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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ART, MUSIC, BASEBALL: ONE KEY WEST STORY

 

By combining seemingly disparate Conch traditions, like art and baseball, we can discover how varying interests can intersect in unique and whimsical ways.

Discover art by Cuban-American artist and Key West native, Julie Arroyo, mother of MLB All-Star and musician, Bronson Arroyo. Cuban contemporary caricaturist, Reynerío Tamayo. Plus baseball bat art by Key West locals.

 

Open 10am-4pm daily

 

$10 – Museum, Exhibit, and Gardens

Free – Children 12 and under

Free – Monroe County Student ID

 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE 2027 SEASON!

 

For 66 years OIRF's Home Tours has welcomed guests to beautiful homes throughout Key West. Home Tours are held two days a month throughout December, January, February, and March to the delight of attendees from across the country.

Home Tours are one of the largest fundraisers for Old Island Restoration Foundation, and money raised helps with our mission to protect, promote, and celebrate Key West’s architecture, culture, and intangible heritage.

The 2027 Home Tours dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

Please check back for dates and information on how to purchase tickets.

 

 

Get Your Home Tour Map Here
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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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