Collections
Our museum is home to historical and fishing exhibits, featuring three aquariums from Mote Marine Lab, Henry Flagler’s Railway, The Bonefish and Tarpon Trust Legends of the Line, Indian Key replica, and more!
Permanent Collection
We do not know how many items we have amassed over the years. Contributions consist of postcards, paintings, artifacts, photographs, ordnance, books, periodicals, bones, shards, and so much more. Through the contributions by our donors, the Florida Keys History & Discovery Foundation’s collection continues to grow.
Online Collection Catalogue
FKHDF is committed to making our collections available to researchers, locals and visitors throughout the world, so that history can be used to help us understand our past and embrace our heritage. We will continue to expand the collection beyond the initial eight week Intensive Graduate Internship Program, with recruitment of volunteers and interns to continue the cataloging process and update existing entries. We cannot estimate a complete date and this time and hopeful you will return again and again to see what is new and exciting.
Donating Objects to FKHDF
The Florida Keys History & Discovery Foundation (FKHDF) appreciates our community’s generous donations and gifts from individual contributors as it helps our collection grow as a valuable resource to our community. FKHDF is always willing to consider donations that enhance the Collection, however, we ask that you assist us by following a few procedures we have in place to help us through the donation process. The Florida Keys History & Discovery Foundation (FKHDF) appreciates our community’s generous donations and gifts from individual contributors as it helps our collection grow as a valuable resource to our community. FKHDF is always willing to consider donations that enhance the Collection, however, we ask that you assist us by following a few procedures we have in place to help us through the donation process.
Complete The Online Donation Form
Please provide us as much information as you can regarding the object(s) you wish to donate to FKHDF. The more information we receive regarding each object helps us determine if and how it will fit into our Collection.
The information that is most important:
- What is the object and what was it used for or its purpose?
- When, where, and by whom was it created?
- When and under what circumstances did you come into possession of each item (gift, purchase, inheritance, etc.)?
- And any other information you deem relevant to the object’s fabrication, use, or ownership history.
FKHDF will contact you if we need any further information as well as to provide additional information regarding the process we use in determining whether to accept your generous offer.
Please do not drop off or mail objects without first contacting FKHDF. We want to ensure that your potential contribution is properly identified and cared for and that you receive a formal acknowledgment of receipt of your item(s).
What Happens to Your Objects and Collections after Acquisition?
When FKHDF accepts new objects in its collection, we strive to make the items accessible to the public in one or all of the following ways:
- Placed on display within an existing exhibit
- Loaned for exhibition to another museum
- Used in educational or community programming
- Made available for researchers
- Digitized and made available online through our website
If you are interested in donating objects or other materials to FKHDF or the Jerry Wilkinson Research Library, please complete the form below to the best of your ability and we will reach out to you to discuss further.