The Fort Lauderdale History Center has several venues tracing the city’s history from the Seminole era to the present day. Investigate the museum’s diverse display of temporary and permanent exhibits and see recreated period rooms. The museum is part of the larger Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, which includes cultural activities as well as century-old buildings, including former inns, school houses and private residences.
Find the main historical displays in the New River Inn Museum of History. Built in 1905, the structure is Broward County’s oldest surviving hotel building. Through artifacts, photographs and displays, the museum examines the city’s history from its early indigenous communities to modern times. One section recreates the appearance of a typical hotel room at the former New River Inn.
Tour the 1907 King-Cromartie House Museum, which is decorated as it may have looked in the early 20th century. See the first floor display devoted to the King family, who lived in the house until 1968.
Walk to the 1905 Philemon Nathaniel Bryan House, a vernacular-style house with classical revival architectural detailing. The home was used as a boardinghouse during World War II and now houses an advertising agency. Look for the 1899 Replica School House, which was modeled after the county’s first schoolhouse. School tour groups experience children’s activities from old times.
Stop at the extensive research library housed in the Hoch Heritage Center. This public facility features historic maps, manuscripts and more than 400,000 archival photos.
Check the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society website to find the topic for the next event in the free lecture series hosted at the museum. Local historians, authors, scholars and other public figures provide monthly historical education. The center offers a variety of other events, programs and activities throughout the year, so find out if anything special is taking place during your visit.
The Fort Lauderdale History Center admission fee includes entrance to the New River Inn, which is open daily, as well as a guided tour of King-Cromartie House. Find the complex near the New River, where it can be reached on foot or by Sun Trolley.
