Become a Member and be a part of Key West History
Key West Home Tours
Celebrating 65 years of peeking behind closed doors.
Join us for a unique view into architectural treasures and cultural gems.
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 24
The Garden at the Oldest House will be festively lit, for families and friends from across Key West to gather, feast & make merry!
Poker Night
Jan 11
Poker Night features fun, food & great prizes. Will be played at the American Legion.
HOME TOURS
Dec 27 & 28, 2024
Jan 24 & 25, 2025
Feb 14 & 15, 2025
March 14 & 15, 2025
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH
Jan 11, 2025 10:30 am – Noon
CONCH BLOWING CONTEST
March 8, 2025
Blow like a Conch! Local “celebrity” judges, painting coconuts & more. Who will win?
The Old Island Restoration Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that was founded on May 23, 1960. 
Thanks to the vision of women like Joan Thompson 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.
- All Post
- Become A Member
- All Post
- Donate
Help us with our mission of Historic preservation!
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.
