Are you ready for an adventure? Then come explore the Key West Shipwreck Museum and its fascinating artifacts, exhibits, and stories. Located in the heart of Key West, the museum features a unique collection of historic items from ships that were lost at sea.
From ancient coins to Spanish cannons and tools used by salvagers, you’ll be taken back in time as you explore this incredible museum.
The History Behind the Collection at the Key West Shipwreck Museum
The museum’s collection began with artifacts recovered from the wreckage of two ships—the Isaac Allerton and the Nuestra Senora de Atocha. The Isaac Allerton was a British merchant ship that was wrecked off of Key West in 1856 while en route from Havana to New York City.
It was carrying a cargo of coffee, sugar, and mahogany when it ran aground on a reef during a storm and sunk. The Nuestra Senora de Atocha was a Spanish galleon that sank off of Key West in 1622. It met it’s dimise during Hurricane Irma with its valuable cargo of coins, silver bars, gold bullion, and jewelry.
Both ships have been featured in books about shipwrecks and their artifacts are now part of the museum’s permanent exhibit.
Key West Shipwreck Museum Highlights
At the Shipwreck Museum you can learn more about these two famous wrecks through interactive displays and videos. You’ll also get to see some of their treasures up close—including coins recovered from both wrecks.
In addition to these historical pieces, the museum showcases other intriguing artifacts such as ship models, salvager tools, navigation equipment, maps, flags, weaponry from various time periods, diving helmets from different eras, and much more. There are even replicas of famous pirate ships like Blackbeard’s Queen Anne’s Revenge!
The museum offers guided tours led by knowledgeable staff members who share stories about each artifact’s journey through history. Plus there are fun activities for kids including scavenger hunts throughout the galleries where they can find hidden treasure chests filled with prizes!
The Details
The Shipwreck Museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with admission prices ranging from $9-$18 depending on age group and type of ticket purchased. So if you’re ready for some fun and adventure then make sure to put this amazing destination on your list! You will even learn about maritime history while you are at it! And don’t forget your camera so you can take home great memories! You won’t want to miss out on all this amazingness! Ahoy matey! Let’s go explore!
More Stories
Thanks for reading all about Key West Shipwreck Museum. Click here and you will find a lot more articles on the region.