August 29, 2018 – (Key West, FL). Key West Art & Historical Society Curator offers “Happy Hour with the Historian” lecture at Waterfront Brewery
Curious about Key West cigar making or the island’s quick rise and fall of sponging? Raise a toast to Key West history with Curator Cori Convertito, Ph.D., during Key West Art & Historical Society’s “Happy Hour with the Historian” program, a series of fun, historical lectures held from 4:30pm to 5:30pm on select dates each month at the Waterfront Brewery located at 201 William St in Key West. This month’s event on Tuesday, September 18 spotlights the development of the “Industries of Key West.”
Attend this session to learn how industries such as wrecking, salvaging, sponging, turtle fishing, and cigar manufacturing helped make Key West the richest city per capita in the United States during the 1880s, and discover other historic elements of the island’s industries, including transportation – “Think Pan Am,” says Convertito – and the origins of tourism.
“Unlike many other communities that are mono-industrial, Key West has undergone several rebirths where industries are concerned,” says Convertito. “Either by luck or superb planning, it seems that when one industry waned, another sprouted up, keeping the island’s residents from being impoverished.”
“Happy Hour with the Historian” is a spin on the Society’s successful Distinguished Speaker Series, but with a more relaxed approach and with Convertito as the presenter who shares her vast knowledge of Key West history while the Waterfront Brewery showcases its selection of craft beers. Attendees enjoy a talk on the brewing process in its brew room and then receive two 4oz. samples before the program’s topic is offered.
The entertaining and educational lecture series is limited to 30 attendees and will continue through fall 2018. Advanced ticket purchase is suggested as previous sessions have sold out.
Visitkwahs.org and click ‘tickets’— $8 for KWAHS members, $10 for non-members. Sponsored in part by The Waterfront Brewery. For more information,contact Cori Convertito, Ph.D. at 305.295.6616 x112. Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.
Image:
Raise a glass to Key West history with Curator Cori Convertito, Ph.D., at the next Key West Art & Historical Society “Happy Hour with the Historian,” event, “Industries of Key West” happening from 4:30-5:30pm, September 18 at the Waterfront Brewery, 201 William St. in Key West. (Image of Eduardo H. Gato label from a Progressive Proof Book in the Key West Art & Historical Society collection.)