November 2026
Tides and Times
The Florida Keys History and Discovery Center Newsletter, connecting our past with the future.
The Florida Keys History and Discovery Center exists to preserve and share the unique and living heritage of the Florida Keys — a place unlike any other. Through immersive exhibits, dynamic education programs, and cultural stewardship, we conserve the stories, ecosystems, and identities that define this island chain.
Together, we can protect the Keys' extraordinary legacy, inspire curiosity and pride in the next generation of historians, environmental stewards, and storytellers, and engage our community.
Curator's Corner: A Recipe for Community
Dr. Heather Gonyeau · Curator of Collections and Public History
This time of year, food has a way of bringing people together. Thanksgiving tables are often full of familiar dishes, family recipes, and foods that immediately remind us of home.
That idea has been on my mind a lot while working on From Soil to Sea. One thing I have learned while putting together this exhibition is that there is no single definition of a ‘Keys recipe.’ Florida Keys food has always been an amalgamation of different influences. Caribbean flavors are an important part of that story, but so are the traditions brought here by later waves of immigrants, snowbirds, visitors, and new residents who made the islands home.
Some recipes are built around what is available locally: freshly caught fish, lobster, stone crab, tropical fruit, or other ingredients connected to the waters and climate of the Keys. Others came from somewhere else entirely and found a new home here.
In a season centered around food, family, and gathering together, it seems like the perfect time to add your own piece to the story. That might be a family casserole brought down from the Midwest, a dessert your grandmother always made in New England, a Cuban dish shared between neighbors, or the comfort food you prepare when friends come over after a long day on the water.
All of those recipes tell us something about the community. Stop by From Soil to Sea to submit a recipe in person, or send me an email. I would love to hear what you are cooking and the stories that come with it.
And while you are in the cooking spirit, consider entering our Holiday Bake-Off on Dec. 7 from 6–8 p.m. We are looking for your best Key lime-inspired dessert, whether that is the perfect meringue or a new twist on a favorite classic. Cookies, bars, cupcakes, or something completely new are all welcome! It is $10 to enter a recipe, but the party is free to attend. Bring your friends and family and help us make the holiday season a little sweeter! Contact Dr. Heather Gonyeau at curator@keysdiscovery.com or Tara at membership@keysdiscovery.com for more information.
What's happening
Tasting Night: A Celebration of Florida Keys Culture & Cuisine
Monday, November 9 · 6–8 PM · $125 per person
Join us for an evening of island flavors at the FKHDC on the Islander Resort property, 82100 Overseas Highway, Islamorada. Enjoy small bites and tropical drinks inspired by favorite Florida Keys dishes, accompanied by live music and historical storytelling.
Register for Tasting Night →
The 14th Colony: The American Revolution's Best Kept Secret
Wednesday, November 11 · Doors 5 PM · Lecture 6 PM
Dr. Roger Smith joins our 2026–2027 Lecture Season, sponsored by Islander Resort, with support from Tackle Center of Islamorada. Cash bar and light appetizers. Tickets $10; free for Center members. At 82100 Overseas Highway on the Islander Resort property.
Register for the lecture →
Coffee with the Curator: Flavor and Family
Wednesday, November 18 · 10:30 AM
Join Dr. Heather Gonyeau for a discussion of Flavor and Family. Coffee with the Curator takes place at 10:30 AM on the third Wednesday of the month.
Coffee with the Curator →
Book Club: The Florida Sponge War
Thursday, November 19 · 5:30 PM
Join us for an intimate gathering to discuss wonderful Florida literature. This month: The Florida Sponge War: Conflict Between Key West and the Gulf Towns by Rina Bousalis. Contact Tara Khan to register.
Email Tara to register →
Holiday Baking Party
Monday, December 7 · 6–8 PM · Free to attend · $10 recipe entry
Bring your best Key lime-inspired treat and join us for a little friendly holiday competition! Pies, cakes, cookies, bars — we want to see your favorite take on this classic Keys flavor. Grab your friends and family, and help us make the holiday season a little sweeter.
Register your recipe entry →
A Night at the Museum: Black & White Masquerade
Friday, March 5, 2027 · 82100 Overseas Highway
Save the date for a night presented by the Florida Keys History & Discovery Foundation. More information coming soon.
Explore A Night at the Museum →
Share Your Recipe
What does Florida Keys cooking mean to you? Share a family favorite, local tradition, or recipe that tells a story about food in the Keys. Fill out one of the recipe cards provided and add it to our community recipe binder, or submit online. You can also email curator@keysdiscovery.com.
Submit your recipe →
Put Your Name in Our Community Cookbook
Choose your sponsorship and help bring our community's recipes to life.
Community Supporter (name listing) $100 · 1/8-page ad $200 · 1/4-page ad $350 · 1/2-page ad $600 · Full-page ad $900.
Sponsored Recipe — guaranteed inclusion $250 · Featured Recipe — dedicated full page $750 · Inside front cover $1,100.
Ask about cookbook sponsorship →
New Perk: NARM Benefits
Our members now get North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) benefits — free entry and special discounts at 1,500+ art museums, galleries, historical societies, botanical gardens, children's museums, zoos, and more! Contact info@keysdiscovery.com for information.
Explore membership →2026–2027 Fall Lecture Series
Wednesdays at 6 PM at the Center. Registration is now open.
| Date | Speaker | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 14 · 6 PM | Chef's Panel | A Taste of the Keys |
| Oct 28 · 6 PM | Dr. Heather Gonyeau | Ghost Stories of South Florida |
| Nov 11 · 6 PM | Dr. Roger Smith | The 14th Colony: The American Revolution's Best Kept Secret |
| Dec 9 · 6 PM | Dr. Rina Bousalis | The Florida Sponge War: Conflict Between Key West and the Gulf Towns |
We appreciate you
Thank you to our sponsors, partners, and community. Your support helps us conserve local history, inspire youth through educational programs, and engage our community.
Support now