Naval Headquarters at the foot of Duval Street taken during the Civil War.  The island during the conflict will be highlighted in the upcoming Happy Hour with the Historian “Key West during the Civil War” on October 20 to be held at Comedy Key West.  (Photo Credit: Florida Keys History Center)

“Key West during the Civil War” to be next KWAHS Happy Hour with the Historian Event

October 10, 2022 – (KEY WEST, FL).  Raise a toast to Key West history with Key West Art & Historical Society Curator and Historian Cori Convertito, Ph.D., on Thursday, October 20, from 5:00pm to 6:00pm during her popular “Happy Hour with the Historian” program at Comedy Key West, 218 Whitehead Street, Key West.  Enjoy a complimentary draft beer, glass of house wine or a soft drink while Convertito presents on the evening’s topic, “Key West during the Civil War” which will explore the island’s historical significance and contributions during the conflict.

Though fought in thousands of different places from Pennsylvania to Texas; from New Mexico to Florida, no blood was shed on or around Key West.  Despite its geographical distance from the principal battlegrounds, Key West was an indispensable outpost for Union forces while at the same time also hosting residents who largely sympathized with the Confederate struggle for independence.  Regardless of residents’ alliances, the island itself stood as a central force for blockade efforts along the Gulf of Mexico and it was the place where ships assembled to reprovision prior to naval operations.  Meanwhile, residents flourished as they were permitted to carry on trade with northern ports – contrary to many other merchants in the South.  This illuminating talk will discuss several facets of the war in Key West from both the military and domestic perspectives.

Happy Hour with the Historian is limited to 75 attendees; reserve your spot now at kwahs.org/upcoming-events – $12 for KWAHS members, $15 for non-members.  This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the State of Florida, with additional support provided by The Helmerich Trust and Comedy Key West.  For more information, contact Cori Convertito, Ph.D. at 305-295-6616 x112 or [email protected].  Your Museums.  Your Community.  It takes an Island.

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