The Key West Shipwreck Museum documents the city’s ship salvaging history, which was once the town’s major industry. Learn from interactive exhibits and the storytelling of actors how Key West was once a world hub for cargo recovery from sunken ships. Admire authentic artefacts salvaged from the bottom of the ocean, hear stories about courageous “wreckers” and climb the museum watchtower for views of the city.
One of Key West’s most notable wreckers was the animated Asa Tift. His salvage business reached the height of its success in the 1850s, when shipwrecks were a common occurrence in the treacherous waters around the Florida Keys. Follow an actor playing his character to learn about life in the 19th century and see a recreation of the warehouse where he conducted his trade. The main feature of the warehouse is the 20-metre (65-foot) watchtower. Climb a wooden staircase to look out over the city and imagine Tift standing here to spot shipwrecks.
The museum displays the now-famously rich haul retrieved from the wrecked Isaac Allerton vessel. Browse artefacts valued at more than $50,000 that were pulled from the sunken hull by Key West wreckers in 1985. This collection is still one of the most valuable hauls in Key West’s history. See ancient bottles, candles and tools on display. Continue on to the museum’s other hauls, which include prized items from Spanish galleons. Look for the heavy silver bar recovered from the Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas.
Learn from films and photographs that document the life of a wrecker in Key West. Records and worker accounts reveal the hardships and successes of the trade, particularly in its early years.
Find the Key West Shipwreck Museum near Mallory Square, close to the old town. Walk there from central Key West or drive and use the pay-and-display parking in the area. Actor-led tours are included in the admission price. The museum is open daily.
