Fishing vessels position for the prized catch. At the museum, a 17-minute film reflects on the expense and hardships Fisher and his colleagues endured. Also included are relics from Spanish galleons, including a silver bar salvaged from the Nuestra Senora de las Maravillas that guests are encouraged to try to lift. The brave wreckers would watch the reef night and day from observation towers (some over 90 high). She played a character from the past and had a fascinating perspective of the lives of the men and women from the 19th century. Took an hour and a half bus tour of haunted areas on the island. The museum features 500 exhibits of strange, out-of-this-world items that made Ripleys famous. Go back in time to the 19th century, when excavating shipwrecks off Key West was a thriving industry. St. Augustine, FL 32080, Presented by Historic Tours of America Inc. All rights reserved. She is a huge asset to the museum and spent a lot of time talking with us and answering our questions. The famous shipwreck museum in Key West offers their favorite items from their museum store. This website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. Most hotel lobbies have a pamphlet stand. A parking garage is also situated close by. The Yankee Freedom III is recognized for its speed and luxurious accommodations. A very good introduction of a interresting piece of Key West history (not easly found in books/internet).1 hour and a half of a bus tour by night. Click here for more info! The furniture is 19th-century American, most original to the Watlington family. Don't waste your time. More details can be found in our terms and conditions. Discover a vital part of Florida's history with admission to the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Check out the variety of audio-visual displays, including a below-sea-level . Language - English. There are two floors with treasures from the sea. Discover the rich history of Key Wests shipwrecking past at the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum. Barge 129 was found along with 8 other wrecks in 2021 by the GLSHS in partnership with Marine Sonic Technology using Side Scan Sonar. In 1980, Fisher's entourage found the Santa Margarita and thousands of silver coins, gold ingots, a wealth of personal jewelry and other artifacts. Open Open 7 Days 10:00 - 4:00 . Recovery-boat pilots -- "wreckers," they were called -- rushing toward the disaster, claiming the spoils and bringing them to Key West. Directions: The museum is located next to the Tour Bus Stop in Mallory Square. In the 1800s shipping was the method of transporting goods from one place to another. Things to Do Nearby Travel Planner Do you need to book Key West Shipwreck Museum tickets in advance? AFAR participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site. 2023 AFAR Media, The Best Time to View D.C.'s Cherry Blossoms This Year is Sooner Than You Might Think, Low-Cost Carrier Norse Atlantic Adds London Routes From 4 U.S. Cities, Damon Dominique Believes Youre Already a Global Citizen, Stay Here Next: The Muir Hotel in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Stay Here Next: The Alpina Gstaad in Switzerland. Fisher died in 1998 at age 76, but the salvage operation he started continues. About the Observation Tower Climb aboard Key West's conch train for a 75-minute sightseeing tour of the tropical paradise. What restaurants are near Key West Shipwreck Museum? The museum is open every day May 1 to October 31, from 10 am to 6 pm. Finders keepers, or so maritime law -- mostly written by judges at the southern tip of Florida -- declared. Rated as one of the best attractions in the city, the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum is open 365 days a year from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Be civil! It was a little bit of history a lot of theatrics. The Key West Museum combines actors, films, and the actual artifacts from the 1985 rediscovery of the wrecked vessel Isaac Allerton, which sank in 1856 on the treacherous Florida Keys reef. If youre up for a climb, youll be rewarded with stunning views of Key West and the ocean. Artifacts galore of Key Wests famous ship wrecking. Schooners carry vacationers on romantic sunset excursions, their sails fluttering in the breeze. Between sips of tropical cocktails and doses of Hemingway, however, visitors can re-create the era of the wreckers, embrace the legend and gain a new appreciation for the Key West of yesteryear. The trade routes along the waters of the Florida Keys were a danger to the ships because of the reefs in these waters. This includes US Fish & Wildlife Service Property/Seney National Wildlife Refuge (Whitefish Point Unit), Whitefish Point Bird Observatory/Michigan Audobon Society property is also protected as a No Drone Zone. Among its collection are Key West artifacts, historical records and military memorabilia. Not until 1985 was the Isaac Allerton rediscovered and fully salvaged. Guided by a young lady in period dress we "traveled" through a wrecked ship, learning about the treasures off the Florida coast, how treasure laiden ships came and went from the port and how many were salvaged by people who became known as "wreckers". Click for possible tour changes on the day of your tour. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS), a leader in the field of underwater exploration and shipwreck documentation on the Upper Great Lakes, recently discovered the wreckage of the composite steamer S.R. Gold and silver. The perfect complement to the odd and unusual sites in Key West, Ripleys Believe! Dont necessarily want to be the asshole skeptic here, but looks like pareidolia to me. What's the best way to see Key West Shipwreck Museum? Lots of history and interesting legends about Key West. Sunday, Jan. 1st: Open at 10am, last entry at 2:30pm. At the museum, visitors will meet an actor portraying Asa Tift, an actual Key West citizen whose family made a good living salvaging, or saving, crew, passengers, and cargo from ships that were wrecked on the reefs. What where how are you seeing all that in a pitch black area? Highlights of the museum include displays and video presentations on the history of wreck salvage in the Florida Keys and the sinking of the legendary Isaac Allerton. Built in 1891, the Custom House had many uses including a post office, court house and government center. Thank you for respecting our No Drone Zone policy. Last show 4:40 PM Guests see gold that was salvaged from shipwrecks, paintings, model ships and a separate kitchen. Custom House at Front and Greene streets, traces all aspects of area history, including shipwrecks. The Key West Shipwreck Museum transports visitors back to 1856, when the young citys port had more than 100 ships passing through daily. Hell tell the stories of the many wrecks and recoveries of Tifts time. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. She was very friendly. In many eyes, wreckers were heroes -- and, indeed, they often saved humans, not just cargo. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. obviously the tower doesn't look to have an elevator, sadly and the train we aren't sure. A storm would send a ship into a reef and wreck the ships. per night. Visitors can climb the 65-foot lookout tower and if need be, alarm Mr. Tift of any wrecks on the reef. Duration: self guided. At the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, hundreds of butterflies of every size, shape and color live in a tropical haven. For my wife and I the best part of this tour was the observation deck. The waters they were sailing were well known as some of the most treacherous in the world. Tour guide was nice and lively. At the time, Key West was one of Americas richest cities. Website: http://www.keywestshipwreck.com The museum itself is a re-creation of a 19th-century warehouse built by wrecker tycoon Asa Tift. Choose from our great selection of Holiday items, Souvenirs or send a gift certificate for that special person on your gift list! The museum tours give you a glimpse at 19th-century life and the wreckings influence on the islands society. The Key West Shipwreck museum offers an educational and entertaining look at the life of pirates by combining actors, films, and real shipwreck artifacts. Visit the 65-foot lookout tower that offers a spectacular view of the island. #36 of 155 things to do in Key West. Guided tours here feature costumed actors -- one portraying 19th-century master wrecker Asa Tift -- and a replica of an 1856 wrecker's warehouse. Three and a half centuries later, in 1969, Mel Fisher, an Indiana-raised musician turned California scuba diver, began his quest to locate and recover the missing cargo. If you go: 9:40 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; 1 Whitehead Street . KEY WEST, Fla. -- Hundreds strong, they gathered at the dock, eagerly anticipating the arrival of another salvage boat. . I guess I thought there would more to see shipwreck wise or interact with. Now a nonprofit museum owned by the Historic Florida Keys Preservation Board, the dwelling features a ship's hatch (in the roof above the master bedroom) and exhibits that include ship models, undersea artifacts, maritime documents and a cartoon depicting an early wreckers court. He isnt frowning its just the distortion. Rooms open to the public include a restored captain's office with a "landlubbers' tilt." Pearls and diamonds. Please accept my sincere apologies We do have a 100% Satisfaction guarantee that you will find on the customer service page of our website. The information ties into the Hemmingway tour as well. Is it worth visiting both this place and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum? Save for the rare hurricane, the seas are tranquil now. This is a very interresting tour to understand the dark side of Key West. Save big with our Hometown pass membership! Well be right back. InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in Key West, Hotels near The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Hotels near Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Hotels near Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Hotels near Harry S. 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Truman Little White House: Tickets & Tours, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park: Tickets & Tours, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum: Tickets & Tours, Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum: Tickets & Tours, Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum: Tickets & Tours, Key West Historic Seaport: Tickets & Tours, Explore Old Montreal - A Small-Group Walking Tour for the Curious, Entrance ticket: Porto Legends, the Underground Experience, Half-Day Barra da Tijuca Beach with Hot-Air Ballon Sunset Tour, Dinner cruise on Cartagena's bay with Sibarita Master, Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon Combo Tour from Costa Maya, See all 7 Key West Shipwreck Museum tickets and tours on Tripadvisor, See all Key West Shipwreck Museum experiences on Tripadvisor, Great Old Town Location, Steps from Mallory Square, View all hotels near Key West Shipwreck Museum on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Key West Shipwreck Museum on Tripadvisor. The short video when you first walk gives a short history lesson on wreckers in Key West and how it really became built up. Here's a picture I took inside the museum. They're existing in a slightly different realm than we are, and this is often picked up by various types of cameras. Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. (Fisher's son and daughter-in-law were killed during the salvage effort.) By the late 1800s, wreckers were part of folklore. The tower is fun to climb up and it offers great views of Key West and the surrounding turquoise waters. Browse our comprehensive list of attractions and museums below for travel . Price $35.00. It combines actors, films and actual artifacts to tell the story of 400 years of shipwreck salvage in the Florida Keys. At the time, Key West was one of America's richest cities. The site owner may have set restrictions that prevent you from accessing the site. There was apparently someone who explains things from a little booth near the start of the museum but that person wasn't there when we went through. Lookout towers were built and used to spot wrecks. 1 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040 It's small but chock full of displays, artifacts and treasures. Enjoyed going to see "Robert the doll"- interesting story about him! Click here to make a donation, and also visit the read more link to see what well be up to in 2023. Actors play out stories of Key West wrecking. Tobacco. Contact Bruce Lynn, Executive Director by email or call 800-635-1742. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Key West. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Historic Tours of America We are pleased to announce that the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society has received two emergency funding grants to aid the Society through the summer of 2020, when the pandemic has seriously affected non-profit organizations in the United States. more, Speciality Museums Historic Sites History Museums. Portions of the cargo are on display at the Shipwreck Historeum. The Wreckers Museum occupies what is believed to be the oldest house in Key West at 322 Duval St., about three blocks from Mallory Square. 1 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040-6634. Grand pianos. A tropical environment with ample rain allows most trees to retain their leaves in the dry season (December through late May). They would also patrol the reef in their own small vessels. Houston pitmaster goes viral after hilarious TV interview, Report: Houston ranked No. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a beach locale. These range from spectacular gold bars and plates to galley items such as a butcher knife and frying pan. The film also explains the legal battles that ensued with the U.S. and Florida governments over the rights to the undersea find. Includes ride on a trolley bus, so mostly you do drive bye of where the stories took place. This gives a great view of the water between Mallory Square and Sunset Key. All rights reserved. They even get you a private view of 'Robert, the doll' at the Martello tower. I see a full head with a face, eyes, a brow line, a nose, and a frowning mouth. Enjoy a self-guided tour. When a wreck was spotted, the cry of Wreck Ashore would echo all over the island as men scrambled to the docks to join the race to the reef. It combines actors, films and actual artifacts to tell the story of 400 years of shipwreck salvage in the Florida Keys. The look out tower is nice to go up and look out. The waters they were sailing were well known as some of the most treacherous in the world. Kirby. Eventually, with the onset of railroads, and improvements in navigational aids, shipwrecks came fewer and farther between. I took 8 friends whod not ever been to KW and I wanted them to learn about the history of the island. What a great museum. Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum Admission Ticket 47 Attractions & Museums from $18.26 per adult Key West Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour 244 Trolley Tours from $39.86 per adult Key West Conch Tour Train 231 Rail Tours from $39.98 per adult Southernmost Key West History and Culture Small-Group Walking Tour 54 Recommended Adventure Tours from The guide was very knowledgeable she took her time to explain any questions she was dressed in period clothing. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Here, you can learn all about shipwrecks and salvaging, the industry that made Key West wealthy and famous in the 1800s. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. For the safety and security of our patrons and property, Whitefish Point is a No Drone Zone. The elephant tusk are fake ivory. 501 Front St, Key West, FL 33040-6618 Open today: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Save Key West Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour 566 Book in advance from $39.86 per adult Check availability View full product details Lynn M 1 4 Very disappointing Review of Ghosts & Gravestones of Key West Reviewed February 25, 2016 via mobile Features 500 exhibits of strange, out-of-this-world items that made Ripleys famous display. Inc. all rights reserved commission if you purchase an item featured on our.... Guess I thought there would more to see Key West was one of Americas richest cities tropical.. 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