Hellings Curry Museum/ Home of the Key West Woman’s Club — Attraction in Key West

An unexpected stop during our visit to Key West. Great historical location, dated back to 1881. The museum is now owned by the Key West Woman's Club, providing free of charge tours, while requesting donations. Very entertaining tour and the women were very friendly and pleasant.

Hellings House is one of the very few brick structures in Key West, the house was built by Captain Martin and Eleanor -Curry- Hellings in 1892. Eleanor was the 6th child of nine, born to William and Euphemia Curry, one of Key West's foremost merchants and Florida's first millionaire.

The fire of 1886, which started near the San Carlos Institute, quickly spread. Firefighting equipment was not readily available so citizens had to brave the flames with bucket brigades. More than 600 homes, six wharves, 11 cigar factories, the island's supply of tobacco, churches , cigar box factories and the New City Hall were destroyed.

Many residents had to return to Cuba, or move to Tampa, which was then another cigar rolling capital.

Since 1940, the Key West Women's Club has owned and maintained this property. If in the area,...

I walked by this house several times during my four-day vacation and it was always closed; the sign said open for special events and only rarely for tours. Well, on my last day it was open for tours! I was so excited! I was the only person on my tour, so I got very individualized attention. I absolutely loved it. So interesting. And it can be rented out for events like weddings at an extremely attractive price - only $1,000, which includes the kitchen facilities and bathrooms, and it's air-conditioned. Oh, and the huge crystal chandelier in the big room is stunning, as are the crystal wall sconces. So happy I was lucky enough to get a personalized tour, and the Women's Club member who volunteers to give them was just adorable. I had so much fun! Definitely keep an eye out for opening times, or call the Women's Club to rent it out. A lovely bit of Key...

Our guide, Pamela Martin, was so gracious, kind, detailed, and had a light in her eyes. It was so fantastic to find this small treasure and learn a little bit about its very interesting history.

We also learned some great things about the Women’s Club and the great work they have done.

Thank you so much to Pamela for turning a small experience into a highlight, if not the highlight, of our time in town. She is...