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.
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.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE 2025-2026 SEASON!
66th Key West Home Tours
NOTICE for COMPETITIVE SOLICITATION/RFP FOR BIDS
Old Island Restoration Foundation, Inc. (OIRF), a 501c3 non-profit, is seeking contractors for an RFP for a catering kitchen and work area within the footprint of accessory structures located at 322 Duval St., Key West. This project will fulfill the requirements of Monroe County TDC Capital Grants.
The RFP is available on September 1, 2025 and closes on September 22, 2025 at 5 pm ET. The RFP includes scope of work, specifications (incl. architectural, elevation, utility, appliance schedules), terms, conditions and related instructions. Inquiries can be submitted to [email protected] no later than September 19. An electronic version of the bid submittal should be emailed to [email protected] with subject line, “RFP Submission for OIRF Catering Kitchen”. Any and all responses submitted after the time/date specified will not be accepted.
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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. Kitchens were separate from the main house for many reasons, but the most important issue was fire.
