It was a hot beautiful day in Key West when we visited the East Martello Museum. The fort is set across the street from the sparkling beautiful Atlantic Ocean. We took the self guided walk thru tour.

The fort itself is a reddish brick structure with many interesting rounded doorways, twists and turns, nooks and crannies! It is managed by the Key West Art and Historical Society–who I might add have a lot of fresh and innovative ideas on how to present the history of Key West as well as what the museum should be used for!

The early settlement displays were very interesting as well as the cigar and sponge and fishing displays. Each section is set up well and the information given is interesting and informative. The museum also is the home of Robert the doll as well as beautiful art displays of local artists and art made from junk.

The day we visited, parts of the museum were occupied by a day camp for kids. They were doing art projects, playing games and just having loads of fun.  This was a great example of how community gives back to community. This museum was meant to be touched, embraced, enjoyed by the children and was there to make memories in as well as provide learning experiences for them and the rest of us visiting. Which it did- we all have great memories of this day!