Studying, learning, and writing about the Florida Keys since 2001. History columnist at The Keys Weekly, expert on Indian Key and the legendary pirate Black Caesar, former curator at Islamorada’s Keys History & Discovery Center.
Brad Bertelli: Florida Keys Historian, Author, Speaker, Honorary Conch
About
Brad Bertelli, originally from Southern California, moved to Florida in 1989 and has lived on Plantation Key since 2001. With a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Miami, he’s authored ten books and writes a weekly history column for The Keys Weekly Newspaper. Former curator of Islamorada’s Keys History & Discovery Center, Brad now shares his expertise through books, columns, his Facebook group Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli, and speaking engagements.
History
Brad is a distinguished historian with more than twenty years of experience researching the history of Monroe County and the Florida Keys. He played a pivotal role in realizing the original vision for Islamorada’s Keys History & Discovery Center, serving as the museum’s inaugural curator. Brad has contributed his expertise as a board member of the Historical Preservation Society of the Florida Keys and currently serves on Monroe County’s Historic Preservation Commission. He also shares historical insights daily with over 30,000 members of his popular Facebook group: Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli.
Read “Brad Bertelli: Steward of Florida Keys History” interview here.
Author
Brad moved to the Florida Keys to work on his novel. In 2007, Wrestling Alligators received the Key West Writers Guild Award for a novel-in-progress, though the book is still unfinished. During research for his first book, Snorkeling Florida, he collected various accounts from dive captains, crew members, and locals about the region’s reefs, shipwrecks, and island history. As he continued investigating these stories, Brad began focusing on writing about the history of the Florida Keys. His published works and information about upcoming projects can be found here.
Speaker
Brad Bertelli is a respected authority on Florida Keys history and is frequently invited to deliver presentations to museums, resorts, universities, and corporate groups throughout the Keys and South Florida. Known for his expertise and engaging style, Brad provides informative talks tailored to diverse audiences. For speaking engagements or further information, please contact him at (305) 395-9889 or keyshistorian@gmail.com
Honorary Conch
Brad became an Honorary Conch in 2021. The title was bestowed on him by the Monroe County Commissioners in recognition of his work sharing Florida Keys history. Would you like to support Brad’s continued research? Donate here.