Welcome To The Matecumbe Historical Trust

History of Islamorada and The Florida Keys

The Matecumbe Historical Trust Corp. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the education, history and preservation of the Florida Keys

Our Mission: To enrich the lives of Florida Keys residents and visitors by providing them with the region's history, artifacts, photographs and other historically significant resources.

Our Vision: To preserve the history of the Florida Keys by building the Irving R. Eyster Museum which will display and house historical artifacts, documents and memorabilia.

Florida Keys Historian & Archaeologist

Irving R. Eyster

In 1947, he and his wife Jeane traveled to Key West; there they immediately fell in love with the Keys and thus relocated. The couple moved to Lower Matecumbe in 1952 when only seven others shared the island; this was because Irving thought Key West was too crowded. They built a small motel, and Irving began to preserve the Keys' history. He has accomplished more in his life than many could in five lifetimes. Irving was a friend to everyone he met.

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2016 MHT Historic Trolley Tours
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A Member

We offer monthly programs and lectures open to the public, and distribute a quarterly newsletter. As a member you will be notified of programs and events throughout the year.

Please select your membership level, complete form below and submit payment by clicking on Buy Now Pay Pal Button.

2016 International Archaeololgy Day. Shirley explaining  artifacts
BECOME

A Volunteer

We offer monthly programs and lectures open to the public, and distribute a quarterly newsletter. As a member you will be notified of programs and events throughout the year.

Please select your membership level, complete form below and submit payment by clicking on Buy Now Pay Pal Button.

Indian Key plaque with Indian Key in background
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Contribution

Please consider a donation to the Matecumbe Historical Trust. We are seeking funds at all levels for programs, brochures and our future museum. You may contribute individually or as a business entity. Your donations are tax deductable as the Matecumbe Historical Trust is a 501 (c) 3 not for profit, all non paid volunteer organization. Please share our web-site with all those who could help us preserve the Florida Keys history.

2013 Cannon - Murray Nelson Government Center

Irving R Eyster Florida Keys History Museum

The Matecumbe Historical Trust is committed to the creation of the definitive anthropological and historical museum of the Florida Keys. The museum will preserve the unique history of the Keys, and it will become the pre-eminent repository of artifacts as well as a venue for academic symposia and research about the Keys and related subjects worldwide.

It will house Mr. Eyster's vast collection of artifacts, photographs, historical articles, and memorabilia. It will be enhanced by individual items and collections donated or loaned from others who have directly contacted us to express their most sincere interest. It will be a significant educational center for residents and tourists.

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