Dating back to 1901 and built by the “Father of Fort Lauderdale,” Stranahan House is also referred to as the Pioneer House. In 1984, this mansion was opened for public viewing as a house museum, with tens of thousands of tourists visiting this landmark annually today. Now a historic riverside museum, the elegantly restored house contains antiques, turn-of-the-century furnishings and old photographs of the area. It is also an example of classic Florida Frontier architecture, which is also seen in post offices, town hall and general stores of the city. This lovely museum can also be hired for private events and special celebrations. The events hosted here include the Pineapple Jam, the Peter Pan Pirate Party and more.
A 1920s construction, this historic two-story, 35.4-acre (14.32-hectare) waterfront house was once the winter home of artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife, Evelyn. The Bonnet House is serenely elegant and preserved amidst the urban expansion of Fort Lauderdale Beach, making the land all the more special. Mrs. Bartlett, who died in 1997, gave the estate to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation in 1983 to keep the property unchanged. Several concerts and events are held here throughout the year, and the house is available for private events such as weddings. Named after a waterlily, that once inhabited the property, the Bonnet House is open year-round for guided tours.
The Fort Lauderdale History Center, managed by the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, is a museum complex that comprises three buildings: the 1905 New River Inn, the 1907 King-Cromartie House, and the 1915 Schoolhouse. The 1905 New River Inn is the main history museum with period artifacts, dioramas and photos. The 1907 King-Cromartie House gives visitors a glimpse of an early 20th-century home. The center offers programs for children, including hands-on re-enactments, schoolhouse classes, guided tours of exhibits in the history museum, guided walking tours of the grounds and lectures throughout the year.