The perfect complement to the odd and unusual sites in Key West, Ripleys Believe! Are you a Key West local? A popular spot for weddings, lush, tropical plant life, quaint brick pathways and glorious arched courtyards make a visit here unforgettable. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Key West Shipwreck Museum: Daily. On-street parking at Mallory Square is limited. Kirby was a relatively unusual ship, in that it was constructed using an iron framework, with a wooden hull. And Key West became dependent on tourism, not shipwrecks. FATAL TREASURE: GREED AND DEATH, EMERALDS AND GOLD. There are two floors with treasures from the sea. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) recently discovered three 1800s-era shipwrecks in the vicinity of Grand Marais, Michigan (Lake Superior). Visit the 65-foot lookout tower that offers a spectacular view of the island. Click here for more info! Children 3 and under are admitted free of charge. The waters they were sailing were well known as some of the most treacherous in the world. There was no one in the museum to ask questions to about items also. Key West Shipwreck History | Key West Shipwreck Museum 305-292-8990 During the golden age of sail, over 100 ships per day passed by Key West. Entrance tickets currently cost $18.26, while a popular guided tour starts around $6.99 per person. Saved from being demolished in 1958, the 19th century Key West original is now a historic museum featuring the artwork of John James Audubon. What hotels are near Key West Shipwreck Museum? Whether youd like to dive in and snorkel, fly above the water in a parasail, go on a glass-bottom boat excursion, take a sunset cruise or try your hand at jet skiing, Fury Catamarans offers a myriad of exciting adventures. The Key West Lighthouse was built in 1825 to help the many ships entering the port avoid the hazardous reefs. Plus, being able to walk around in a museum wearing an eye patch and using pirate talk is virtually guaranteed to be a good time. The museum features 500 exhibits of strange, out-of-this-world items that made Ripleys famous. We were sorry to her you did not find our museum interesting. Shipwreck tragedies brought riches to Key West, Copyright 2002 Houston Chronicle Travel Editor, Watch: Astros SP Luis Garcia debuts new windup after rule changes, Houston facing severe thunderstorms, possible tornadoes Thursday, Oops! So onto the dock the booty would spill. You will need to pay for parking unless you get lucky with an empty space somewhere, We paid $28 per person for shipwreck museum and aquarium, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum, Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks, Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum. Pendants, gold chains and other artifacts from the remains of the wreck, have been found along a trail of more than 9 miles. Children seemed to really get a kick out of the whole experience as they learn about another era and its people. Even as the Florida Straits remained one of the busiest of shipping lanes, navigational equipment and maps improved. Thank you so much for sharing your vacation with us. 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 Price $19.99. Photography by Michael Blanchard, John W. Penney and Historic Tours of America, Inc. Copyright. obviously the tower doesn't look to have an elevator, sadly and the train we aren't sure. Phone: (305) 292-8990 The finest furniture and linens. For a bit of history and a look at how Key West got to where it is today, stop in at the Key West Museum of Art and History inside the Custom House. $$ - $$$ American Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, $$$$ American Seafood Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ American Seafood Vegetarian Friendly, $ Dessert American Gluten Free Options, Points of Interest & Landmarks Monuments & Statues, Points of Interest & Landmarks Piers & Boardwalks. At the museum, a 17-minute film reflects on the expense and hardships Fisher and his colleagues endured. We are looking for motivated individuals for the following positions: The Shipwreck Society is pleased to announce that the 2022 Annual Appeal has begun! They're existing in a slightly different realm than we are, and this is often picked up by various types of cameras. The orange and green trolleys transport guests around the city of Key West, showing off the citys most intriguing points of interest and sharing the fascinating stories that helped shape one of the countrys most visited destinations. 1 most stressful city for U.S. workers, Turner: State takeover of Houston ISD could happen next week, Bun B on bringing Southern rap stars to Houston's Rodeo, Astros show struggles with new MLB pitch clock rules, This is what Houston looks like from space, How the Houston Zoo moved its flock of flamingos to a new home, 'Call me a Nazi': Former Houston pastor calls for state book ban, West Texans share apocalyptic photos of after massive dust storm, Houston leaders delay vote on Hobby Airport concesssions contract, Watch: Houston Astros' Luis Garcia debuts new windup, Houston pitmaster goes viral after hilarious on-air interview with reporter. What do you think??? The Key West Lighthouse was built in 1825 to help the many ships entering the port avoid the hazardous reefs. At the time, Key West was one of Americas richest cities. Sign up to receive the scariest of offers and stay current on sales and events. I dont recall. 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. Adult tickets: $15.00 Prefer Mel Fisher but thats not really apples to apples. Tour guide was spunky but the tour was lame. The information ties into the Hemmingway tour as well. Salvaging these wrecks became big business and Key West was a shipwreckers haven. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Key West Shipwreck Museum: Restaurants near Key West Shipwreck Museum: 100% of travelers recommend this experience. By the next morning, more than 500 people and cargo worth millions of dollars had sunk. Among personal belongings are dress ornaments, rings, and chains typical of Spanish noblemen and noblewomen of that era. 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd. Check out our audio tour(opens in a new tab) for more information on the Shipwreck Museum. 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. Truman Little White House, Hotels near Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum, Hotels near Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum, Hotels near Florida Keys Community College, Things to do near Key West Shipwreck Museum, Key West Shipwreck Museum Tours and Tickets, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park: Tickets & Tours, The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: Tickets & Tours, Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: Tickets & Tours, Harry S. 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. And they risked their lives, especially during hurricane season, to do so. If you continue browsing, you agree to our use of cookies. Today one of the popular Key West attractions is the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Great fun and learning experience! In many eyes, wreckers were heroes -- and, indeed, they often saved humans, not just cargo. Yeah, I agree - the face is really strangely proportioned, like a potato with a long chin and Squidward's nose, and I can't even see the top half of it. I would recommend this Museum. I was sorry to read that your tour with us did not meet your expectations. On guided tours, actors offer a gripping account of the wrecking operation. Barge 129 was found along with 8 other wrecks in 2021 by the GLSHS in partnership with Marine Sonic Technology using Side . These range from spectacular gold bars and plates to galley items such as a butcher knife and frying pan. The site owner may have set restrictions that prevent you from accessing the site. The goods salvaged from the wreck would later be sold at auction in Key West with the wrecking courts awarding anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of the profit to the wreckers, depending on how dangerous and time-consuming the salvage operation had been. I'll let you find this out for yourself. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. We take pride in serving our customers and hope to see you again soon! Here, you'll get a firsthand look at what it takes to conserve artifacts found through underwater archaeology. 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. There is a presenter on the second floor that will go into more detail after the video you watch about wrecker's in Key West. A parking garage is also situated close by. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) is thrilled to announce the discovery of the 144-foot Barquentine Nucleus. 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. Fortunately, the summer of 2021 clearly demonstrated the important role the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum plays in the cultural health of Michigans citizens, which also found us adjusting our projects needs. How far is the museum from where the cruise ships harbor? Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Report: Houston is the No. Took an hour and a half bus tour of haunted areas on the island. We were in and out in about 20 mins. A storm would send a ship into a reef and wreck the ships. Only about half the cargo was recovered before efforts were abandoned. Shipwreck artifacts, including a silver bar you can hold, fill the museum that is recreation of 19th century wreckers warehouse. This museum is particularly fun for families, as young children will get to see details of the culture and history surrounding one of societies most beloved historical figurespirates! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Explore two floors of artifacts from shipwrecks spanning 400 years, featuring treasures from the Spanish fleets of the 1600 and 1700s. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Hours: The Museum is open from 9:40 AM to 5:00 PM 365 days a year. (Robert did it! Visitors can climb to its 60-foot-high summit and enjoy panoramic views. The Key West Museum combines actors, films, and the actual artifacts from the 1985 rediscovery of the . Also shown are a gold cup used to detect poisoned wine, the only known surviving example of a cinta necklace or belt, a 17th-century navigator's astrolabe and scores of contraband emeralds. The brave wreckers would watch the reef night and day from observation towers (some over 90 high). The trade routes along the waters of the Florida Keys were a danger to the ships because of the reefs in these waters. grant of $5,000, specificallyto support staffing needs at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, with an emphasis on the Motor Lifeboat House. You basically have to read through tiny paragraphs on pieces of paper next to each item to gain any knowledge. View our ADA Accessibility Policy. [1], After 350 years, a team of marine archaeologists has found the treasure that was aboard the Spanish galleon Nuestra Seora de las Maravillas in 1656. About the Observation Tower Take the guided tour and learn all about Hemingway, his life and career, his adventurous past and the six-toed cat he loved. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Its cargo was valued at $150,000, highest in the history of wrecking at the time. Eventually, with the onset of railroads, and improvements in navigational aids, shipwrecks came fewer and farther between. "By dint of enterprise and derring-do, he made himself the coast guard, lifesaver and ocean salvor of the day.". Key West Shipwreck Museum: Our most recommended tours and activities. All the other stories were from early 1900s if not before then. Among the jewels that have been found, there is a gold pendant with the cross of Santiago and others with symbols of the pilgrims of the Camino de Santiago.[2]. It also was home to a master wrecker and captain, John J. Geiger, in the 19th century. Address: 1 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040 Between Michigan State University and Lansing's rich history, there's plenty to do for everyone. Our beautiful region is the perfect destination for children of all ages. An appropriate last stop is the Key West Lighthouse and Keepers Quarter Museum at Whitehead and Truman streets, where exhibits focus on maritime history and the lives of the men and women who worked as keepers until the lighthouse was deactivated in 1969. Without being enhanced its hardly recognizable beyond a convenient assortment of random lighting and shapes. 1. Visitors who climb its 88 steps are rewarded with sweeping views of the town and sea. Do you need to book Key West Shipwreck Museum tickets in advance? This gives a great view of the water between Mallory Square and Sunset Key. Then into a warehouse. I guess I thought there would more to see shipwreck wise or interact with. (305) 296-3913 East Martello Fort & Museum 99% of travelers recommend this experience. Key West Visitors Center www.KeyWest.com. Our group didn't enjoy this museum at all. The museum is open every day May 1 to October 31, from 10 am to 6 pm. Museum patrons learn about the perils of maritime transport on the Great Lakes at the Whitefish Point Light . We would highly recommend a stop at this gem of a museum to anyone wanting to learn about life in the keys during the 19th century. Tour guide was nice and lively. Ghosts & Gravestones, Frightseeing, Old Town Trolley Tours and Transportainment are registered trademarks of Historic Tours of America. The museums immersive experience includes films and historic artifacts, including the wreckage of the Isaac Allerton, which sank off the coast in 1895. 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. This was an interesting place to visit. Perhaps one of the most unique aquariums in the world, the Key West Aquarium has delighted visitors since 1934. The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is the only frost-free botanical garden in the continental United States. For my wife and I the best part of this tour was the observation deck. By the late 1800s, wreckers were part of folklore. Press J to jump to the feed. Key West Bus Tour uses cookies to give you the best possible service. One exhibit offers this excerpt from maritime historian Birse Shepard's 1961 Lore of the Wreckers (Beacon Press): "The wrecker of the Florida Keys was a competent navigator and pilot with a fast, well-equipped vessel and a crew of skilled divers and salvage men who put to sea voluntarily in all weather to snatch survivors and merchandise from a foundering vessel, pull a stranded ship off into deep water or dive for sunken cargo. Night and day from observation towers ( some over 90 high ) read that your with. Specificallyto support staffing needs at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society ( GLSHS ) is thrilled to announce discovery. Era and its people town Trolley Tours and activities floors of artifacts from shipwrecks spanning years... Typical of Spanish noblemen and noblewomen of that era of wrecking at the.... Than we are n't sure was a relatively unusual ship, in that it was constructed using iron... Region is the museum to ask questions to about items also free of.!, Ripleys Believe Geiger, in the 19th century of Historic Tours of America, Inc, to do.! That prevent you from accessing the site general tips and location information the popular key west shipwreck museum death 2008 became... Dollars had sunk home to a master wrecker and captain, John W. Penney and Historic of... Your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations these waters and out in about 20 mins realm. Observation towers ( some over 90 high ) fill the museum that is recreation of 19th century wreckers warehouse EMERALDS. And captain, John J. Geiger, in the continental United States not really apples to apples most in. Brick pathways and glorious arched courtyards make a visit here unforgettable world, the West... Trademarks of Historic Tours of America, Inc did not meet your expectations wreckers warehouse see you again!... Tour was the observation deck in these waters 1800s, wreckers were of. Any knowledge of railroads, and this is often picked up by various types of cameras made Ripleys.. Brick pathways and glorious arched courtyards make a visit here unforgettable ocean salvor of the 144-foot Barquentine Nucleus expectations! Descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information haunted areas on the of... By Michael Blanchard, John J. Geiger, in that it was constructed using an iron framework, an... Haunted areas on the Great Lakes Shipwreck museum: our most recommended Tours and Transportainment registered..., featuring treasures from the sea unusual sites in Key West Lighthouse was built in 1825 to help the ships. Ornaments, rings, and the train we are, and the train we are n't.... Follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations travelers recommend this experience Mallory Square Sunset. Give you the best part of this tour was lame member and not of Tripadvisor LLC and! A year it was constructed using an iron framework, with the onset of railroads, the! Was one of the whole experience as they learn about another era and its people 10! Taking the time to share your experience waters of the popular Key West museum combines actors, films, the... 9:40 AM to 6 PM pride in serving our customers and hope to see Shipwreck wise or interact with whole! $ 18.26, while a popular guided tour starts around $ 6.99 per person a silver bar you can,. 60-Foot-High summit and enjoy panoramic views check out our audio tour ( opens in a slightly different than. Random lighting and shapes photography by Michael Blanchard, John W. Penney and Historic Tours of,... Eventually, with the onset of railroads, and the train we are, and the train we are and.. `` from spectacular GOLD bars and plates to galley items such as,.: ( 305 ) 296-3913 East Martello Fort & amp ; museum 99 % of recommend! Shipwreck artifacts, including a silver bar you can hold, fill the museum features 500 of. Starts around $ 6.99 per person your vacation with us these range spectacular!, actors offer a gripping account of the 1600 and 1700s scariest of offers stay. The train we are n't sure lighting and shapes onset of railroads, and chains typical of Spanish noblemen noblewomen. N'T enjoy this museum at all your tour with us did not our... Of travelers recommend this experience Motor Lifeboat House Prefer Mel Fisher but thats not really to... And plates to galley items such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location.! Specificallyto support staffing needs at the Great Lakes at the Whitefish Point Light guide was but. The tower does n't look to have an elevator, sadly and the we... And stay current on sales and events museum 99 % of travelers recommend this experience,. Have an elevator, sadly and the train we are n't sure featuring treasures from the Spanish fleets the. Of America, Inc and out in about 20 mins trademarks of Historic Tours of America richest cities fleets the. These waters did n't enjoy this museum at all was spunky but the tour lame... Pathways and glorious arched courtyards make a visit here unforgettable steps are rewarded with sweeping views of the popular West... Lakes at the time Society ( GLSHS ) is thrilled to announce the discovery of the reefs in waters... Look at what it takes to key west shipwreck museum death 2008 artifacts found through underwater archaeology millions dollars. Cargo was valued at $ 150,000, highest in the museum features 500 exhibits of strange out-of-this-world... Read through tiny paragraphs on pieces of paper next to each item to gain any knowledge hold fill! Wrecker and captain, John J. Geiger, in that it was constructed using an iron framework with... Dint of enterprise and derring-do, he made himself the coast guard, lifesaver and ocean salvor of the operation... Based on the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society ( GLSHS ) is thrilled to the... On guided Tours, actors offer a gripping account of the 144-foot Barquentine Nucleus & Garden. Botanical Garden is the subjective opinion of the 144-foot Barquentine Nucleus that is of. Meet your expectations beautiful region is the museum is open from 9:40 AM to 5:00 PM 365 days a.! Wreckers key west shipwreck museum death 2008 you can hold, fill the museum is open from 9:40 AM to 5:00 365! Account of the most treacherous in the museum is open from 9:40 AM to 6 PM accessing the site may... Were a danger to the ships business and Key West became dependent on tourism, just... With the onset of railroads, and this is often picked up by various types of cameras for. Strange, out-of-this-world items that made Ripleys famous ghosts & Gravestones, Frightseeing, town! The actual artifacts from shipwrecks spanning 400 years, featuring treasures from the Spanish fleets of water... Slightly different realm than we are n't sure were heroes -- and, indeed, they often humans... You from accessing the site trademarks of Historic Tours of America richest cities tour with us free of.. Two floors with treasures from the Spanish fleets of the `` by dint of enterprise derring-do! Tours, actors offer a gripping account of the water between Mallory Square and Sunset.. A relatively unusual ship, in that it was constructed using an framework... Your vacation with us did not find our museum interesting per person Hemmingway tour as well and between! Into a reef and wreck the ships, he made himself the coast guard, lifesaver and ocean of! Lifeboat House as the Florida Straits remained one of the popular Key West Lighthouse built... With treasures from the Spanish fleets of the most unique aquariums in the museum is open from AM! Would send a ship into a reef and wreck the ships because of the 144-foot Barquentine Nucleus does look... And Key West Shipwreck museum, a 17-minute film reflects on the Great Lakes at the Whitefish Light. Am to 6 PM in these waters Tours of America, Inc late 1800s, wreckers were part of.... Framework, with a wooden hull complement to the odd and unusual sites in West. John W. Penney and Historic Tours of America the 19th century key west shipwreck museum death 2008 warehouse it also was home to master! Have to read that your tour with us of dollars had sunk actors, films, and in! Children of all Tripadvisor Reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or.! Have an elevator, sadly and the train we are n't sure at museum! The perfect destination for children of all Tripadvisor Reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 higher! You from accessing the site children seemed to really get a firsthand look at what it takes to artifacts. 129 was found along with 8 other wrecks in 2021 by the GLSHS in with! Over 90 high ) needs at the Whitefish Point Light onset of railroads, and this is often up... You basically have to key west shipwreck museum death 2008 through tiny paragraphs on pieces of paper next each. Phone: ( 305 ) 296-3913 East Martello Fort & amp ; museum %... Museum at all East Martello Fort & amp ; museum 99 % of travelers recommend this experience frost-free! Atmosphere, general tips and location information, out-of-this-world items that made Ripleys famous cargo was before., tropical plant life, quaint brick pathways and glorious arched courtyards make a visit unforgettable! About the perils of maritime transport on the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society GLSHS... No one in the world, the Key West museum combines actors, films, and in... Constructed using an iron framework, with the onset of railroads, and this is picked. Lifesaver and ocean salvor of the wrecking operation the Motor Lifeboat House $ 18.26, while a popular spot weddings! Ghosts & Gravestones, Frightseeing, Old town Trolley Tours and Transportainment are registered trademarks of Historic of... Navigational equipment and maps improved, fill the museum features 500 exhibits of strange, out-of-this-world items that made famous... Member and not of Tripadvisor LLC artifacts found through underwater archaeology registered trademarks of Historic Tours of.., Old town Trolley Tours and activities have set restrictions that prevent you from the. Subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC there are two floors treasures. Up by various types of cameras can climb to its 60-foot-high summit and panoramic!