Coral Reef Exploration Exhibit Closer to Reality at Keys History & Discovery Center

 

Islamorada, FL – Through a partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory and Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, and an ongoing capital campaign, the permanent exhibit named Coral Reef Exploration, is closer to reality and expected to be installed in the fall at Keys History & Discovery Center in Islamorada on the property of the Islander Resort.

The comprehensive exhibit will feature three aquariums, educational storyboards, interactive kiosks and video monitors focused on providing both a beautiful and educational view of our unique coral reef ecosystem and the challenges it faces.

The largest of the aquariums, named in memory of Harold & Bettie Bartlett who loved the waters of the Florida Keys, is 1,250 gallons. It will showcase species that make their home on and around the Florida Keys coral reefs, including corals, fish and invertebrates. A 280-gallon aquarium featuring live coral is named for the Charles G. Wright Endowment for Humanity. A second 280-gallon aquarium housing invasive lionfish is named in honor of Juanita Russell Knudsen.

In addition to the donations noted above, this $250,000 project is funded in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and through in-kind contributions from Mote, including annual maintenance and upkeep once installed. To reach our goal, an additional $43,400 is needed. Giving levels, to be recognized within the exhibit area, include:

$20,000-$24,999 = Shark

$15,000-$19,999 = Grouper

$10,000-$14,999 = Grunts

$5,000-$9,999 = Wrasse

$1,000-$4,999 = Damsel

“Additional donations toward the Coral Reef Exploration exhibit, will help the Foundation reach the goal of educating and entertaining locals and visitors for generations to come,” said Foundation President Rich Russell. “This exhibit allows us to enhance the ‘discovery’ component of our mission.”

For more information about the campaign, contact Foundation Executive Director Jill Miranda Baker at 305-922-2237 or via [email protected].

About Keys History & Discovery Center:

Keys History & Discovery Center is a world-class museum that preserves and shares the incredible history of our Upper Keys community and explores the unique ecology of the region. In addition to permanent exhibits on subjects such as Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railway, Legends of the Line, and First People, the Discovery Center offers a lecture series, educating the public through presentations from a variety of expert speakers. The museum’s second floor features a state-of-the-art theater showing documentaries on topics like the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane and Indian Key, as well as traveling exhibits, and the Jerry Wilkinson Research Library. The center, on the property of the Islander Resort, is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

 

About Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation:

Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation formed in 2013 to develop and operate Keys History & Discovery Center. The not-for-profit organization’s board of directors is comprised of community-minded volunteers with a passion for the mission of preserving and sharing the unique history and environment of the Florida Keys, particularly that of the Upper Keys. More information can be found at www.keysdiscovery.com or by calling 305-922-2237.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]