Key West unveils big plans for bicentennial celebration

Key West is rolling out a series of special events to mark its 200th anniversary.

Set for 19-30 March, ‘Key West 200^th‘ includes the Key West Maritime Historical Society’s presentation of Lt. Matthew C. Perry’s original logbook, which details his 1822 voyage to the island on the U.S.S. Shark. The ceremony is scheduled at 4 p.m. 20 March, aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Ingham Maritime Museum, a national historic landmark.

Other events begin on 25 March with a re-enactment of Perry’s planting of the American flag.

Set for Mallory Square beside Key West Harbor, activities include the dedication of a granite time capsule to be opened in 50 years and the designation of four Key West children to be ambassadors at the island’s 250th anniversary celebration.

A parade along historic Duval Street is to follow.

That night, the Old Island Restoration Foundation is to host the Key West Bicentennial Celebratory Gala at the Oldest House Museum and Gardens. Attendees are encouraged to dress in period or ‘island formal’ attire to enjoy the gala’s music, artefact displays, VIP guest speakers, food and drinks.

The following day brings the all-day Bicentennial Heritage Festival at Truman Waterfront Park at the end of Southard Street. There will be family-friendly activities, stage performances with local music and historic talks.

Other Key West 200th events include a free outdoor screening of the documentary, ‘Key West: Come as You Are: 200 Years of History and Culture,’ scheduled for Tuesday, 22 March at Fort East Martello Museum.

An evening ‘Conch Revival Picnic’ is planned for 23 March featuring informal island cuisine at the Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters. The following evening, Florida Keys historian Tom Hambright is to discuss Key West’s colourful history at the landmark San Carlos Institute.

Throughout March, baseball fans can celebrate Key West’s longstanding connection to the sport by viewing ‘Play Ball!’ a multi-venue exhibit of 200 artist-decorated baseball bats held at the Studios of Key West. the Historic Gato Building, and the Oldest House Museum.

Artwork and caricatures depicting Keys baseball are to be displayed at the Oldest House. An evening outdoor concert is to feature guitarist Bronson Arroyo, a Key West native and retired Major League Baseball pitcher, with saxophonist Elan Trotman.

The bicentennial celebration is commemorated all year in the Key West 200 exhibit at the Key West Art & Historical Society’s Custom House Museum. The exhibit showcases rarely displayed artefacts from the island’s industries and commerce, migrations, transportation and architecture, culture and community, as well as influential milestones such as the Civil War, Great Depression and World War II.

Additional festivities throughout the year include Tropic Cinema’s monthly showings of films shot in Key West, historic and architectural walking tours, lectures, presentations and harbor tours.

Key West visitor information: https://fla-keys.com/key-west/

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