Key West Restores Historic 1892 Jail Into Museum

Monroe County is restoring Key West's 1892 jail building, with plans to convert part of it into a museum. The first phase includes roof replacement, door and window restoration, and spalling repairs.

The Key West Art and Historical Society will operate the museum once complete. The county commissioners approved the arrangement earlier this year. The society also manages Fort East Martello and the Key West Lighthouse.

Future phases will remove non-historic additions, install fire protection systems, add ADA-compliant access, and build restrooms and museum facilities. The 1892 original structure and the entire 1910 addition remain standing.

"This partnership with the county preserves an important piece of Monroe County history," said Michael Gieda, executive director of the historical society.