The History Buff’s Guide to Fort Lauderdale

For history lovers seeking a luxurious escape in Fort Lauderdale, booking a getaway with Latitude Key Vacations – Curated Vacation Properties offers the perfect home away from home. Our upscale Fort Lauderdale vacation rentals boast high-end amenities such as private pools and gourmet kitchens where you can unwind after each day. We have curated this guide to some of the best historic attractions in the Venice of America and have a blog page dedicated to providing our guests with the inside scoop on this slice of paradise on the Florida Gold Coast!

Explore the History Fort Lauderdale Tours & Museums

History Fort Lauderdale Group Tours

History Fort Lauderdale offers two-hour guided walks along the historic New River, covering less than a mile. Participants can explore the early history of the Venice of America by visiting the History Museum, Pioneer House Museum, 1899 Schoolhouse Museum, and an open-air museum of early Florida wood and masonry architecture featuring Broward’s largest collection of historic buildings. Pre-arranged options are available for groups of 10 or more, and custom tours, including paranormal and architectural experiences, can be arranged.

Historical Walking Tour Of Fort Lauderdale

Explore the rich history of Fort Lauderdale with the Florida Stories app, which offers a self-guided tour of 12 historic sites in the downtown area. Created by the Florida Humanities Council, this app encourages sustainable exploration and fosters connections between small communities.

The History Fort Lauderdale Museum Campus

The History Museum: Housed in the 1905 New River Inn, this museum features exhibits on archaeology, Seminole culture, and local military and regional history.
The Pioneer House Museum: This museum, filled with period furnishings, antique dolls, and toys, offers a glimpse into early settler life.
The 1899 Schoolhouse Museum: Complete with wooden desks and McGuffey readers; this museum evokes the atmosphere of early education history in Fort Lauderdale.
The Hoch Research Library: This premier historical archive provides extensive resources for those studying the region’s past, including photographs, maps, and architectural blueprints.

The Fort Lauderdale History Exhibits

Dugouts to Dream Yachts: Explore the Venice of America’s evolving relationship with its waterways.
Juliette Lange 1900-1920 Fashion & Musical Theatre: This exhibit showcases the glamorous life and history of this Fort Lauderdale resident who was a pioneering dancer and arts advocate.
The Bryans of Fort Lauderdale: Discover the story of the influential family that shaped the city’s transformation from an agricultural outpost to a thriving metropolis.

Visit the Historic Stranahan House Museum

The Historic Stranahan House Museum is the oldest building in Fort Lauderdale and is steeped in history. It was constructed in 1901 by founding father Frank Stranahan and his wife, Ivy. The house has served various roles throughout the city’s history, and the guided tours highlight Frank’s connections with the Seminole Indians and his role in the city’s development. The charming wood-frame structure overlooks the New River and can be accessed by the Water Taxi if you want to avoid downtown parking!

P.S… You can also join in on one of the annual events at the Historic Stranahan House like Victorian Christmas Tours, Craft Fair, Cookies With Santa, Stranahan Speakeasy, Founding Families Fall Festival, and Pineapple Jam!