Guests recently enjoying the fifth annual signature event of the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, this year titled ‘A Havana Night at the Museum,” which support the Keys History & Discovery Center, a museum located on the property of the Islander Resort, MM 82, Islamorada. (Credit to Mary Griffin Photography)

Fifth Annual ‘A Havana Night at the Museum’ Event Benefits Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation

Islamorada, FL – The Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation’s fifth annual signature event, ‘A Havana Night at the Museum’ was a great success! On Saturday, Nov. 13, nearly 200 guests started their evening with a ‘guavalito’ cocktail, crafted by the title sponsor, Islamorada Brewery & Distillery, as guests made their way to the outdoor Tropicana Club underwritten by Bob and Patty Lodge.

The fifth annual signature event is the result of a dedicated volunteer committee, a professional event planner and staff of the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation.

“As we planned this year’s event, we were cognizant of the varying comfort levels of gathering in crowds,” said Foundation’s Executive Director Jill Miranda Baker. “To that end we planned an all-outdoor event spread out in greater space. Fortunately, the weather cooperated and the event exceeded our expectations!”

Under the stars during a beautiful evening, the event took guests back to Havana in its heyday as “America’s Playground” of the 1940s and `50s. Venue sponsor Islander Resort provided themed hors d’oeuvres and an elegant dinner on the Tarpon Terrace, while classic tunes from the times played. Guests enjoyed casino games and dominoes, bidding went fast with guests vying for destination trips, sommelier-curated wine collections and more! Dessert included a selection of Cuban desserts then guests enjoyed cigar rolling demonstrations and a few puffs!

In addition to the online and live auctions, gaming and a 50/50 raffle, won by Foundation’s emeritus board member Mary Barley and donated back, the event raised nearly $90,000 to be used for the Keys History & Discovery Center’s operations overseen by the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation.

The sixth annual event is set for Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022.

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, First People, Indian Key circa 1840, Keys flats fishery, and Coral Reef Exploration, 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 the building of Flagler’s Railway, 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.

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