OLD ISLAND RESTORATION FOUNDATION

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Visit the Oldest House Today!

The Oldest House Museum and Garden is supported and operated by the nonprofit Old Island Restoration Foundation founded in 1960 providing for the preservation, celebration and promotion of Key West’s unique architecture, culture and history.

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OUR UPCOMING EVENTS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

You asked and we heard!  We know that a lot of residents and visitors alike plan reservations around their favorite events.

 

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION EVENTS

Happy Hour:   April 8, 2024, 4-6 pm

Brunch:  January 11, 2025, 10:30-Noon

 

HOME TOURS

Dec 27 & 28, 2024

Jan 24 & 25, 2025

Feb 14 & 15, 2025

March 14 & 15, 2025

 

CONCH BLOWING CONTEST

March 8, 2025

 

SPEAKER SERIES & MORE GREAT EVENTS TO COME!

Experience The Oldest House & Gardens, a historic icon in Key West.

Happy Birthday OIRF

The Old Island Restoration Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that was founded on May 23, 1960. Oldest House and Museum of Key WestThanks to the vision of women like Joan Thomson Knight, our founding President, the organization was successful in saving Key West's Historic District and ultimately influencing policies and laws codified in the Historic Architectural Review Committee. Old Island has been responsible for the maintenance of The Oldest House Museum since 1974.  The house dates to 1829, and is the foundation's current HeadQuarters.  It belongs to the State of Florida.  The house is a testament to resilience, having weathered fires, hurricanes, economic hardships. It serves as a living chronicle of Key West's rich history and the enduring spirit of its people from the earliest days to the present.

 

Elizabeth Bishop

Some of the most beloved writers in the last century have

Elizabeth Bishop

 blossomed in Key West’s unique culture and surroundings. Arlo will share insights about Poet Laureate & Pulitzer Winner Elizabeth Bishop, who was inspired by Key West to create some of her most  intriguing writing.

 

Comparing our tin roofs to the scales of tarpon roiling under water is just part of the intrigue. In the Tom Majors Garden at 322 Duval St.

Oldest House – Cussans Vernacular

Bahamian Style construction

The builder of the Oldest House was Richard Cussans, who immigrated to the Island of Key West in about 1826 from the Bahamas. He was in his mid-twenties when he built the house.

Mariner, Pilot, Sea Captain

Francis Watlington

Francis Watlington (1804-1887) Mariner, Pilot, Sea Captain. Born in St. Croix, V.I., he moved to Key West in the early 1830s with his young wife Emeline.

Cookhouses were very common in the 1700 and 1800s.

Cookhouse

Cookhouses were very common in the 1700 and 1800s.  Kitchens were separate from the main house for many reasons, but the most important issue was fire. 

born in New York City

Emeline Johnson Watlington

EMELINE JOHNSON WATLINGTON

Emeline Johnson Watlington, born in New York City, came to Key West as the sixteen year old bride of Francis.  She gave birth to nine daughters, sailing back to New York City and family for two births.