Florida Keys historian and author Brad Bertelli will discuss Captain Ben Baker, known as the King of the Florida Wreckers, considered to be the man who introduced pineapple farming to the Florida Keys during Key West Art & Historical Society’s upcoming Historic Seaport Sail onboard the luxury yacht Argo Navis on November 12.  (Photo Credit: Contributed)

Sail into Historic Exploration with Key West Art & Historical Society, SV Argo Navis and Keys Historian Brad Bertelli

October 31, 2022 – (KEY WEST, FL).  On Saturday, November 12, launching at 9:00 a.m., noted Florida Keys historian and author Brad Bertelli will lead the next in a series of monthly historically informative two-hour seafaring excursions presented by Key West Art & Historical Society in partnership with S/V Argo Navis.

Passengers aboard the luxury catamaran Argo Navis will enjoy bloody marys, mimosas or non-alcoholic beverages and light breakfast fare while Bertelli shares the illuminating back-story and personal insights on the day’s topic, “Captain Benjamin Baker and Florida Keys Pineapple Farming.”  Bertelli, a Florida Keys resident since 2001, has been investigating various facets of Upper Keys history which he shares on his popular social media page and in-person lectures.  His knowledge of Ben Baker, known as the King of Florida Wreckers in the 19th century, is extensive and he will deftly examine Baker’s connection to Key West and his later ventures of introducing pineapple farming to the Florida Keys.

The next two upcoming tours on Argo Navis are “Lighthouses of the Florida Keys,” presented by Keys historian Cori Convertito, Ph.D. on December 15, and “Conch Cuisine & Culture,” presented by Key West Food Tours owner Analise Andrews on January 19, 2023.

Historic Seaport Sails are limited to 50 attendees; reserve your spot now at kwahs.org/upcoming-events – $75 for KWAHS members, $90 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 S/V Argo Navis.

For more information, contact Cori Convertito at 305-295-6616 x112 or [email protected].  Your Museums.  Your Community.  It takes an Island.

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