July 9, 2026 – (KEY WEST, FL). The Key West Art & Historical Society is pleased to present a special installment of its popular lecture series, Happy Hour with the Historian, in conjunction with the annual Hemingway Days celebration. Historian Cori Convertito, Ph.D., will present “Following the Fish: Hemingway in Key West” on Thursday, July 23, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Comedy Key West.
The engaging presentation explores Ernest Hemingway’s deep connection to the waters surrounding Key West and Cuba, where his passion for big-game fishing became as legendary as his literary career. While writing some of the twentieth century’s most celebrated novels, Hemingway spent countless hours aboard his beloved 38-foot fishing boat, Pilar, pursuing marlin, tuna, and other prized sport fish. His experiences on the water inspired memorable scenes in works including “To Have and Have Not” and the Nobel Prize-winning “The Old Man and the Sea.”
Beyond recounting Hemingway’s celebrated angling adventures, Dr. Convertito will examine the author’s lesser-known role as an advocate for marine conservation. The lecture offers a fascinating look at how Hemingway balanced his enthusiasm for sport fishing with an evolving appreciation for protecting the marine environment, providing fresh insight into one of America’s most iconic writers.
“Hemingway’s relationship with the sea shaped both his life and his writing,” said Dr. Convertito, curator and historian for the Society. “His time on the water wasn’t simply recreation. It informed his storytelling, influenced his worldview, and helped establish Key West as a world-renowned sport fishing destination. This lecture explores the intersection of literature, history, and conservation while revealing a side of Hemingway that many people have never considered.”
Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with the lecture beginning promptly at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are highly recommended in advance and can be purchased online at kwahs.org/whats-on. Admission is $13 for Society members and $17 for non-members, and each ticket includes a complimentary beverage. Early purchase is encouraged as seating is limited.
Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.
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IMAGE 1: Historian Dr. Cori Convertito will present “Following the Fish: Hemingway in Key West,” a special Happy Hour with the Historian lecture exploring Ernest Hemingway’s legendary fishing adventures, literary inspiration, and conservation legacy during Hemingway Days. The lecture takes place Thursday, July 23, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Comedy Key West, 218 Whitehead Street. (Photo Credit: Key West Art & Historical Society)
