Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, Key West (must see)
The story of Mel Fisher and his discovery of the Nuestra Se帽ora de Atocha along with its treasures are near what fantasy dreams are made of and what epitomizes the cultural attitudes behind the Conch Republic 鈥� Key West's strange-but-true 1982 "secession" from the United States. In a way, the story really has it all, and when reading it and viewing the artifacts, the looting, the scheming, the treachery, the deaths and tragedies can all come to light.
This museum is exactly what it advertises and is filled with interesting finds from the 17th-century Atocha vessel: stunning jewelry, coins, part of the hull and so much more, as well information on wreckers and pirates on the upper floor. There is also a very interesting section on the slave trade and another on Cubans doing what they can to reach America 鈥� but even more important is the fully operating Conservation & Archaeology lab, where admittance is allowed during a private Lab Tour that allows touching the artifacts while learning about their various stages of conservation. Some, depending on type and density, can take anywhere from weeks to years for full conservation before being placed on display!
Tip:
Take the Conservation Lab Tour (extra fee) conducted by the extremely knowledgeable marine archaeologist who will take you through each step of the process from discovery to de-encrustation and preservation of artifacts. Plus it's really cool to be able to actually handle an encrusted artifact from a shipwreck and see all of the tools being used!
This museum is exactly what it advertises and is filled with interesting finds from the 17th-century Atocha vessel: stunning jewelry, coins, part of the hull and so much more, as well information on wreckers and pirates on the upper floor. There is also a very interesting section on the slave trade and another on Cubans doing what they can to reach America 鈥� but even more important is the fully operating Conservation & Archaeology lab, where admittance is allowed during a private Lab Tour that allows touching the artifacts while learning about their various stages of conservation. Some, depending on type and density, can take anywhere from weeks to years for full conservation before being placed on display!
Tip:
Take the Conservation Lab Tour (extra fee) conducted by the extremely knowledgeable marine archaeologist who will take you through each step of the process from discovery to de-encrustation and preservation of artifacts. Plus it's really cool to be able to actually handle an encrusted artifact from a shipwreck and see all of the tools being used!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Key West. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Mel Fisher Maritime Museum on Map
Sight Name: Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Sight Location: Key West, USA (See walking tours in Key West)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Key West, USA (See walking tours in Key West)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Key West, Florida
Create Your Own Walk in Key West
Creating your own self-guided walk in Key West is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Key West Bar Hopping
Key West, Florida is often referred to as "an amusement park for adults fueled with alcohol" and is widely renowned for its diverse and vibrant bar scene. Blessed with a tropical climate and stunning ocean views, the city enjoys a relaxed, anything-goes attitude which after dusk transforms into lively nightlife centered around the many watering holes and clubs lining the streets of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Key West Introduction Walking Tour
For the historically curious as well as for party-goers or laid-back drifters, Key West is a small paradise at the end of U.S. Route 1, on the southernmost tip of the continental United States, in the Florida Keys archipelago. The installed here Southernmost Point landmark reminds of this fact and is a popular spot for photos and selfies.
Key West is blessed with beautiful nature, indeed. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Key West is blessed with beautiful nature, indeed. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Top 12 Bars in Key West, Florida
Drinking is a way of life in Key West. Whether you want a perfectly poured Guinness or would rather sip frozen rum runners while watching the sun set, the Southern Most City has everything to offer. This guide will help you find the most popular bars and hidden local favorites on Duval Street and...