Museum & History
The Key West Cultural Center and Veterans Museum was established by the William Weech American Legion Post 168 pm November 18 2025. The 501 (c) (3) nonprofit is dedicated to preserving the stories of Key West military veterans and their service to the local community, as well as enabling diverse cultural, musical, and educational programs and events.
Mission and Vision
The Key West Cultural Center and Veterans Museum, Inc. (“KWCCVM”) is dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans while fostering an inclusive space for cultural enrichment and community engagement. Our mission is to preserve and share the stories of our nation’s heroes, educate the public about their contributions, and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage that shapes our community. We strive to provide meaningful exhibits, educational programs, and events that inspire appreciation, understanding, and respect for both our veterans and our cultural legacy.
Our vision is to become a premier destination where history, culture, and community converge. We aspire to empower future generations with knowledge and pride in their heritage, and to serve as a bridge connecting people of all backgrounds through shared experiences. By continuously evolving and collaborating with local, national, and international partners, the Key West Cultural Center and Veterans Museum aims to set a standard for excellence in honoring veterans and promoting cultural awareness, ensuring their stories and traditions are celebrated for generations to come.
History of 803 Emma and the Community
The William Weech American Legion Post 168 in Key West, Florida, holds an incredibly vital place in both military and civil rights history. Located at 803 Emma Street in the historic Bahama Village neighborhood, this post has served as a sanctuary, community hub, and a monument to the courage, determination and service to the community that black veterans brought with them when returning to Key West. The chronological history of this historic post highlights its remarkable journey:
Origins of the Name
The post is named in honor of William Weech, a Bahamian-born Key West resident. William Weech died on 26 September 1918 when the USCGC Tampa was torpedoed by a German U-Boat just off the coast of Wales. The ship went down quickly taking all 131 people aboard with it. William Weech, had just finished his 18th mission with the Coast Guard.
Chartered as a Black Post, Post 168-C
The Post received a Temporary Charter from the American Legion on 27 June 1946; but, that was not the beginning of the story. When the warriors of World War I returned home to Key West they found the black community had paid a high price for a relatively small number of people. At least 41 black Key Westers had died in the war. The returning veterans wanted to create a support structure to help themselves and to support the community. The American Legion was in its infancy and the veterans did not know it existed. So they formed an organization and called it “The Colored Veterans of World War I”. In that capacity they did all the same things as the American Legion. They helped other veterans, placed flowers on graves, worked with families, and attended events memorializing veterans and similar activities. It was not until the Fall of 1919 that the men learned some of their white comrades had established the “Arthur Sawyer” American Legion Post 28 on Stock Island. This knowledge did not change the structure of the Colored Veterans of World War I. They worked with Post 28 and other veteran groups but did so as an individual entity. They continued in this capacity until after World War II.
Groundbreaking in "Black Town"
In partnership with the VFW Walter R. Mickens Post 6021, the post breaks ground at 803 Emma Street. The Key West Community supported the construction of a post "home" by donating architectural plans and materiels. The members of the post had skills and many worked at the Navy Yard nearby. As the posts could afford it, the veterans worked nights and weekends to build the magnificent two story building with Mezzanine with their own hands. Local volunteers, and Key West Navy Yard employees worked during their off-hours to complete what the veterans would later call "The most significant contribution to the community they had made in their lives."
The Grand Opening
Construction was officially completed. The building opens its doors as a joint home for both the William Weech American Legion Post 168 and the Walter R. Mickens Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6021, quickly becoming the central social and supportive hub for over 10,000 Black military personnel stationed in or deployed to the Florida Keys. The Legion and VFW Auxiliary Units and the USO also operated from the building.
Chitlin' Circuit Era
The post functioned as a vibrant cultural center with performances from the Extention of the famous "Chitlin' Circuit," out of Beal St., Memphis. The facility hosted now legendary Black entertainers of the era including iconic sets by James Brown, B.B. King, Otis Redding and Etta James.
Civil Rights & School Integration Hub
Post 168 cements its place in civil rights history by hosting one of three public meeting regarding the integration of Monroe County public schools. The standing-room-only event brings together residents, city officials, and school administrators, leading to the desegregation of schools north of the Key West City Cemetery.
National Register of Historic Places
Recognizing its architectural self-reliance and immense cultural importance, the combined facility is officially added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and designated as a stop on the Florida African-American Heritage Trail.
Grand Reopening After Restoration
Following nearly eight years of closure due to structural wear and the need for extensive preservation, the post celebrates a triumphant grand reopening, returning as an active meeting space for local veterans and community cultural and musical events.
Municipal Proclamation & Historical Marker
The Key West City Commission issues an official proclamation honoring Post 168 for its 76+ years of service. A brand new, permanent State of Florida Historical Marker is unveiled outside the building to commemorate its legacy.
Inside the Museum
Learning Through Culture, Service, and History.
KWCCVM’s museum programs create opportunities to learn through local culture, veterans’ stories, community history, and the arts. Through lectures, workshops, exhibit openings, youth programs, and virtual learning opportunities, the museum helps preserve important stories while making them accessible to residents, students, visitors, and future generations.
Help Preserve Key West Stories
Your support helps us protect and share the rich history, artifacts, and personal stories that make Key West unique. Together, we can inspire future generations and keep our community's legacy alive.
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