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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UPCOMING EVENT - New Events Coming Soon

NEW EVENT

Oldest House Museum showcases the woodworking of beloved local Bill Ford. Read more in the Citizen!

 

The Old Island Restoration Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that was founded on May 23, 1960.   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.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE 2025-2026 SEASON!

66th Key West Home Tours

  Find Map Here

January 23 & 24, 2026
The Houses on January's tour are:
     1506 South Street
     409 Grinnell Street
     813 Frances Street
     624 White Street
            Elizabeth Bishop Museum
     322 Duval Street
            Oldest House Museum
Next Tour Dates: 
      February 13 & 14, 2026
      March 13 & 14, 2026
 
Join us for a unique view into architectural treasures and cultural gems.
 
Bronson Arroyo SOLO Accoustic Performance
 

Buy Your Tickets Here

 
64th Conch Blowing Contest
March 7, 2026
Winners in every age category, plus Longest Honk, Most Musical & Dressed for Key West
 

 

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Key West Advances Toward UNESCO Creative Cities Designation

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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