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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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Current Exhibit

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 2025-2026 SEASON!

66th Key West Home Tours

  Find Map Here

January 23 & 24, 2026
The Houses on January's tour are:
     1506 South Street
     409 Grinnell Street
     813 Frances Street
     624 White Street
            Elizabeth Bishop Museum
     322 Duval Street
            Oldest House Museum
Next Tour Dates: 
      February 13 & 14, 2026
      March 13 & 14, 2026
 
Join us for a unique view into architectural treasures and cultural gems.
 
Bronson Arroyo SOLO Accoustic Performance
 

Buy Your Tickets Here

 
64th Conch Blowing Contest
March 7, 2026
Winners in every age category, plus Longest Honk, Most Musical & Dressed for Key West
 

 

Home Tour Map
Buy Home Tour Tickets
Volunteer for Home Tours

Key West Advances Toward UNESCO Creative Cities Designation

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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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