Flagler’s Folly Society Raises $7,500 for ‘Communities’ Exhibit

Joanne Jones enjoys the evening with Palm Beach Princess Sponsor Laura Lynne Kennedy of Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company. (Credit to Michelle Bertelli)
Joanne Jones enjoys the evening with Palm Beach Princess Sponsor Laura Lynne Kennedy of Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company. (Credit to Michelle Bertelli)

The Flagler’s Folly Society, a member organization of the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, brought in $7,500 during the recent fundraiser, Lilly Pulitzer: How the Florida Keys Inspired an Icon, held at the Keys History & Discovery Center. The funds will go toward the creation of a new permanent exhibit called Communities, which will explore the early settlements of the Upper Keys, from Key Largo to Islamorada, as well as Flagler’s Railway, Overseas Highway and the 1935 Great Labor Day hurricane. The exhibit is expected to be in place this fall.

During the event, a pop-up shop provided by Lilly Pulitzer at Ocean Reef Club provided guests great shopping, and a brief history of the fashion icon was given by Cori Convertito, the curator at the Key West Arts & Historical Society. A silent auction also was part of the evening’s festivities at which nearly 100 people were in attendance.

Young ladies Saylor John and Nikola Verbiski enjoyed the shopping at the pop-up shop from Lilly Pulitzer at Ocean Reef Club. (Credit to Michelle Bertelli)
Young ladies Saylor John and Nikola Verbiski enjoyed the shopping at the pop-up shop from Lilly Pulitzer at Ocean Reef Club. (Credit to Michelle Bertelli)

The Flagler’s Folly Society, led by co-chairs Erin Muir, Emily Carter and Liz Huddleston, was formed one year ago to promote the mission of the Foundation to preserve and share the history of the Upper Keys. The membership is geared toward young professionals and those interested in a part philanthropic/part social member organization. Annual membership is $250 and includes unlimited admission to the Discovery Center, free lectures, preview events, and quarterly Hungry for History socials. Membership information is available at www.keysdiscovery.com.

Local artist Michelle Nicole Lowe enjoys the event with her mom Tammi Lowe (Credit to Michelle Bertelli)
Local artist Michelle Nicole Lowe enjoys the event with her mom Tammi Lowe (Credit to Michelle Bertelli)

The Discovery Center is in Islamorada, MM 82, located at the Islander Resort. The 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. Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization operating the Keys History & Discovery Center.

For more information, call 305-922-2237 or go to www.keysdiscovery.com.