Events & Programs

History happens here, year-round

From seasonal lecture series to community celebrations, there's always a new way to discover the Keys.

Wednesdays at 6 PM

Lecture Series

Explore the stories that make the Florida Keys unique. Our popular Lecture Series brings historians, scientists, authors, and local experts to the museum for engaging talks on the history, culture, and environment of South Florida and the Keys.

See the Lecture Schedule

A Caribbean and Florida Keys seafood spread with stone crab claws, oysters, conch fritters, grilled fish and key lime pie

Save the date

Caribbean Night: Tasting Florida Keys Favorites

Monday, November 9 · 6:00–8:00 PM

Join us for an evening of island flavors at the Center — a raw bar, canapés, and desserts inspired by favorite Caribbean and Florida Keys dishes, accompanied by live music and historical storytelling about the foodways and cultures that shaped our islands.

Presented with the Islander Resort, our neighbor just steps away.

Vintage Florida Keys community cookbooks gathered together, the model for the FKHDC cookbook

Call for recipes

FKHDC Community Cookbook

Have a recipe that tastes like home? Share a family favorite, fresh-catch specialty, or beloved Keys dish with From Soil to Sea and help us preserve the flavors and stories of our island community.

Name listings, advertisements, and sponsored recipes are available, and a portion of proceeds goes to the food pantry at Burton Memorial United Methodist Church.

See the cookbook page →

A festive holiday dessert table with key lime pie, key lime bars, pink-frosted cupcakes, and snowflake sugar cookies

Save the date

Holiday Baking Party

Monday, December 7 · 6:00–8:00 PM

Bring your best Key lime-inspired treat and join us for a little friendly holiday competition! $10 Entry Registration.

Grab your friends and family, and help us make the holiday season a little sweeter.

Save the date · Marquee event of the year

A Night at the Museum: Black & White Masquerade

Friday, March 5, 2027 · 82100 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada

Our signature gala returns as a black & white masquerade — an evening of masks, music, and celebration at the Center. Dress in your black-and-white best… and get ready for a dynamic color surprise when you walk in. More details coming soon — mark your calendars now.

Visit the gala page Ask about the Ball

Next: Wednesday, November 18 at 10:30 AM

Coffee with the Curator

A casual monthly program offering a behind-the-scenes look at Florida Keys history, museum collections, and current research. Each session features a different topic led by our curator, Dr. Heather Gonyeau, with plenty of time for questions, conversation, and stories from the audience. Sessions are held at 10:30 AM on the third Wednesday of each month; November's topic: bring a favorite family recipe or food memory.

See Coffee with the Curator →

Monthly program

Book Club

Discover the Florida Keys through a good book! Our Book Club explores local history, memoir, and fiction, bringing readers together for lively conversations about the people, places, and stories that shape our islands.

See the book club schedule →

Seasonal series

Speaker Programs & Lectures

Hear the stories that shaped the Florida Keys. Historians, authors, scientists, and local experts bring our past and present to life through engaging talks on the people, places, culture, and environment of our islands.

See the Lecture Schedule →

Inspire · Strategic pillar

Kids' Discovery

Hands-on camps and learning experiences invite young people to explore the history, culture, and natural environment of the Florida Keys.

Engage · Strategic pillar

Community & Social Events

Fundraisers and gatherings that bring our island community together — from the annual Hoedown to our Kentucky Derby party — in support of the Center.

By arrangement

Special Tours

Bring a school group, club, or visiting organization for a guided look through the Center's exhibits and research library.

Inspire · Strategic Pillar

2026 Summer Kids Camp

Campers spent an unforgettable week learning, exploring, creating, and making memories right here in the Florida Keys.

Kids Camp brings local history to life through discovery-based experiences designed especially for young learners.

Watch on YouTube

Camp in pictures

Microscopes, murals, crafts, and a whole lot of smiles — a look back at our 2026 Summer Kids Camp.

A camper holds up her decorated jellyfish craft — Made it myself

Engage · Strategic Pillar

Community events that feel like a party

Our fundraisers are community celebrations first — neighbors coming together for a good time and a great cause. Every ticket, auction item, and raffle ticket helps the Center conserve the history and ecosystems of the Florida Keys, inspire the next generation, and keep our museum a gathering place for the community.

Conch Scramble

We were proud to be a beneficiary of the local Conch Scramble golf fundraiser — and to bring the Center to the course, hosting the tournament's kickoff party and one of the holes, decorated with hand-painted Florida Keys scenes from a Key deer to Flagler's Railroad and the Seven Mile Bridge.

Kentucky Derby Party

Fancy hats and the most exciting two minutes in sports. Our Derby celebration raises a glass — and much-needed support — as we cheer on the Run for the Roses together, Keys style. This year's party featured a very special bourbon tasting experience.

The Hoedown

Country music, line dancing, event-inspired food and drinks, and cowboy hats all around — a Western night of fun that raised over $50,000 for the Center. Fun was had by everyone.

Upcoming dates

Caribbean Night: Tasting Florida Keys Favorites — Monday, November 9, 6:00–8:00 PM. Music, hors d'oeuvres, and historical storytelling at the Center. Register here. A Night at the Museum: Black & White Masquerade — Friday, March 5, 2027. Our marquee event of the year, at 82100 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada. Details coming soon! For the latest schedule, contact us at info@keysdiscovery.com or (305) 922-2237.

Schools & Groups

Field trips, scout troops, clubs, and tour groups are welcome. We tailor guided visits to your grade level or group interest, from the Overseas Railroad and the 1935 hurricane to the reef and the backcountry flats.

Plan a school or group visit →

Belong here

Become a member

Memberships begin at $75 and help conserve the Keys, inspire discovery, and keep our community engaged.

Explore membership

Conserve · Inspire · Engage

Make a gift

Annual giving begins at $500 and sustains dynamic exhibits, innovative programs, community events, and the Keys Heritage Ledger.

Make a gift See giving levels →