Matecumbe Historical Trust Corp.

Lignumvitae, Indian Key, Windley Key, San Pedro Underwater Preserve State Parks
2024-11-12 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Islamorada Public Library, 81830 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL, 33936, United States
Presentation by quest speaker Lu Dodson, park Manager for Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, Indian Key Historical State Park, Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, the San Pedro Underwater Archeological Preserve State Park, and the Florida Keys Oversea Heritage Trail.
She will cover the fascinating progressive history of the islands and the San Pedro, how they are all inter-related and the status of park projects and events. She will also show a short video produced by the Park Service highlighting the unique features of each park, upcoming events in all the parks and the varies volunteer opportunities.
Free and open to the public. Call 305-393-0940 for more information.

Florida Keys Archaeology & History Presentation
2024-10-15 18:30 - 19:30 | Islamorada Public Library, 81830 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL, 33936, United States
Matecumbe Historical Trust to celebrate International Archaeology Day
The Matecumbe Historical Trust hosts this month’s presentation on Tuesday, October 15th, at the Islamorada Public Library, mile marker 81.5 at 6:30 p.m. A presentation by the late Irving Eyster will show some of the most unusual and fascinating items ever found on our islands to celebrate Internation Archaeology Day. Eyster, was a well-known historian and archaeologist, and had been collecting items and preserving them for future generations for more than 60 years.
This presentation will include items from the early Indians, shipwrecks, Flagler’s Railway, Indian Key, lighthouses, maps, documents, and rare items.
The Florida Keys has a vast history that needs to be preserved and shared. We invite you to join us.
The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 305-393-0940 or visit MatecumbeHistoricalTrust.org

Labor Day Service
2024-09-02 09:00 - 10:00 | Islamorada Hurricane Monument, mm 81.5
The Matecumbe Historical Trust will hold their annual Labor Day Service on Monday, September 2nd starting at 9am at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument, mile marker 81.5. Please join us in memory of the those who perished in the 1935 Hurricane and for the unveiling of the 1935 Hurricane Map.
The Hurricane Monument memorializes hundreds of American Veterans and local citizens who died in the Hurricane of September 2, 1935. After World War 1, the newly created Federal Emergency Relief Administration offered the unemployed veterans’ jobs. Over 600 of these men came to the Florida Keys to help complete U.S. Highway One.
Each year the Matecumbe Historical Trust holds a service to pay tribute to those who lost their lives. The service will include the introduction, Invocation, Presentation of Colors, National Anthem, guest speakers, history of the hurricane, the laying of the memorial wreath, Taps, Patriotic songs, the Benediction, and the unveiling of the Hurricane Map. The Wreath is sponsored by Centennial Bank. For more information, please call Barbara at 305-393-0940.

Memorial Day Service
2024-05-27 09:00 - 10:00 | Islamorada Hurricane Monument, mm 81.5
The Matecumbe Historical Trust will hold their annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 27th starting at 9:00 a.m. at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument, Mile Marker 81.8 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.
The program will start with an introduction, followed by the invocation, Presentation of Colors, Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, guest speakers, the laying of the memorial wreath sponsored by Centennial Bank, followed by Taps. Patriotic songs by The Two Big Brothers, followed by the benediction. Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend in observance of Memorial Day. For additional information please contact Barbara at 305-393-0940

Keys Worst Hurricanes
2024-05-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Islamorada Public Library, 81830 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL, 33936, United States
The Keys Worst Hurricanes
Presentation from the Irving R Eyster collection
Tuesday May 14, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Islamorada Public Library – 81830 Overseas Hwy
An audio-visual presentation from Irving Eyster’s collection will be shown on several of our local Hurricanes starting with the 1733 Spanish Treasure Fleet, leading up to the 1935 Hurricane, Hurricane Donna in 1960 and Hurricane Irma in 2017. These were some of the most destructive hurricanes in Florida Keys history with the 1935 Hurricane being the strongest storm of the century.
Free Presentation – Open to the public
For more information contact Barbara at 305-393-0940

Connecting to Nature while Protecting Paradise
2024-04-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Islamorada Public Library, 81830 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL, 33936, United States
On Tuesday, April 9th, the Matecumbe Historical Trust guest speaker, Lindsey Crews, Science and Outreach Coordinator for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will present: Connecting to Nature while Protecting Paradise. Lindsey will discuss the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the founding of the Sanctuary, what it looks like today, and how everyday people can impact its future while working toward protecting our marine life. Join us at the Islamorada Public Library to better understand our maritime heritage and the ongoing efforts to restore it. For More information call 305-393-0940. The Presentation is free and open to the pubic.

Keys Navigation: Early Beacons, Namesake of Legends, & Restoring History
2024-03-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Islamorada Public Library, 81830 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL, 33936, United States
On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 6:00pm the Matecumbe Historical Trust and Islamorada Branch of the Monroe County Public Library brings to you a Trilogy of Keys Navigation. The Trilogy will be presented in collaboration between Dr. Corey Malcom, Lead Historian of the Florida Keys History Center at the Key West Branch of Monroe County Library, Brenda Altmeier, Maritime Heritage Coordinator/Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Captain Rob Dixon, Director/Friends of the Pool, Saving Alligator Reef Lighthouse. Join us at the Islamorada Public Library to better understand our maritime heritage and the ongoing efforts to restore it.
The Presentation is free and open to the Public
For more information call 305-393-0940

What the Heck is Archaeology?
2023-10-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Islamorada Public Library, 81830 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL, 33936, United States
“What the Heck is Archaeology? – This Free Presentation covers a broad overview of Florida’s history, and how archaeological research can uncover new knowledge about the past, confirm what we know, or challenge what we think we know. We’ll also be learning about how different subfields of archaeology work, and what it takes to become an archaeologist!
The subject will be South Florida which has been an incredible place to live for about 14,000 years. How have people been using the landscape of the Keys from this period to modern day? In this lecture, Florida Public Archaeology Network will discuss the archaeology of the Florida Keys, including what tools, food, animals, and people would have used and encountered in the past. There will also be a brief overview of modern work in the area, including current research being undertaken by universities in Florida.
Malachi Fenn, MA, RPA – Before becoming Public Archaeologist for FPAN’s Southeast Region, Malachi Fenn worked on cultural resource management (CRM) and museum projects throughout South Florida. They earned their B.A. in Anthropology from New College of Florida. A lifelong visual artist, Malachi has provided archaeological illustrations for numerous publications. Their specializations include Florida pre-colonial and historical archaeology, museum collections care, and scientific illustration.”
The presentation is free and open to the public. For more information call Barbara at 305-393-0940.

Labor Day Service - Islamorada Hurricane Monument
2023-09-04 09:00 - 22:00 | Islamorada Hurricane Monument, mm 81.5
The Matecumbe Historical Trust will hold their annual Labor Day Service on Monday, September 4th starting at 9am at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument, mile marker 81.5.
The Hurricane Monument memorializes hundreds of American Veterans and local citizens who died in the Hurricane of September 2, 1935. After World War 1, returning veterans were promised bonuses but were not paid. As the misery of the depression overtook the country, many remained unemployed and large groups assembled in Washington in 1934, demanding their money. The newly created Federal Emergency Relief Administration offered the unemployed veterans jobs. Over 600 of these men came to the Florida Keys to help complete U.S. Highway One, adjacent to the railroad.
On September 2, 1935, many of the civilians and war veterans perished in the 200 mph winds and huge storm surge.
Each year the Matecumbe Historical Trust holds a service to pay tribute to those who lost their lives. The service will include the introduction, Invocation, Presentation of Colors, National Anthem, guest speakers, history of the hurricane, the laying of the memorial wreath, Taps, Patriotic songs, and Benediction. Please join us in remembering those who perished. The Wreath is sponsored by Centennial Bank. For more information, please call Barbara at 305-393-0940.

The Florida-Cuba Connection by Rafael Penalver
2023-08-22 06:30 - 19:30
The Matecumbe Historical Trust will host this month’s free presentation at the Islamorada Public Library located at 81830 Overseas Highway on Tuesday, August 22nd at 6:30 pm. Rafael Penalver will give an overview of the history of Cuba and the Florida connection with special emphases on the role played by Key West and the Keys. Follow the history of the Island Nation and its impact on Florida from the Spanish exploration and colonial rule, the Spanish American war, the Cuban Republic, the Castro Revolution, Bay of Pigs, the Cold War and Cuban Missile Crisis. The Mariel Exodus, the Post-Soviet era and the influence of Florida’s Cuban American community will be told by Rafael who came from Cuba as a young boy. He will share what the future might hold with the new leader of Cuba today.
Rafael Penalver is president of Key West’s historic San Carlos Institute. Penalver, a native of Cuba, came to the United States in 1961. He graduated from the University of Miami Law School and practices law in Florida and Washington, DC.
The presentation is free and open to the public. For information call 305-393-0940.

Elliot Key, The Northern most home of the Florida Keys by Dr. John Nordt
2023-07-17 18:30 - 19:30 | Island Community Church MM 83, 83250 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida, 33036
Monday, July 17th at Island Community Church located at 83250 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, starting at 6:30 pm. Admission is free and open to the public.
Dr. Nordt will speak about the history of the development and settlement of Elliot Key, the northernmost home of the Florida Keys. His grandfather used to sell real estate and purchased 18 acres on Elliot Key in the 1920’s. Later his mother wanted a place to live on the island and the young John Nordt was fascinated with the history. The island had been home to wreckers, then farmers growing pineapples and Key limes, then land speculators. It had been its own school district with 14 or 15 kids.
Eventually the government bought the property. John’s mother wrote an unpublished history of the island and collected books and maps, and she passed along to her son her passion for both. Maps line his office and home and books line his shelves.
Dr. Nordt is a board certified specialist in orthopedic surgery. He was a full time Instructor at the University of Miami and worked with the Miami Dolphins. He is an historian, active in the Historical Museum of Miami and the Map Fair. He also lived in Islamorada when a young boy. His practice includes the Keys, one day a month in Tavernier, and he flies his own plane to Marathon to care for his patients there. He has an office in Coral Gables on Le Jeune Road. For more information call 305-393-0940.

Memorial Day Service
2023-05-29 09:00 - 22:00 | Islamorada Hurricane Monument, mm 81.5
The Matecumbe Historical Trust will hold their annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 29th starting at 9:00 a.m. at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument, Mile Marker 81.8 Overseas Highway.
The program will start with an introduction, followed by the invocation, Presentation of Colors, Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, guest speakers, a presentation, the laying of the memorial wreath sponsored by Centennial Bank, and one placed by the Daughters of the American Revolution, followed by Taps. Patriotic songs by The Two Big Brothers, followed by the benediction. Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend in observance of Memorial Day. For additional information please contact Barbara Edgar at 305-393-0940

Florida Keys Worst Hurricanes
2023-04-17 18:30 - 19:30 | Island Community Church MM 83, 83250 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida, 33036
The Matecumbe Historical Trust free presentation will be on “The Keys Worst Hurricanes” The presentation is from the Irving R Eyster collection. The presentation will be held on Monday, April 17,2023 at 6:30 pm in Island Community Church located at 82350 Overseas Highway, Islamorada. An audio-visual presentation will be shown on several of our local Hurricanes starting with the 1733 Spanish Treasure Fleet, leading up to the 1935 Hurricane, Hurricane Donna in 1960 and Hurricane Irma in 2017. These were some of the most destructive hurricanes in Florida Keys history with the 1935 Hurricane being the strongest storm of the century.
The Presentation is free and open to the public. For more information contact Barbara at 305-393-0940

INDIAN KEY - Free Presentation
2023-03-20 18:30 - 19:30 | Island Community Church MM 83, 83250 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, Florida, 33036
Indian Key by Irving R Eyster and Bob Eyster
The Matecumbe Historical Trust will host this month free audio-visual presentation on Monday, March 20th starting at 6:30 pm at Island Community Church located at 83250 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.
Indian Key has a rich and exciting history inclusive of Indians, Spanish Conquistadors, pirates, wreckers, politicians, ship builders, and the U.S. Navy. It gained prominence as a wrecking village from which ships sailed to salvage the many shipwrecks on the treacherous reef just offshore. This was the domain of Jacob Housman, who was known as the most notorious wrecker in Florida. It was also the locale of the first resort in South Florida. Once ashore, one could find a hotel, bowling alley, bar, general store, post office, blacksmith and carpentry shop, as well as warehouses for salvaged goods. The island transformed into the busiest port between St. Augustine and Key West. Indian Key became the first County Seat of Dade County (now Miami-Dade County) before Miami existed, and it remained a major part of South Florida history, extending beyond the Indian Key Massacre and the burning of the village. Indian Key still has many stories to tell through the remains of structures which were part of this once thriving island community.
For more information contact Barbara at 305-393-0940

LABOR DAY SERVICE
2022-09-05 09:00 - 11:00 | Islamorada Hurricane Monument, mm 81.5
The Matecumbe Historical Trust will hold their annual Labor Day service on Monday, September 5th at 9:00 a.m. in memory of the civilians and war veterans who lost their lives in the Hurricane of September 2, 1935. The service will include the Invocation, Presentation of Colors, National Anthem, guest speakers, the History of the hurricane and monument, laying of the memorial wreath, taps, America the Beautiful and God Bless the USA followed by the benediction. The wreath is sponsored by Centennial Bank. For more information, please contact Barbara at 305-393-0940.
Date: September 05 2022 Time: Monday, 9 AM
Location: Islamorada Hurricane Monument mm 81.5
