With these words, enter the world of 1856 Key West... the era of the wreckers. At the Key West Shipwreck HISTOREUM® Museum you will step back into time as you discover Key West's unique maritime heritage and how it became the richest city in the United States.

The Key West Shipwreck HISTOREUM® Museum combines actors, films and the actual artifacts from the 1985 rediscovery of the wrecked vessel Isaac Allerton, which sank in 1856 on the treacherous Florida Keys reef.

Join master wrecker Asa Tift and his wrecking crew as he tells you the story of how this unusual industry provided for the livelihoods of the early pioneers of Key West. You will be invited to climb the 65' lookout tower and if need be, alarm Mr. Tift of any wrecks on the reef! Learn more about the wrecking industry and what Key West once was by clicking on the links above.