Key West Lighthouse Museum

Opening in 1848, the Key West Lighthouse was one of the first and only to have a woman as its keeper—nearly unheard of during the 19th century.  After a series of upgrades and modernizations, the U.S. Coast Guard decommissioned the structure in 1969. Today, both the Key West Lighthouse and the Keeper’s Quarters are operated by the Key West Art & Historical Society as a maritime museum that provides insight into the lifestyle of the Island’s residents at the turn of the century. Walk up the 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse, explore the belongings of the lighthouse keepers and their families, and tour the well-preserved Keeper’s Bungalow.