Historeum in Key West, FL

The Historeum in Key West, Florida is a museum that promotes itself as the place "where history comes alive."

The Key West Shipwreck Historeum uses actors, films, and actual artifacts to help visitor's discover the area's unique maritime heritage. Artifacts used are real and come from the 1985 rediscovery of the Isaac Allerton vessel. This ship sank in 1856 in the Florida Keys reef.

Presentations are done by master wrecker Asa Tift and his wrecking crew. He and his people will convincingly tell you about the early pioneers of the Key West and how they survived by salvaging ship wrecks.

At one point in history, as many as 100 ships passed through the Key West every day. The waters were known as some of the most treacherous in the world. One ship a week would crash somewhere along the Florida Reef.

This created a unique job opportunity. Wreckers would watch the reef 24/7 from their observation towers. If a wreck was observed, someone would shout "Wreck Ashore!" Men would scramble to be the first man at the wreck and become the wrecking master.

The wrecking master controlled the salvage operation and for his efforts got a larger share of the prize. Goods salvaged were sold at auction. Wreckers received a 25 to 50% of the profit depending on how difficult the salvage operation had been.

Visitors will also get a chance to climb the 65-foot lookout tower, which was used to keep an eye on shipwrecks.

Tickets to tour the Shipwreck Historeum Museum cost between $4.50 and $9.90. Tours are self-guided. The museum is open 365 days a year, Monday to Sunday from 9:40 am to 5 pm. The last tour/show is at 4.40 pm.