The Key West Robert Frost Poetry Festival was started in 1994 by Jeane Porter, a sixth-generation member of a prominent Key West family. The Porters have been an important part of the Keys' history since the island was first settled in the mid-1800's, and for many decades owned one of the oldest homes on the island.
Poet Laureate Robert Frost was a frequent visitor to 410 Caroline Street, hosted by Jeane's mother Jessie Porter, and wintered from 1945 to 1960 in the 1834 garden cottage now known as the Robert Frost Cottage.
In 1992, the family converted the home into a museum that fostered Key West's rich historical and cultural heritage. It was appropriately named The Heritage House, and provided a fascinating glimpse into the history of Key West for the many thousands of people who passed through the doors over the years. Sadly, the financial burden of maintaining a historic mansion resulted in the house being sold and the doors being closed to the public in 2010.
Though the festival no longer continues, TSKW was honored to be asked to continue the tradition of the Frost Poetry Contest that the Heritage House founded and administered for over a decade.