Dedicated to
preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of Key West, Florida.
In 1960, alarmed that many of Key West's most valued architectural treasures would be lost to neglect or to growing development pressures, concerned local citizens formed the not-for-profit Old Island Restoration Foundation to promote the preservation and restoration of historically significant buildings.That same year, it established Old Island Days, a six-month series of events celebrating the island city's cultural heritage.
Over the years, Old Island has raised and granted hundreds of thousands of dollars to restore many historical buildings in Key West, including Old City Hall, the Martello forts, Key West Lighthouse, the Women’s Club, several churches, and more. It also administers and maintains the Oldest House and Garden Museum at 322 Duval St. Each year it sponsors House and Garden Tours in December, January, February and March, and each spring it sponsors the Conch Shell Blowing Contest.
Old Island's activities are funded by its member contributions, its annual house and garden tours, several fundraisers held throughout the year, and rental of the beautiful gardens behind the Oldest House for weddings and other events.
In 1960, alarmed that many of Key West's most valued architectural treasures would be lost to neglect or to growing development pressures, concerned local citizens formed the not-for-profit Old Island Restoration Foundation to promote the preservation and restoration of historically significant buildings.That same year, it established Old Island Days, a six-month series of events celebrating the island city's cultural heritage.