Newly revamped space at Fort East Martello— The Imagination Institute— will provide a year-round, child-centered learning environment with a diverse array of workshops for school aged children. Its newest program—Islands of History— is designed specifically for Monroe County School professional days and holidays.

“In Monroe County, children spend 180 days at school each year. Given this, parents find it challenging to find constructive educational activities for their children” says KWAHS Education Specialist Adele Williams. “We would like to fill that void with programs that enhance creativity, innovation, and cross-disciplinary thinking.”

Islands of History begins at the Institute on Monday, October 26 from 9am-4pm with two workshops offered; a Sugar Skull work shop for children aged 5-15 and a workshop on the Art & History of Tattoos with Watercolors for individuals aged 16 and over.

With the opening of the new Imagination Institute and the programs that will reside within it, the Society hopes to provide the community with “a new educational landscape” says Williams, and will focus on developing core skill sets in critical thinking, synthesizing information, collaboration, and innovation. The single to multiple day-long workshops will draw on Montessori and Reggio Emilia educational philosophies to create an appeal for diverse learning styles and will focus on the Society’s three historic sites as well as the exhibits and collections housed within them.

KWAHS’ educational initiatives at the Imagination Institute also include customizable program options to meet the needs of homeschoolers, unschoolers, youth groups, and pre-K groups, with the goal of introducing as many children as possible to the history and art of the Florida Keys while at the historic, Civil War-era museum.

The Imagination Institute is generously sponsored by the Helmerich Foundation, The Marion Stevens Fund, and the Knight Foundation. To learn more about the developing schedule of programs or to register your child in any of the upcoming workshops, visit www.kwahs.org/learn or call Education Specialist Adele Williams at (305) 295 6616 x 115. Professional day workshop costs are $30 for KWAHS members, $40 for non-members; costs for week-long camps and holiday breaks vary. The venue provides free and ample parking for ease of student pick-up and drop-off.

Your Museums. Your Community. It Takes an Island.