Treasures of the 1733 Plate Fleet

On April 1st, 1989, the State of Florida designated the wreck of the San Pedro near Islamorada an Underwater Archeological Preserve. The San Pedro was one of 19 Spanish galleons lost along 80 miles of our coastline here in the Florida Keys during a terrible storm in the year 1733. Visitors to the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum are treated to the fascinating story of the 1733 Fleet and a display of artifacts salvaged from the wrecks of some of its ships. Ranging from carved ivory figurines that originated in the Orient to precious silver cob coins, each piece tells a tale of sunken treasure and the thrilling adventures of bygone eras.  

The 1733 Fleet was first discovered by the grandfather of treasure-diving, Art McKee, in 1938. As word spread about his remarkable find, an epidemic of “treasure fever” swept South Florida, bringing with it a flood of modern-day pirates and underwater prospectors hungry for gold.  Most of the world’s most notable treasure divers, including world-famous Mel Fisher, got their start learning tricks of the trade from Art McKee. Visitors to the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum can not only see artifacts that McKee recovered from the 1733 Fleet’s Capitana, they can even pose for a picture wearing a Miller-Dunn hard hat diving helmet (currently on loan from the History of Diving Museum) like the one McKee wore when he found the first treasure.

Harry S. Truman Little White House Hosts Sovereign Challenge Dinner

Harry S. Truman said, "A politician is a man who understands government. A statesman is a politician who's been dead for 15 years." He may well have been right, as Mr. Truman is now considered the “father of modern statesmanship.” Because of his role in establishing foreign policy and his focus on peace, the Little White House was the chosen venue for this year’s Sovereign Challenge Conference Dinner.

This fifth annual conference was hosted by the Southern Command and held the week of March 8th. The Sovereign Challenge is an international organization that partners with the United States Strategic Command to maintain the sovereignty of independent nations and work together fighting the terrorism that threatens their sovereignty.

One hundred sixty-six attended the dinner, including military attaches and ambassadors. Seventy nations were represented. The guests were brought in on Old Town Trolleys and treated to VIP tours. Cocktails and dinner were served on the lawn under a giant white tent lighted by a large moon and stars hanging from the trees. The menu was multi-cultural, but included Key West shrimp, yellowtail snapper, and key lime tarts, all local delicacies.

Robert Wolz, Executive Director of the Little White House, was the keynote speaker. Harry S. Truman is a subject that Bob is passionate about, and his enthusiasm brought Mr. Truman’s history alive. Wolz described Truman as a “Man of Peace “ and explained how Truman's life experiences as a farmer, soldier and politician shaped his domestic and international policies.

Wolz ended his speech with the following words: “Part of Truman’s legacy is this site. The flags (you see here) represent international peace talks led by Secretary of State Colin Powell in 2001. I am sure President Truman would be smiling that peace might be achieved at his Little White House.”

San Diego SEAL Tours adds a new Stop at the Maritime Museum

San Diego SEAL Tours is pleased to announce its new stop located in front of the iconic Star of India located at the San Diego Maritime Museum, one of the world’s finest collections of tall ships, steamers, and submarines, on San Diego’s beautiful waterfront. The stop is also adjacent to Anthony’s Fish Grotto, one of San Diego’s most beloved seafood restaurants.  “It was the perfect fit for the Seal Tours,” says David Thornton, General Manager of the San Diego Seal Tours. “This new stop gives our guests more options when touring. Now with Seaport Village, the Maritime Museum and Anthony’s, our guests have several options on how to spend their day with us.”

And Just When You Thought Your Old Town Trolley Tours of Boston Ticket Couldn’t Get Any Better….

Beginning May 1, 2010, Old Town Trolley Tours of Boston will bring all of their guests some amazing value added items with the purchase of their trolley tickets. Your trolley ticket is now valid for two consecutive days so you can see all the amazing attractions and sites that Boston has to offer. Your trolley ticket includes a free Boston Harbor Cruise*, admission to the Old State House Museum, a comprehensive map of Boston and valuable discount coupons for attractions and dining throughout the city. And remember, we back up all of our trolley tours with a 100% money back guarantee!

Also for those of you visiting Boston this summer, don’t forget we have two other fabulous tours…Our Ghosts & Gravestones tour is sure to put a chill up your spine and as the the exclusive Trolley Tour of the Boston Red Sox, our Fenway Park tour is a must for any baseball fan. For more information visit our Trolley Tours of Boston website or give us a ring at (617) 269-7150.

* Harbor Cruise available spring, summer and fall.

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Special Events

We love honoring Mom and Dad; so if your travels find you in any of our cities during Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, be sure to hop aboard an Old Town Trolley. Each of our trolleys offer Mom and Dad something special on their day.