Keys’ Cultural Heritage to Shine in PBS Television Program and Eclectic Events
FLORIDA KEYS — “The Florida Keys: 200 Years of Paradise," a 60-minute television program that explores the culture and history of the island chain from the early 1800s to the present, is slated to debut this spring on Public Broadcasting Service channels across the United States.
The original documentary was produced by South Florida PBS Inc. for broadcast during the Keys’ bicentennial year that commemorates the Florida Legislature’s establishment of Monroe County on July 3, 1823.
The program, partially underwritten by the Keys tourism council, takes viewers on a journey through the 125-mile island chain’s dramatic history through the eyes of residents who live and interpret that history every day.
Topics include the Florida Keys’ booms and busts, cultural and artistic expression, sport fishing and community leaders, industries such as shipwreck salvage, natural disasters and renewal, environmental conservation and the legacy of Black pioneers.
Commentary from Florida Keys historians and others introduces viewers to the human side of the island chain’s two centuries of history, giving the story a deeply personal resonance.
“The Florida Keys: 200 Years of Paradise” is to be distributed nationally by American Public Television beginning March 1 and is to air on some 249 public television stations around the country. Viewers should check local listings for scheduled airtimes.
Meanwhile, three events are slated in Key West that showcase aspects of the Keys’ fascinating two-century cultural heritage.
Presidents in Paradise. Descendants of former president Harry S. Truman and five other U.S. commanders in chief are to discuss their famous relatives and American bipartisanship Saturday, Feb. 18, at Key West’s Harry S. Truman Little White House.
The Presidential Family Forum is to be the centerpiece of Presidents Day weekend activities at the 111 Front St. residence where Truman spent 11 working vacations during his 1945-1953 administration. Today the property is Florida’s only presidential museum.
In addition, Clifton Truman Daniel, former President Truman’s oldest grandson, is to portray his grandfather in the one-man play “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!” Sunday and Monday, Feb. 19-20. A seasoned actor and author, Daniel is the first direct descendant to portray a presidential ancestor in a stage production.
A Conch-Centric Celebration. Several dozen people are expected to “blow their own horns” in Key West Saturday, March 4, during a celebration of the Florida Keys’ rich history known as the Conch Shell Blowing Contest.
In the 19th century, when Key West’s economy was largely based on salvaging cargoes from sinking ships, seafarers used the conch’s fluted pink-lined shells as signaling devices, blowing piercing blasts to attract attention. Today native-born residents refer to themselves as Conchs and the Florida Keys island chain is often called the Conch Republic.
The “conch honk” challenge is presented each spring by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of Key West. In the lush garden of the island’s Oldest House Museum, 322 Duval St., entrants vie to see who can coax the most impressive sounds from their “instrument.”
Remembering Tennessee. Internationally renowned playwright Tennessee Williams, who lived in Key West for more than 30 years, once said of his chosen home, “I work everywhere, but I work best here.” Fans of Williams’ classic plays can explore his writing and life in the island city during the Tennessee Williams Birthday Celebration, with events scheduled throughout March.
Expected highlights include guided curator tours of the Tennessee Williams Museum, operated by the Key West Art & Historical Society and located at 513 Truman Ave. Birthday month activities also include screenings of films based on Williams’ plays, a walking tour of the playwright’s Key West, a lecture and readings, a theater production and a commemoration of the 112th anniversary of Williams’ March 26 birth.
Florida Keys documentary information: wpbt2.org/the-florida-keys-200-years-of-paradise/
"The Florida Keys: 200 Years of Paradise" is to air on some 249 public television stations beginning March 1. Image: South Florida PBS
Henry Flagler's Over-Sea Railroad connecting mainland Florida to Key West was, and remains, the most ambitious engineering feat ever undertaken by a private citizen. Image: South Florida PBS
Clifton Truman Daniel is to portray his grandfather, Harry S. Truman, in the one-man play "Give 'Em Hell, Harry!" during the Presidents in Paradise event Feb. 19-20. Photo: Carol Tedesco
Participants in the annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest display their mollusk musicianship. Photo: Rob O'Neal
