Posted Monday, November 21, 2005

Key West's Oldest House Museum & Gardens Available For Weddings & Events Immediately After Wilma
If you're planning a wedding in Key West, the gardens at the Oldest House could be the perfect location.

In spite of sustaining considerable damage this hurricane season and especially from Wilma, The Oldest House Museum & Gardens with its beautiful, tropical landscaping right off Duval Street was repaired immediately to be ready for visitors and anxious brides and grooms.

"We received a call from Antonia's Restaurant looking to relocate a wedding ceremony from Fort Zachary Taylor right after the storm and we were very pleased that we were able to be ready for them", stated John C. Giuliano, Executive Director of Old Island Restoration Foundation which operates the Museum. Many sites which host special events in the Keys sustained major damage and some are still unable to open at this time. He continued, "The bride came to look at the Gardens and she literally shed tears of joy because she was so happy with how wonderful the gardens and the entire site looked".

Indeed, fallen trees and debris were removed immediately; roofs and ceilings were fixed; the white picket fence surrounding the property was up-righted, fixed, power-washed and painted; all of the Garden Buildings were also washed and repainted; all of the meandering brick pathways were power-washed, and new foliage was planted.

This was in addition to the improvements to the Garden restrooms and other structures which were completed earlier in the summer. "We are thrilled to be able to provide a beautiful space for special events so soon after we were all devastated by the multiple hurricanes this season", said Roy Hogberg, Chairperson of the Board's Museum & Grounds Committee.

For information about renting Key West's Oldest House Museum & Gardens please visit www.oirf.org , oldisland@oirf.org, or 305-294-9501