History

Data@Museums

Mel Fischer Maritime Museum

Portrait of Fernando Moreno exhbited at the Mel Fischer Maritime Museum.

Moreno was a U.S. Marshal who conducted the 1860 Census in Key West and
all of Monroe County, FL.

Photo courtesy of the Bruce Family Archives.

The Mel Fischer Maritime Museum in Key West, FL, features the collection of treasure hunter Mel Fischer and includes exhibits on the history of Southern Florida and Key West. Recently, one exhibit featured U.S. Marshal Fernando Moreno, who conducted the 1860 Census of Key West and all of Monroe County, FL. In addition to his work as marshal, Fernando also worked as a merchant, vice-consul for several European countries, and state senator.

The museum staff uses census records when researching local history and creating exhibits. The Director of Archaeology states, "the museum uses census data in their research to better understand who lived there [in Key West], as well as where they lived, and who they lived with. The [census] information is also helpful in understanding how people made their livings. The census data is really an unparalleled snapshot of what the social structure of Key West was like in days gone by."

To learn more about Mel Fischer, treasure hunting, and the people of Key West and Southern Florida, visit the Mel Fischer Maritime Museum .