There’s nothing stuffy about a museum that rolls up its shirtsleeves to serve cake and rum for one of its most acclaimed island legends. Key West Art & Historical Society joins this year’s Hemingway Days, a six-day commemoration set for Tuesday through Sunday, July 19-24 that celebrates Ernest Hemingway and his Key West legacy and lifestyle with an exhibit spotlight and presentation that applauds the people and places that influenced him.

Tuesday, July 19, KWAHS Hemingway Days celebrations at the Custom House Museum kick off with a tribute to the writer and avid fisherman where fans can admire the original “Depicting Hemingway” sketches by renowned marine life artist Guy Harvey in the permanent exhibit. Fifty-nine original pen and ink sketches are on display, illustrations that portray Santiago’s epic battle in “The Old Man and the Sea.”

To complement Guy Harvey’s sketches, a number of artifacts belonging to the Museum’s Hemingway Collection are showcased. Most noteworthy is the life-sized bronze ‘Ernest Hemingway in Key West’ statue by historical sculptor, Terry Jones. Other objects include a 1930s-era painting entitled “Hemingway and Friends” depicting the author at one of his favorite watering-holes, Sloppy Joe’s, as well as a pair of famed author’s boxing gloves.

“When people reflect on Key West’s literary greats, thoughts immediately turn to Ernest Hemingway,” commented KWAHS Curator Cori Convertito, PhD. ‘His days spent writing, drinking, and fishing are romanticized by Hemingway devotees; the author’s Key West lifestyle amplifies the festival’s revelry. Key West Art & Historical Society is fortunate to have significant objects in its permanent collection formerly belonging to Hemingway and encourages everyone with an interest in seeing those items and the Guy Harvey sketches, to visit the Custom House Museum on museum day.”

On Thursday, July 21 at 5pm, the Society presents internationally acclaimed Hemingway scholar Nancy Sindelar, PhD, in the Helmerich Research & Learning Center at the Custom House Museum. Sindelar will offer “People and Places That Influenced Ernest Hemingway,” an hour-long presentation that highlights the people, places, and activities that shaped the legendary author. Sindelar will share rare photos of these places and discuss their influence on his writing as well as offer excerpts from Hemingway’s personal letters to parents, wives, lovers, children, and friends. Sindelar’s books will be available for sale and signing post-presentation, and a 117th birthday celebration of the literary legend will ensue, complete with birthday cake and Hemingway’s favorite drink, rum.

Other Hemingway Days scheduled highlights include the world-famous Hemingway look-alike contest at Sloppy Joe’s; readings – “Voices, Places, Inspirations” at the Key West Woman’s Club and The Key West Poetry Guild’s “The Poetry of Ernest Hemingway” at Blue Heaven; the Papa’s Pilar Rum Hemingway 5k Sunset Run/Walk and Paddleboard Race and a three-day marlin tournament tipping its hat to the iconic angler.

KWAHS Hemingway Days activities are sponsored in part by Dave and Cheryl Copham, the Helmerich Trust, Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel and the Florida Humanities Council. For more information contact Adele Williams, Director of Education at 305-295-6616, extension 115. Your Museums. Your Community. It takes an Island.