History

The Hellings Curry Museum, housed in a Queen Anne-style residence built in 1892, is deeply rooted in Key West's rich history. Originally the home of Eleanor Curry Hellings, daughter of William Curry—Florida’s first self-made millionaire—the building reflects the Curry family's significant influence during the late 19th century. William Curry, originally from the Bahamas, became one of Florida’s wealthiest figures through shipwreck salvaging, shipping, and merchandising.

​

Captain Martin Luther Hellings, Eleanor's husband, was a prominent figure in Key West, managing the Ocean Atlantic Telegraph Company. After the Hellings family moved away, the home served various roles, including in 1912 functioning as the official headquarters for the Overseas Railroad Celebration Committee, where plans for Henry Flagler’s monumental Overseas Railroad Celebration were crafted—a key event in Key West’s history.

​

In 1941, the Key West Woman's Club purchased the home to serve as the Monroe County Public Library, ensuring its preservation and continued community use. The club maintained and operated one half of the building as a public library, while the other half was used for club rooms. They managed the library until 1959, when they played a key role in raising funds for the construction of the current library located on Fleming Street today.

​

The building has since been transformed into the Hellings Curry Museum, home of the Key West Woman’s Club. This historic site honors the legacy of the Curry and Hellings families while serving as a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates Key West’s rich history. Today, the museum offers a unique window into the past and continues to be an active community space, hosting events and activities that bridge Key West’s history with its present.