Go back in time to the 19th century, when excavating shipwrecks off Key West was a thriving industry. Museums, Sights & Landmarks, More. Drove past haunted homes way too fast.. couldn't take pics. A main focus is the Isaac Allerton, a 594-ton square-rigged packet ship that departed New York on Aug. 5, 1856, carrying marble floors and other furnishings for the U.S. Customs House in New Orleans. Others saw wreckers and auctioneers and wharf owners as pirates or unscrupulous profiteers. #36 of 155 things to do in Key West. Tour guide was nice and lively. There was no one in the museum to ask questions to about items also. Would you like to work in ahistoric and fun environment? Directions: The museum is located next to the Tour Bus Stop in Mallory Square. Lighthouses were built. Nominal entrance fee includes a guided tour that not only informs you of its rich history, but the guides will answer all your questions with accuracy! Key West Shipwreck Museum. History buffs will be in their glory! Lookout towers were built and used to spot wrecks. Not until 1985 was the Isaac Allerton rediscovered and fully salvaged. Today, you can relive the era of the wreckers at our historical Museum in Key West. I enjoyed looking at the treasures and learning their history. Jennifer G, Guest Relations Manager at Ghosts & Gravestones of Key West, responded to this review. 108 Sea Grove Main Street, You cannot miss this museum - a wooden structure with a lookout tower just in front of the Mallory sq. [1], After 350 years, a team of marine archaeologists has found the treasure that was aboard the Spanish galleon Nuestra Seora de las Maravillas in 1656. There is a night tour on the ghost tour bus ride if you so choose. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) is thrilled to announce the discovery of the 144-foot Barquentine Nucleus. The Key West Museum combines actors, films, and the actual artifacts from the 1985 rediscovery of the . Join master wrecker Asa Tift and his wrecking crew as he tells you the story of how this unusual industry provided for the livelihoods of the early pioneers of Key West. Does this place have a lot of artifacts and treasures to see or are those mostly at the other place? Fisher died in 1998 at age 76, but the salvage operation he started continues. KEY WEST, Fla. -- Hundreds strong, they gathered at the dock, eagerly anticipating the arrival of another salvage boat. Enjoy a self-guided tour. And Key West became dependent on tourism, not shipwrecks. Press J to jump to the feed. Built in 1890 as a base home for the Naval Commander, the residence served many purposes until it became President Trumans winter home. . Thank you for respecting our No Drone Zone policy. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Jan 22 - Jan 23. Today one of the popular Key West attractions is the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Once a week, on average, during the heydey of America's merchant-marine traffic in the mid-19th century, the ritual was repeated: A vessel colliding with a jagged coral reef, all but invisible even on a sunny day, or swept off course by a wicked windstorm. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Youll enter into another time period as you walk through a restored railroad car; see photographs and memorabilia and watch moving video footage of the first train arriving in Key West in January of 1912. FATAL TREASURE: GREED AND DEATH, EMERALDS AND GOLD. They would also patrol the reef in their own small vessels. Visit the 65-foot lookout tower that offers a spectacular view of the island. About the Observation Tower Todays the day was his mantra and incredibly, Mel Fishers lifelong pursuit and dreams all came true before he died. Kirby. Built in 1891, the Custom House had many uses including a post office, court house and government center. Museum is open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm 365 days a year. The attraction is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday. Take all the pictures and videos you want, but be sure to leave your drone at home or in your vehicle! The Wreckers Museum occupies what is believed to be the oldest house in Key West at 322 Duval St., about three blocks from Mallory Square. The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is the only frost-free botanical garden in the continental United States. Key West Aquarium and Shipwreck Museum Package. What hotels are near Key West Shipwreck Museum? Shotguns. I dont recall. We will be sure to share your comments with our entire team! Explore the wreckage of Spanish galleons and the remnants of cargo ships. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. What do you think??? I would recommend this Museum. A popular spot for weddings, lush, tropical plant life, quaint brick pathways and glorious arched courtyards make a visit here unforgettable. Built in 1847 to a height of 46 feet, the lighthouse was extended to 92 feet near the end of the 19th century. Barge 129 was found in Lake Superior, 35 miles off Vermilion Point in 650 feet of water. The tower is fun to climb up and it offers great views of Key West and the surrounding turquoise waters. Not worth the 90 minutes or the $36. Discover the rich history of Key Wests shipwrecking past at the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum. I was sorry to read that your tour with us did not meet your expectations. Learn about how the butterflies are bred in captivity and many other interesting facts about these graceful creatures. Guided tours of the fort are available daily. Things to Do Nearby Travel Planner Click here to make a donation, and also visit the read more link to see what well be up to in 2023. Historic Tours of America The Wreckers Museum occupies what is believed to be the oldest house in Key West at 322 Duval St., about three blocks from Mallory Square. The moderators of /r/Ghosts reserve the right to moderate posts and comments at their discretion, with regard to their perception of the suitability of said posts and comments for this subreddit. For a bit of history and a look at how Key West got to where it is today, stop in at the Key West Museum of Art and History inside the Custom House. . Read More lift a genuine silver bar from 1656 facebook twitter flickr Purchase tickets online in advance and receive 10% off! But most of the treasures would be readied for auction or awarded by "wrecking courts" to those who controlled the salvage operation, a distinction usually earned by being first at the scene. The information ties into the Hemmingway tour as well. Among personal belongings are dress ornaments, rings, and chains typical of Spanish noblemen and noblewomen of that era. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Many a Key West salvaging family became wealthy as a result. Price $19.99. The museum is open every day May 1 to October 31, from 10 am to 6 pm. Yes you can even see the ship from the lookout area in the museum. The Key West Museum of Art and History, in the U.S. See Key West, as a bustling, boisterous sea town on the frontier of a young America. Key West Lighthouse Museum If you're up for a climb, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Key West and the ocean. About this ticket Free cancellation Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund Reserve now & pay later She played a character from the past and had a fascinating perspective of the lives of the men and women from the 19th century. In 1921, the wrecking courts were closed, ending an era that had made Key West one of the richest cities in America. What's the best way to see Key West Shipwreck Museum? Here, you can learn all about shipwrecks and salvaging, the industry that made Key West wealthy and famous in the 1800s. Key West Shipwreck is part of the Historic Toursof America quarterly eNewsletter. And guests are invited to journey back to the mid-19th century in the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum, which travel experts and visitors rate as a top attraction in Key West. And kind of a cool doll. Please accept my sincere apologies We do have a 100% Satisfaction guarantee that you will find on the customer service page of our website. There are two floors with treasures from the sea. Over time, its existence helped serve as a death knell for a lucrative industry. You know it's not that it was a bad tour. Is it walking distance? 1319 Duval Street, Key West, FL, 33040. Learn about an important part of Florida's history at the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) recently discovered three 1800s-era shipwrecks in the vicinity of Grand Marais, Michigan (Lake Superior). Museum patrons learn about the perils of maritime transport on the Great Lakes at the Whitefish Point Light . An appropriate last stop is the Key West Lighthouse and Keepers Quarter Museum at Whitehead and Truman streets, where exhibits focus on maritime history and the lives of the men and women who worked as keepers until the lighthouse was deactivated in 1969. By the next morning, more than 500 people and cargo worth millions of dollars had sunk. was silenced. The Shipwreck Society is hiring full-time and part-time seasonal positions for 2023, with most positions starting in late April/early May, and ending on October 31. document.write(dictionary['title']);An error occurred. Didnt go to Mel fishers but this was a very interesting museum, We parked in a lot nearby. I love 'haunted' tours because they are really history stories of the darker sort. Between sips of tropical cocktails and doses of Hemingway, however, visitors can re-create the era of the wreckers, embrace the legend and gain a new appreciation for the Key West of yesteryear. Stories of their salvage operations are fascinating. The first man to reach the wreck became the wrecking master who controlled the salvage operation and got a larger share of the prize. If you go: 9:40 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; 1 Whitehead Street . According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Key West Shipwreck Museum: Restaurants near Key West Shipwreck Museum: 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Key West. As many as one ship every 4-6 weeks would founder. On average, at least one ship per week would wreck somewhere along the Florida Reef. My favorite part was the observation tower. Good family fun. Among its collection are Key West artifacts, historical records and military memorabilia. Last entrance at 4:30 pm. We are looking for motivated individuals for the following positions: The Shipwreck Society is pleased to announce that the 2022 Annual Appeal has begun! Even as the Florida Straits remained one of the busiest of shipping lanes, navigational equipment and maps improved. The Key West Museum combines actors, films, and the actual artifacts from the 1985 rediscovery of the wrecked vessel Isaac Allerton, which sank in 1856 on the treacherous Florida Keys reef. We use cookies to give you the best experience. During the golden age of sail, over 100 ships per day passed by Key West. 200 Greene Street | Key West, FL 33040. Seating aboard vehicles operated in interstate or foreign commerce is without regard to race, color, creed, or national origin in accordance with Title 49 CFR 374.103. Now a nonprofit museum owned by the Historic Florida Keys Preservation Board, the dwelling features a ship's hatch (in the roof above the master bedroom) and exhibits that include ship models, undersea artifacts, maritime documents and a cartoon depicting an early wreckers court. Thank you for your feed back. Dont necessarily want to be the asshole skeptic here, but looks like pareidolia to me. Key West Shipwreck Museum: Our most recommended tours and activities. Afterwards you can climb up the wooden watchtower which is kinda scary with the wind and that fact it's all wood. On-street parking at Mallory Square is limited. The Museum had a film that was interesting and the artifacts were great to look at and learn about. Other museum exhibits include artifacts from the Henrietta Marie, which sank in 1700 and is the only slave ship to be excavated in the New World. The East Martello Fort, complete with an eight-foot thick granite wall, was built during the Civil War Era to withstand any bombardment but was never completed and never saw any hostile action. From the colorful cast of transplanted Conchs, like Harry Truman, James Audubon and Ernest Hemingway, to the resident legends, artists, poets, and musicians that make Key West so alluring, Old Town Trolley Tours gives every visitor a look at the people and places that the city is so famous for. A two story museum dedicated to Key West maritime pass, and the salvaging or the shipwrecks, which made Key West famous and rich. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. ONE REALE PENDANT IN DOUBLE DOLPHIN SETTING Out of stock. SPIRITS OF THE PASSAGE. Discover a vital part of Florida's history with admission to the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. You basically have to read through tiny paragraphs on pieces of paper next to each item to gain any knowledge. Prefer Mel Fisher but thats not really apples to apples. Sunday, Jan. 1st: Open at 10am, last entry at 2:30pm. Rear gardens showcase indigenous plants and fruit trees, especially lime and banana. Guided by a young lady in period dress we "traveled" through a wrecked ship, learning about the treasures off the Florida coast, how treasure laiden ships came and went from the port and how many were salvaged by people who became known as "wreckers". We were sorry to her you did not find our museum interesting. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) is proud to announce the discovery of the 292-foot Whaleback vessel, Barge 129. Only about half the cargo was recovered before efforts were abandoned. You'll learn from interactive displays, watch informative video . Some of the stories were interesting. They'll also learn that the search continues for treasures of the deep. Our online gift shop has unique gifts and not found anywhere else items that were sure you or that special someone in your life would treasure. This website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. Senior tickets: $13.00 Sign up to receive the scariest of offers and stay current on sales and events. Save for the rare hurricane, the seas are tranquil now. It also was home to a master wrecker and captain, John J. Geiger, in the 19th century. The finest furniture and linens. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Salvaging these wrecks became big business and Key West was a shipwreckers haven. On Aug. 28, the Isaac Allerton encountered hurricane-force winds off the Florida Keys. Choose from our great selection of Holiday items, Souvenirs or send a gift certificate for that special person on your gift list! On Sept. 4, 1622, a fleet of 28 ships left Havana to return to Spain with silver from Mexico and Peru, gold from Colombia, pearls from Venezuela and a vast assortment of other merchandise collected in the New World, along with well-to-do passengers and crews. Yeah, I agree - the face is really strangely proportioned, like a potato with a long chin and Squidward's nose, and I can't even see the top half of it. Price $35.00. 1. The museums immersive experience includes films and historic artifacts, including the wreckage of the Isaac Allerton, which sank off the coast in 1895. Shipwreck tragedies brought riches to Key West, Copyright 2002 Houston Chronicle Travel Editor, Watch: Astros SP Luis Garcia debuts new windup after rule changes, Houston facing severe thunderstorms, possible tornadoes Thursday, Oops! Learn how and when to remove this template message, "After 350 years, sea gives up lost jewels of Spanish shipwreck", Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Key West Heritage House Museum and Robert Frost Cottage, Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, Thompson Fish House, Turtle Cannery and Kraals, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Key West Station, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Key_West_Shipwreck_Museum&oldid=1116727578, Articles lacking reliable references from April 2012, Infobox mapframe without OSM relation ID on Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 18 October 2022, at 01:18. Gold and silver. I see it. What a great museum. Hell tell the stories of the many wrecks and recoveries of Tifts time. The MSU Museum, home of the Great Lakes Quilt Center, has more than 500 well documented historical and ethnographic quilts universally rich in diversity and expression. At the museum, a 17-minute film reflects on the expense and hardships Fisher and his colleagues endured. Thank you so much for sharing your vacation with us. This is a very interresting tour to understand the dark side of Key West. Sure, others might see something entirely different, but that's just one more reason to conclude that it's likely to be a case of pareidolia. In many eyes, wreckers were heroes -- and, indeed, they often saved humans, not just cargo. document.write(dictionary['message']);In the meantime, a customer service agent is available to take your call. Includes ride on a trolley bus, so mostly you do drive bye of where the stories took place. 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