Our Mission
Promoting historic preservation in the Florida Keys through education, advocacy, collaboration and stewardship.
The Armory (pictured here) and Old City Hall (above) both had Grant work completed in 2015.
Our History
The Florida legislature established the Historic Key West Preservation Board as a branch of the State government in 1972, later renaming it the Historic Florida Keys Preservation Board to reflect the expansion of its mission to all of Monroe County. The Historic Florida Keys Foundation incorporated as direct-support organization to the Preservation Board by 1991. The Legislature abolished the State office 6 years later, and the Foundation took over its duties.
Applications for grant awards are a big part of what we do.
• For 2022/2023 we had a grant for restoration at Old City Hall for $157,000 from the Division of Historical Resources
• For 2020/2021 we had a grant for Hurricane Irma damage for $108,000 for the Armory from the National Park Service
• Certified Local Government Grant awarded for $39,100 to Monroe County for the “Monroe County Cultural Resources Assessment Update” financed with Federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior
• Old City Hall: Special Category matching grant for $50,000 awarded to HFKF for the “Restoration and Protection of Old City Hall” sponsored by the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources and the State of Florida
• Historic Key West Armory: Small matching grant for $50,000 awarded to HFKF for “Historic Key West Armory Restoration” sponsored by the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources and the State of Florida. Special Category matching grant for $144,000 awarded to HFKF for “Restoration and Protection of the Historic Key West Armory” sponsored by the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources and the State of Florida.
Old City Hall
The second floor of Old City Hall is available for lease, pictured here. As the former City Commission Chambers, it seats 150 and is perfect for presentations and group meetings. For more information, call 305-292-6718.
Old Key West, Circa 1898
Explore the Foundation
Historic Properties
The Historic Florida Keys Foundation leases four historic state owned properties: Old City Hall, The Armory, Truman Little White House and the Oldest House.
Monroe County Historic Preservation Program
The Historic Florida Keys Foundation receives ongoing financial support from Monroe County, in exchange for assisting their Historic Preservation program.
Key West Cemetery
The Historic Florida Keys Foundation provides preservation and educational services for the Cemetery, including walking tours twice a week.
Preservation Awards
Since 1981, the Foundation has presented awards to recognize excellence for preservation, restoration, rehabilitation and new construction.
Contact Us
We are excited by the possibilities before us as we continue to promote historic preservation Keys-wide. Today, as a private, non-profit we appreciate your continued support and interest in preserving our heritage.