The Historical Preservation Society of the Upper Keys is a non-profit Florida Corporation and is tax exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). Preserving and passing on a rich cultural heritage to future generations are our goals and is the purpose of this web site.

Permanent Address	Mailing, President and Webmaster
Historical Preservation Society of the Upper Keys, Inc. P.O. Box 2200 Key Largo, FL 33070 To print a membership form Click HERE.	Jerry Wilkinson    38 East Beach Road    Tavernier, FL 33070  Phone or fax:  1-305-852-1620    e-mail: jerry142@terranova.net  Biography click HERE

     The Historical Preservation Society of the Upper Keys was incorporated in the State of Florida on July 7, 1976.      THE PURPOSE OF THIS SOCIETY IS TO PRESERVE PRE-HISTORIC AND HISTORIC SITES AND ARTIFACTS LOCATED IN THE UPPER KEYS AND THE SURROUNDING TERRITORIAL WATERS; TO COLLECT AND PRESERVE MEMORABILIA RELATED TO THE EARLY SETTLERS OF THE UPPER KEYS AND THE ANCESTORS OF THE PEOPLE PRESENTLY RESIDING HERE; TO PRESERVE DRAWINGS, PICTURES, INCLUDING PHOTOGRAPHS AND MOTION PICTURE FILMS PERTINENT TO THE HISTORY OF THE UPPER KEYS; TO WRITE, TAPE, AND COLLECT INTERVIEWS PERTINENT TO THE HISTORY OF THE UPPER KEYS; TO HOLD EXHIBITIONS, TO DISSEMINATE AND ENCOURAGE KNOWLEDGE OF THE ART, CULTURE, LITERATURE AND HISTORY OF THE UPPER KEYS; AND FOR OTHER ALLIED PURPOSES DEEMED ADVISABLE BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
      Historic proof and documentation of Upper Florida Keys history are difficult to locate. The Upper Keys'  first newspaper was in 1974 and only copies after 1978 are preserved. This part of the Keys was sparsely populated and the numerous hurricanes have destroyed much of its artifacts, including photographs, newspaper clippings, letters, etc. Much of what we have had been sent back from the mainland and hence been returned. Often just a single artifact will unravel one of our mysteries. To be truthful, sometimes one artifact can create a new enigma. Should the reader wish to contribute an artifact, or copy thereof, please contact us at the above addresses.