Cuban Architecture and the Connection to South Florida is the Topic for Key West Art & Historical Society’s next Distinguished Speaker Series

The Havana Central Railway Station will be featured in the upcoming Distinguished Speaker Series talk, “Across the Florida Straits to Cuba: A Living History of the Buildings Left Behind” hosted by the Key West Art & Historical Society on Thursday, January 16. The lecture is part of Florida Humanities “Florida Talks” series. Tickets for the event are available on kwahs.org/dss-architecture (Photo Credit: vintage postcard from Key West Art & Historical Society collection)

Key West’s own San Carlos Institute will be featured in the upcoming Distinguished Speaker Series talk, “Across the Florida Straits to Cuba: A Living History of the Buildings Left Behind” hosted by the Key West Art & Historical Society on Thursday, January 16. The lecture is part of Florida Humanities “Florida Talks” series. Tickets for the event are available on kwahs.org/dss-architecture (Photo Credit: Key West Art & Historical Society)

December 30, 2024 – (KEY WEST, FL).  On Thursday, January 16, join prominent South Florida architect, designer, and author Mario Cartaya as he explores the largely untouched buildings, streets, and artifacts in Cuba that serve as a time capsule into the past during his talk entitled, “Across the Florida Straits to Cuba: A Living History of the Buildings Left Behind.”  In this historical presentation, Cartaya retraces and recalls six decades of friendly and cooperative Cuban American relations and history as told by the buildings left behind.  The talk takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton Street, and tickets are required.  This Distinguished Speaker Series lecture is a partnership between Florida Humanities and the Key West Art & Historical Society as part of the organization’s redesigned “Florida Talks” program.

Cartaya was born in 1951 to a middle-class family living in Havana, Cuba.  Eight years later, the winds of Castro’s Revolution swept over his country, leaving Cartaya’s family with no choice but to seek refuge in the United States.  He eventually attended the University of Florida, earning a bachelor’s degree in architecture (Magna Cum Laude) and a master’s in building construction.  Four years later, in 1979, he founded Cartaya and Associates Architects, PA, the Fort Lauderdale firm he headed for 43 years, until his retirement in 2022.  In 2019, his many architectural accomplishments were read into the record of the U.S. House of Representatives.  In 2022, an American flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol to celebrate his legacy—coinciding with his retirement.

“It is an honor to host Mr. Cartaya in Key West for his detailed talk on Cuban architecture and its direct relationship between the two islands,” says Dr. Cori Convertito, curator and historian for the Society.  “Architectural influences traversed the Florida Straits prior to the 1960s and Key West is home to several Cuban influenced buildings such as the San Carlos Institute, the original Cuban Club, and the interior of Sloppy Joe’s Bar.  Cartaya will take attendees on a journey back in time to provide a better understanding of the architectural influences and subsequent uses in modern Cuba.”

Florida Talks is one of Florida Humanities’ longest-running public programs.  The organization’s speakers’ bureau features more than 30 exceptional scholars, journalists, authors, and humanities experts and over 60 brand new and returning programs.  Florida Talks offers nonprofit organizations across the state an accessible way to host engaging speakers who present Florida’s history, heritage, and culture through historical and contemporary lenses.
“Florida Humanities is thrilled to share its redesigned Florida Talks program. As one of our long-standing public programs, Florida Talks shares history, heritage, and culture with communities large and small across the state. We hope attendees walk away with new perspectives, knowledge, and are energized to continue learning about our unique state,” April Myerscough, Florida Humanities Grants Coordinator.

To reserve tickets for the lecture; visit kwahs.org/dss-architecture - $13 for KWAHS members, $17 for non-members.  Additional support for the lecture series is provided by Aloys & Carol Metty and the John & Marilyn Rintamaki Family Charitable Fund.  For more information, contact Cori Convertito, Ph.D. at 305-295-6616 x507 or [email protected].
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