May 06, 2021

3 Unique Museum Experiences You Need to Know About

While there are so many things to do and see while visiting our beautiful island, some of our favorite Key West attractions have unique opportunities you might not know about, and we think you should. For example, did you know you can take a ride in Harry Truman’s Presidential Limousine? Are you aware the Mel Fisher Museum offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the artifact conservation lab, and did you know you can now have a private lighthouse sunset experience from above? All uniquely fabulous adventures and attractions you’ll remember long after you return home. Let’s find out what’s happening at the Truman Little Whitehouse, Mel Fisher Maritime Museum and the Key West Lighthouse Museum.

Take A Ride in President Truman’s Limousine

Harry S. Truman Little Whitehouse

A ride in the limo is part of the Harry S. Truman Little White House “White Glove Tour,” where guests enjoy a VIP ride in President Truman’s 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Limousines to the Truman Waterfront. Before we get into the white glove tour, let’s learn a little bit more about the museum.

trumanlimo flakeys

Photo credit: fla-keys.com

Did you know

Harry S. Truman, our 33rd President, spent 175 days in Key West?

The Harry S Truman Little White House was the winter White House for President Harry S. Truman during his 11 visits.

Harry S. Truman Little White House is Florida’s only presidential museum?

The Little White House Museum tour gives you an up-close look at Truman’s Key West life.

The White Glove Tour experience concludes with a ride in the limo that carried America's 33rd president.

truman-limo-exterior

Harry Truman’s Little White House Museum recently acquired one of Truman’s presidential limousines. Read all about it here.

About the White Glove Tour

This 2.5 hour VIP tour gives you access to numerous exclusive opportunities, including:

Behind the scenes tour of the Little White House for your exclusive group of up to 6 guests
A look into rooms not seen on the regular tour of the Little White House
Complimentary refreshments
Keepsake souvenir
Behind the scenes glimpse of Truman’s custom and original bar
Exclusive photo opportunities at Truman’s desk and custom-built poker table
Botanical Tour of the beautiful grounds complete with historic species and tropical fruit trees
Personal access to Little White House archives
A guided tour of the New Foundation Suite, which includes:
Several galleries featuring a well-curated collection of artwork, photographs, and priceless artifacts
Guests may don white gloves to hold actual presidential artifacts
To finish off your tour, enjoy a VIP ride in one of President Truman’s 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Limousines to the Truman Waterfront.

The 2.5 hour White Glove Tour is $500 plus tax for each group of up to six people.

Learn more about the Little White House White Glove Tour.

If the White Glove Tour is out of your price range, we highly recommend you buy the general admission tickets. Advance tickets purchased online are $20.27 for adults, $9.68 for kids ages 4–12.

Find out why former President Harry S. Truman's "Little White House" is considered a must-see and the White Glove Tour is a must-do; click here.
Harry S. Truman Little White House, 111 Front Street, Key West, Florida.

Artifact Conservation Lab Tour

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum

See how history is revealed through the excavation and conservation of shipwrecks.

Discover a museum rich in history and amazing treasure in our 1622 Fleet exhibit of the Spanish galleons discovered by Mel Fisher and his crew. You’ll also find thought-provoking Spirits of the Passage and Key West African Cemetery exhibits to glean insights into the transatlantic slave trade and Key West's unique role in it.

The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is the only fully accredited museum in the Florida Keys, a nationally recognized research and archaeology institution.

The Lab Tour

Visitors to the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the artifact conservation laboratory. Much of Key West’s history is found underwater, and conservators, archaeologists, and historians work carefully to reawaken this submerged past. Come learn firsthand how centuries-old relics recovered from shipwrecks are cleaned, stabilized, and made “new” again.

monica lab

Photo courtesy of Mel Fisher Maritime Museum

Wondering what happens in the conservation lab?

A couple of months ago, we presented a sword hilt recovered from the wreck of the 1564 galleon Santa Clara. Since then, we’ve realized that a blade, found separately on the site, matches with the hilt. Today, after painstaking work, they are joined. Here we see MFMHS conservator Monica Brook putting the finishing touches on the reunited hilt and blade.
(Via Mel Fisher Maritime Museum Facebook Page)

Before and After

artifact

Photo Courtesy of Mel Fisher Maritime Museum.

Before and After | The proper conservation of shipwreck artifacts is crucial to understanding them. With this fish spear now restored, we can appreciate another aspect of shipboard life in the earliest days of the colonial system. (Photo credit: Mel Fisher Maritime Museum)

What people are saying

Our favorite part was the limited access conservation lab tour which was conducted by an extremely knowledgeable and personable marine archeologist who took us through each step of the process from discovery to the de-encrustation and preservation of artifacts. His enthusiasm for his line of work made this tour interesting and exciting. There is an extra fee for this experience but it was the best money we have ever spent!~ Touring Two Timers, TripAdvisor.

Lab Tours are scheduled at 11:30 am and 2 pm on weekdays and 2 pm on weekends.

Adult admission for the behind-the-scenes conservation laboratory tour is $30. This does not include museum admission. Regular Adult Admission is $17.50.

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, 200 Greene Street, Key West, Florida.

Visit melfisher.org to learn more.

Private Key West Sunset Experience from the Lighthouse

Key West Lighthouse Museum

lighthouse

Forget the crowds, celebrate Key West's world-famous sunset in style from the observation platform of the island city's iconic and historic Lighthouse. 360-degree views of the historic district, Hemingway Home, the Southernmost Point and spectacular ocean views from above make this the most exclusive sunset experience in the Florida Keys.

The experience permits exclusive access to the Lighthouse, Keeper’s Quarters, and grounds for groups of up to six for 90 minutes. Each experience includes a complimentary bottle of wine or Prosecco, artisanal meats, cheeses, or sweets from Uva Wine.

The Sunset Experience is weather permitting and allows for 90 minute (45 minutes before and after sunset) access to the property, museum, and tower during sunset. To find out what time sunset is during your visit, click here.

Lighthouse View from Above

Photo credit: Derek33040 via TripAdvisor

What people are saying

Unforgettable experience, once in a lifetime - MUST DO!

Whether visiting Key West for a special occasion or a quick getaway, this is truly a must-do. Michael was amazing from the moment I booked online and was incredibly attentive to detail leading up to our event. The day of, it seemed that rain may ruin the day, but he was in constant contact with me right up until the 'all clear.’ I've watched some beautiful sunsets around the world, but this experience was like none other. I was able to surprise my husband for his birthday with this incredible experience and would book it again in a heartbeat next time we are in Key West. ~ AmBo1109, TripAdvisor

The Key West Lighthouse Sunset Experience is available for small groups of 2-4 at $300 +, and for larger groups, with a maximum of 8 people, the price is $350 +, and both include Uva Wine Shoppe Gourmet Basket.

If you’re interested in creating a once-in-a-lifetime celebration at sunset with your closest friends, this is the place for you to do it.

Learn more about the Key West Lighthouse Sunset Experience.

Key West Lighthouse Museum & Keepers Quarters, 938 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040.

Now that you’ve got the latest scoop on some of the most exclusive and must-see and do museum experiences, we hope you’ll visit and share your memories with us. #lovethemarker

April 27, 2021

Top Songwriters Head to Key West in May

Top Songwriters Head to Key West in May 25th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival May 5 - 9 It’s happening, and we are super psyched to share the news! Top songwriters are heading to Key West for the 25th Annual...

March 18, 2021

New In Town: Let's Eat

Wondering what’s new in the Key West restaurant scene? Look no further because we’ve been touring and tasting the newest restaurants near the Historic Seaport that are serving up excellence in food, drink, and entertainment! Let’s find out more about...