Two New Permanent Exhibits Complete at Keys History & Discovery Center

16th Century Bronze Cannon and 18th Century Anchor are Featured

Islamorada, FL – Go back centuries in time to learn more about key artifacts recovered from wrecks off the Florida Keys. Two new permanent exhibits showcasing a 16th century bronze cannon and a 18th century anchor have been added to the Keys History & Discovery Center’s collections. The Discovery Center is on the property of the Islander Resort, MM 82.1, and open Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The 16th century bronze cannon was salvaged from a wreck thought to have been part of the 1563 treasure fleet lost to a hurricane near the American Shoal Lighthouse in the Lower Keys. The period correct carriage was handcrafted by Campbell Cannon and Carriage works based on 16th century Spanish designs. The cannon, donated by the Rapperport Family, is on long-term loan from HistoryMiami Museum

The 18th century anchor is nine-feet-tall and six-feet-wide at the spades. It was salvaged by Art McKee, the father of modern treasure diving, in the 1940s from the wreck of the El Infante. The Infante was part of the 1733 New Spain fleet that succumbed to a hurricane. The ship wrecked off the southern tip of Key Largo. The anchor is on long-term loan from the Mel Fisher Museum in Key West. More artifacts from the Infante and other ships of the 1733 New Spain Fleet are part of the permanent exhibits.

“It is so gratifying to bring these unique artifacts to the Upper Keys for locals and visitors to view,” said Discovery Center’s Curator and Historian Brad Bertelli. “To receive these loans from the likes of HistoryMiami and Mel Fisher Museum allows us to further our mission to preserve and share the vast history of the Florida Keys.”

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, 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 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.

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