Photograph taken during the late 1930s showing the 600 block of Duval Street, looking north.  This image and many others will form part of the Custom House Museum’s upcoming exhibit, “The History of Duval Street: The Longest Street in the World.”  (Photo Credit: Key West Art & Historical Society)

Key West’s legendary Duval Street is celebrated in a new exhibition at the Custom House Museum

The Key West Art & Historical Society is pleased to announce the opening of “The History of Duval Street: The Longest Street in the World,” an exhibition honoring the island’s main thoroughfare staged in the Bryan Gallery at the Custom House Museum, 281 Front Street.  Curated by Cori Convertito, the exhibition features images, objects and artwork dating from the 19th century to the present day representing several of the people, buildings and events connected to Duval Street.

Duval is the most recognized street in the Florida Keys and is whimsically nicknamed “The Longest Street in the World” since it runs from Gulf of Mexico all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.  Home to architectural gems such as St. Paul’s Church, The Strand Theater, the San Carlos Institute and the Southernmost House, it has also hosted iconic bars and restaurants including Sloppy Joe’s, the Bull & Whistle, The Chart Room, Shorty’s, Delmonico’s and many more.

“The pulse of the island, both historically and presently, beats from this particular street.  When the military established themselves in Key West, they did so on the northern end, near the deep water port,” says Convertito.  “From there, Duval grew in length and importance to wreckers, spongers, cigar manufacturers, tourists and residents.”

A few of the remarkable objects that will be on display include a 100-foot section of the “Sea to Sea” Rainbow Flag that was spread 1.25 miles from the Gulf to the Atlantic in 2003 and a silk menu from a luncheon held at the Russell Hotel in honor of Ulysses S. Grant’s visit to the island in 1880.  Intaglios illustrating several Duval Street buildings created by Cuban-American artist Mario Sanchez will also be presented to visitors.

“So much of our island’s heritage is connected to that one-and-a-quarter mile thoroughfare,” adds Convertito.  “By mounting this exhibition, the Society hopes to enlighten visitors on the historical importance of Duval Street that extends well beyond its bars and restaurants; we must honor the people, the buildings and events that shaped our story.”

“Duval Street: The Longest Street in the World” launches with an exhibit opening on March 19, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. that is open to the public.  Social distancing and masks will be required in order to adhere to local and CDC guidelines.  The exhibition runs until August 2021 and is sponsored by the Helmerich Trust and the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs.  For more information call Cori Convertito, Ph.D., at 305-295-6616 x112, email her at [email protected], or visit kwahs.org/exhibitions.  Your Museums.  Your Community.  It Takes an Island.

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