Our Story
Old Island Restoration Foundation is a 501 (c3) nonprofit organization founded in 1960 dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the historic architecture and cultural heritage of Key West. Through private donations and memberships from individuals, businesses and public agencies the foundation is working to raise funds to preserve and maintain the Oldest House Museum and Gardens in South Florida, provide innovative programming, cultural events and grants for significant and worthy historical restoration projects in Key West.
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.