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March 2, 2017.  Key West, FL. –Key West Art & Historical Society Puts Members in Lighthouse Spotlight with Free Celebration and Membership Drive

The Key West Art & Historical Society pays tribute to its members on Friday, March 10 from 5:30-8:30 pm with a membership drive and free “Full Moon Party”, featuring a kid’s station, pop-up exhibit, wine auction, raffle packages, extended membership offers, great food and drinks, and live music by 3Sum, a musical trio delivering funky soul and disco beats.

Members and those with an interest in Key West’s arts and history alike are invited to the party at Key West’s iconic, 167-year-old Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters, one of three historic sites The Society is steward to as well as one of the island’s most significant and obvious historic structures.

Once a beacon for the island with its Parisian Fresnel light that could shine 11 nautical miles out to sea, the 48-foot tower also served to guide those on land; Even Hemingway- who once lived across the street from the structure- was known to use it as a North Star of sorts to find his way home after nights of heavy imbibing. Stories and landmarks such as these make up the cultural landscape of Key West and are preserved in part by the Key West Art & Historical Society, one of Key West’s oldest nonprofit organizations.

In addition to the historic Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters, which now serve as a museum dedicated to the lives of its Keepers, the organization is also steward to the Custom House and Fort East Martello and preserves a tremendous collection of artifacts and art that reflect the history of Key West. Tennessee Williams’ dentures, Mario Sanchez original woodcarvings, Civil War armaments, hand printed fabric artwork by Suzie dePoo— these things and more are exhibited or stored among more than 250,000 other items in the Society’s collections.

Like any organization, when membership thrives, so does it.  Annual membership contributions support preservation of the Society’s three historic museums, conservation of the collection, outstanding exhibitions and year-round educational programming for children and adults that enrich the culture of the island. Their Distinguished Speaker series, rotating exhibits, Music at Martello concert series, pop-up parties, and upcoming Papio Kinetic Parade weekend celebration are just a few of the many initiatives and events the organization provides to engage the community and visiting tourists.

While anyone interested can benefit from what the organization offers, “Society members can enjoy many benefits while sharing in the satisfaction of belonging to one of Key West’s oldest cultural institutions,” says Kim Livingston, Society Membership Coordinator.  Members receive discounts on exhibits, films, lectures, trips, festivals and museum store purchases; invites to special programs and parties, and early VIP admission to events and exhibit openings.

The celebration at 938 Whitehead Street is free for members with a suggested donation of $10 for non-members at the door. Sponsored by Centennial Bank, Papas Pilar Rum and Shipyard Brewing Company. For more information, call Membership Coordinator Kim Livingston at  295.6616 x 106 or visit WWW.KWAHS.ORGYour Museums.  Your Community.  It Takes an Island. 

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Image Caption (KWAHS 2_Lighthouse):

The Key West Art & Historical Society pays tribute to its members on Friday, March 10 from 5:30-7:30 pm with a membership drive and celebration at the Key West Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters. Photo by Todd Feit