Museums of Fort Lauderdale

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Purchased in 1895, this house was bought by a settler and lawyer named Hugh Taylor Birch. It was given as a wedding gift to his daughter, Helen, and her husband, an artist named Frederic Clay Bartlett. In 1983, the house and gardens would be given to the Flordia Trust for Historic Preservation to turn it into a museum. The location was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

2. NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is known as a premier destination in South Florida for modern and contemporary art. Initially founded in 1958, the museum has grown into a 75,000+ square foot space designed by acclaimed architect Edward Larrabee Barnes. Highlights of the collection include over five hundred works by William J. Glackens, the largest collection of Cobra art in the United States, and markedly multicultural contemporary holdings. In addition to displaying art, the museum also hosts a wide variety of programming. This ranges from study centers, to performance art events, to workshops and studios for students and teachers.

3. International Swimming Hall of Fame

Michael Phelps was born June 30th, 1985 in Baltimore Maryland. Michael Phelps was raised with a family of swimmers and started swimming at the age of seven. He is the most decorated Olympic athlete with a total of 28 medals including 23 gold medals. Michael turned his love for the sport into a remarkable career. The International Swimming Hall of fame is the mecca for swimming, diving, water polo and synchronized swimming. The museum, library, and archive contain the worlds largest collection of aquatic memorabilia and the largest source of books, manuscripts and literature. The sport of swimming doesn't really have many statues or artwork that pay tribute to and recognize the talent of swimmers. The International Swimming Hall of Fame wants to change that. Michael Phelps raised the interest and awareness of the sport. They wanted to recognize him and his intense efforts.

4. Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum

The Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum is the vision of retired floral company owner Arthur O. Stone. The museum features dozen Packards (all in running condition) from 1900 to the 1940s, along with a gallery saluting Franklin Delano Roosevelt. In addition to cars, the museum interprets the history of automobiles through everything from grease caps, spark plugs, and gearshift knobs to Texaco Oil signage.

5. Historic Stranahan House Museum

Built in 1901, the Stranahan House is one of the most historic landmarks in Fort Lauderdale. It is significant for its association with the husband and wife who lived here, Frank and Ivy Stranahan, and its architecture. Frank and Ivy were influential figures in the the early 20th century. Frank was the first permanent non-native settler in what would become Fort Lauderdale. He became a successful businessman and landowner, and for ten years he served as a member of the city council and four years as its president. Ivy was a teacher and became known for teaching Seminole Indian children. In fact, she and Frank are perhaps best known for helping the Seminole Indians to assimilate into modern life during these years. In terms of design, the two-story house is a good example of design adapted for Florida climate. Notable features include wraparound porches on both floors and a steeply pitched roof. Visitors can take guided tours and attend special events at the house

6. History Fort Lauderdale

Home to the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, this museum and living village of early 20th century buildings offers displays for children and adults. Kids can learn about the lives of settlers through the village's re-enactments, pioneer museum and replica 1899 schoolhouse. Hour-long historical walking tours run Saturdays at noon and start at the New River Inn, which houses the history museum just steps away from the Riverwalk. Go back in time with the Society's collection of pioneer artifacts, furniture, clothing and farming tools, including World War II uniforms and Seminole artifacts. View manuscripts of Fort Lauderdale's first settlers, local historians and writings from Dr. James Glenn's days as a Seminole Indian Agent. The Society also owns a collection of oral history tapes, 250,000 historical photographs of Broward County and hard copies of old newspapers, including a 19th century series on the Seminole Wars.

7. Old Dillard Museum

Located in a historic building that was constructed in 1907, this features exhibits and displays from local, national, and international artists that include everything from woven kente cloths and photos to live performances. Highlights include a permanent Jazz Gallery exhibition dedicated to the late jazz saxophonist Julian ``Cannonball'' Adderley and the museum's library, which houses more than 2,500 books and other reference materials on the African diaspora.

8. African-American Research Library and Cultural Center

Fort Lauderdale's African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) opened in 2002 and is a branch of the Broward County library system in south Florida. Part library, part archive, part history museum, part art museum, and part community center, the institution offers exhibits drawn from its collection of local history artifacts and items associated with Caribbean and African history. The center provides many normal library services to the local community, including a small business resource center. The institution also offers a research library and exhibits and programs that interpret and share Florida's rich African-American history and culture.

9. Lauderhill Historical Museum

The Lauderhill Historical Museum is a cultural museum that consists of historic items such as photographs, artifacts, etc. that show significance of Lauderhill's history. Lauderhill is a diverse city located in South Florida. With its diverse community, a museum was needed to show the history of how the city developed. The museum opened in 2012 and is located at Wally Elfers Park. Today, the museum possesses a huge impact for the city's residents because it provides a sense of belonging and togetherness as a community.

This Tour is a Walking Tour.

Museums of Fort Lauderdale

Created by Clio Admin on May 7th 2020, 6:25:14 am.

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Description

This driving tour includes stops at eight museums that share the history, art, and culture of Fort Lauderdale. The tour begins west of downtown with the African American Research Library and Cultural Center and continues on to the Old Dillard Museum and History Fort Lauderdale. After a visit to the Stranahan House Museum, the tour continues east to the coast and the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum, the International Swimming Hall of Fame, the Museum of Art, and the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. Enjoy the museums of Fort Lauderdale and be sure to also explore some of the monuments and historic homes that are near many of these museums.

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Museums of Fort Lauderdale

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