Pull out your most stylin’ 50’s threads and cruise with your baby over to Key West Art & Historical Society’s second annual “Back in Time” fundraiser, Wednesday, November 29 from 5pm – 10pm at the Custom House Museum and Margaritaville Resort. This year’s gala celebrates the Custom House’s 126th anniversary in fabulous 50’s style with event proceeds supporting the ongoing preservation needs of Key West’s architectural crown jewel, while also benefitting Habitat for Humanity’s hurricane recovery efforts.

The bash warms up from 5pm-6:30 pm on the veranda of the Custom House, 281 Front Street, with cocktails and crooned tunes served up by the “Diva’s of Doo-wop,” the Fabulous Spectrelles. Next stop is Margaritaville Resort’s Grand Ballroom, which will be transformed into a souped-up 1950’s gymnasium. The evening will feature live tunes by Patrick & the Swayzees to rock, bop, and spoon to, a silent auction to benefit Habit for Humanity, fabulous 50’s dining – complete with soda fountain, exciting costume and dance contests, and presentation of this year’s Scotti Merrill Preservation Award to beloved Florida Keys historian Tom Hambright.

Fabulous 50s attire from sock hop hip to prom glam is encouraged.

Guys can share their flair and dress to impress: think letter, leather, or dinner jackets, duck-tailed hair, rolled up jeans, and a classic T-shirt a la James Dean – or full-out 1950’s Elvis, swivel hips included.  Dolls have lots of ops to dress to kill in poodle skirts and petticoats, pencil skirts and sweater sets, peddle pushers and ponytails, or glitzy 50’s prom-glam. Let’s not forget bullet bras and long gloves!

“We are honored to award Tom Hambright the 2017 Scotti Merrill Preservation Award,” says Society Executive Director Michael Gieda. “This year’s event will be one to remember and are pleased to include Habitat for Humanity as part of the festivities. Don’t forget, “It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, it’s what you do with your dancin’ shoes.””

Join the Party. Step “Back in Time” to invest in the future; purchase a single ticket for $125 or sponsor a table for $1,250, $2,500, $5,000, $10,000 or more—proceeds will be contributed to the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys’ Custom House Preservation Fund. For more information, visit KWAHS.ORG or contact Danielle Holliday at 305.295.6616 x 111.  Your Museums.  Your Community.  It takes an Island.