Oldest House Museum & Gardens

The Oldest House Museum and Garden in Key West is one of South Florida’s most treasured historic landmarks, preserved and maintained by the nonprofit Old Island Restoration Foundation since 1960. Built in 1829 by Richard Cussans using Bahamian-style construction and durable Dade County Pine, the home is the city’s oldest surviving residence. The site showcases Key West’s early architecture, maritime traditions, and cultural history.

The museum highlights the lives of Francis and Emeline Watlington, a prominent 19th-century family whose story reflects both the hardships and resilience of frontier life in Key West. Visitors can step back in time through the preserved home, period furnishings, and the unique 1838 cookhouse, the last original of its kind in the city, constructed from salvaged shipwreck timbers.

Behind the home lies a lush historic garden, a private sanctuary in Old Town Key West featuring brick pathways, a gazebo, and tropical foliage. This serene setting provides a premier venue for weddings, vow renewals, anniversaries, and special events, accommodating up to 300 guests in the heart of Duval Street.

As both a museum and event venue, the Oldest House Museum and Garden preserves the architectural and cultural heritage of Key West while offering a remarkable space for meaningful celebrations.