Florida Keys or Bust! A History of Tourism

The Keys have harbored pirates, secluded writers, hidden drug dealers and allured visitors from around the world to come and partake of the island magic.  Our grand Customs House Museum features an exhibit on the History of Tourism in the Keys, a history that has kept the little chain of islands thriving through the worst of economic times.  The Florida Keys have historically been an alluring travel destination for travelers around the world. With the onset of the Great Depression in the 1930s, tourism in Key West was the lynchpin in warding off bankruptcy. The exhibit explores the history of tourism in the Florida Keys from the 1920s until the 1980s while focusing specifically on transportation, accommodation, travel brochures and postcards. Sponsored in part by Key West Business Guild, Westin Key West Resort & Marina and the Key West Art & Historical Society, this exhibit runs May through September. An opening reception is to be held Friday, May 16 from 5:30-7 p.m., at the Custom House Museum, 281 Front Street. A $10 donation to the Museum is suggested for non-members. Not only will the exhibit be filled with Keys history, but the Customs House Museum is a piece of historical art in itself. For more information on the exhibit visit: http://www.kwahs.org/ai1ec_event/florida-keys-or-bust-a-history-of-tourism/?instance_id=
or Contact: 305-295-6616.