys outside of Key West, walking past the few ruins left on Indian Key paints a poor picture of what was once a thriving village. Now, visitors to the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center in Islamorada can see a permanent model of the island showing how it might have looked circa 1840.

Indian Key model - Florida Keys History and discovery center
photo credit: Hibiscus Marketing

“This exhibit provides our community and visitors a better appreciation for the complexity of life on Indian Key,” said Discovery Center Curator Brad Bertelli, who spent months working with a designer, model maker and other trade professionals. “In addition to the model, artifacts discovered on the island as well as first-hand descriptions and summarized accounts of life on Indian Key, both prior to the Seminole attack of 1840 and after, are presented.” The artifacts are on loan from the Florida Division of Historical Resources.

“If not for the generosity of Ken and Dee Meeks, long-time Islamorada residents, this model would not be part of today’s reality,” said Executive Director Jill Miranda Baker. “We are tremendously grateful to Ken and Dee for understanding the importance of preserving and sharing this island’s unique history, and providing the financial support to bring this exhibit to fruition.”

The Meek’s were honored at an unveiling event on May 18, prior to opening to the general public. Supporters and friends of the Discovery Center were on hand to celebrate, including Islamorada Chamber Board members and ambassadors.

Indian Key model - Florida Keys History and discovery center
photo credit: Hibiscus Marketing

The Discovery Center is a museum, theater and gift shop, offering lessons in Keys history from the First People/Indians, Spanish Treasure Fleets, Pirates and Wreckers, history of fishing in the Keys, as well as stories of Flagler’s Railway and the Great Labor Day Hurricane of 1935. A monthly lecture series, Keys History & Discovery Center Presents, is typically on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

The Discovery Center 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. Annual memberships with a range of benefits are available. For more information, call 305-922-2237 or visit our website at www.keysdiscovery.com.

Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization, operates the Keys History & Discovery Center in Islamorada, MM 82, on the property of the Islander Resort.