The Historic Florida Keys Foundation

The Historic Florida Keys Foundation is the Keys' only County-wide non-profit historic preservation organization. Its mission is to promote historic preservation in the Florida Keys. It accomplishes this through management of historic properties, publications, intergovernmental assistance, and advocacy.

The Florida legislature established the Historic Key West Preservation Board in 1972 as a branch of State government, later renaming it the Historic Florida Keys Preservation Board to reflect the expansion of its mission to all of Monroe County. By 1991, the Historic Florida Keys Foundation incorporated as a direct-support organization to the Preservation Board. Six years later, the legislature abolished the state office, and the Foundation took over its duties.

The Preservation Board spearheaded the restoration of Key West's majestic 1891 Old City Hall, completing the exterior for the Bicentennial in 1976. The Foundation maintains its offices in this building. The Foundation also manages the Armory, completed in 1903, securing rehabilitation grants to assist in its maintenance. The Harry S. Truman Little White House is on a long-term lease with Historic Tours of America. In 1997, the Foundation administered a grant that provided substantial funds for that property.

The Preservation Board began giving awards for preservation in 1981 to recognize exemplary efforts in the field. The Foundation continues this program, whose coveted star has become a hallmark of fine old Keys' properties.

A Board of Directors -- with representation from Key West to Key Largo -- governs the Foundation, which employs a staff of two. The Historic Florida Keys Foundation can be reached at 305-292-6718 or hfkf@bellsouth.net