About
Located in the bustling Key West Historic Seaport, this small museum tells the story of the city’s once-thriving turtle industry, from corralling and slaughtering to the canning of sea turtle meat. The kraals, or holding pens, were built along the waterfront to keep live turtles before processing. The meat was canned and sold to cooks, who used it primarily for turtle soup, while the shells were crafted into goods like eyeglass frames, combs, and jewelry: items now made from plastic.
Now, the museum serves as an educational reminder of this bygone industry and the ecological consequences of exploiting sea turtle populations for consumption and trade
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Know Before You Go
The Turtle Cannery Museum is located within the Key West Historic Seaport and is free to visit. It’s a small stop but worth exploring for its unique glimpse into the island’s past. The surrounding seaport area offers plenty to do.
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Published
November 1, 2025
