The Key West Museum of Artwork & Historical past is asking residents of Key West and Monroe County to dig into their pantries, storage nooks and attics — and share the instruments, traditions and household heirlooms that inform the story of how meals has formed island life over the a long time.
As a part of a brand new collaboration with Florida Humanities and the Smithsonian Establishment’s Touring Exhibition Service (SITES), the museum is making ready an exhibit titled “Meals: Celebrating Conch Delicacies,” set to open in late February 2026.
This exhibit is likely one of the first in a brand new nationwide initiative, the “Exhibition Starter Equipment: Meals” program, which empowers native museums to discover regional culinary histories by way of neighborhood participation and storytelling and because of a grant from Florida Humanities, and with steerage and assets from the Smithsonian.
Museum curator and historian Cori Convertito is asking residents to lend objects that mirror the distinctive meals tradition of the Keys. These things can embrace classic kitchen instruments, vintage cookware, previous fishing tools, household recipe playing cards, menus from long-gone eating places, even furnishings that after held a spot in historic kitchens.
“That is an unimaginable alternative to deliver the Smithsonian expertise to Monroe County whereas spotlighting the actual tales and heritage of our neighborhood,” mentioned Convertito. “We’re searching for these tangible items of the previous — maybe a hand-cranked milk separator, a weathered Key lime pie tin, bottles from Adams Dairy, or a well-used ice chest — that may assist us illustrate the culinary historical past that has formed our Conch id.”
Convertito added that objects resembling vintage eating furnishings, aged silverware units or long-retired cooking utensils may additionally present a compelling window into the on a regular basis lives of previous generations.
The way to contribute
Residents who personal traditionally important or significant food-related gadgets might share their tales for doable inclusion within the exhibition primarily based on the museum’s curatorial wants.
Contributors ought to e-mail cconvertito@kwahs.org with the next:
Clear pictures of the merchandise(s), a quick description of the thing(s) and details about who within the household used the merchandise(s) and through what time interval.
“That is your likelihood to be a part of an essential story — to assist us protect and share the flavors, traditions and voices that outline life within the Keys,” Convertito mentioned.
Extra data is at kwahs.org/exhibit/meals/.