Heritage House Museum

"Excellent glimpse into the past. . ." "A lovely gracious tour. . ." "The tour guide was great and made you feel welcome. . ." "It has the feeling of a well-loved home with an eclectic history. . ." Visitors to the Key West Heritage House Museum & Robert Frost Cottage enjoy the authenticity of a comfortable Key West home and the history that it holds. The museum represents 200 years of Key West culture through the fascinating lives of the Porters, a notable Key West family who have lived on the island for seven generations. The Caribbean Colonial house, built in the 1830s, was last occupied by Jessie Porter, a fifth-generation "conch," the island's grand dame of hospitality and an avid preservationist. Original furnishings and unusual seafaring artifacts are among the treasures to be seen in this informative tour. The family's literary connections, especially to the poet Robert Frost who spent many winters in a cottage in the garden, add a 20th century dimension to the earlier history of pirates, wreckers and hardships endured by Key West's early residents. Visitors can sit in the same flowering tropical garden -- where writers and artists continue to meet -- and listen to recordings of Frost reading his poetry. Experience the Key West hospitality extended to Tennessee Williams, Thornton Wilder, Gloria Swanson, Sally Rand and their contemporaries when they were guests of the gracious and tenacious Miss Jessie. Hear the extraordinary history of a family's contribution to the triumphs over tropical diseases and the crippling economics of the Great Depression. The Heritage House Museum/Robert Frost Cottage, where Key West's glorious past comes alive! We invite you to celebrate your special event in the Heritage House Museum’s beautiful, intimate garden. This tropical oasis in the heart of Key West was once the gathering place for Robert Frost, Tennessee Williams, Gloria Swanson and other Key West celebrities. Our garden contains fine examples of tropical plants including exotic bromeliads and is the home of the Margaret Lang Orchid Collection, containing nearly 200 examples of these elegant flowers. Beautifu lLang collection orchid An 1832 brick hearth that provides a natural backdrop for photographs and speakers. Towering exotics such as Spanish lime, West Indian Almond, Royal Poinciana, Surinam Cherry, Strangler Fig, and Gumbo Limbo provide a rich green canopy that filter the sunlight to those below. The soft bubbling of a fountain adds a quiet ambiance that evokes the elegant way of life experienced by many during the early days of Key West. Rent our tropical garden for your special event During the evening, sparkling lights illuminate the leafy canopy and add to the festive atmosphere. This romantic setting. is idea for weddings or vow-renewal ceremonies The garden itself is embraced by the Heritage House Museum and the Robert Frost Cottage, where the famous poet stayed on his frequent trips to Key West. The museum is housed in a Caribbean Colonial House (circa 1834) that is filled with original furnishings, rare antiques and unusual sea faring artifacts collected by seven generations of a noted Key West family. Guests will enjoy touring the home and couples will cherish the music room as an alternative site for exchanging vows.