Historic Stranahan House Museum – Credit: Durée & Company, Inc.
What/Who:
The oldest house in Fort Lauderdale and the focal point of Broward County’s lengthy and intriguing history, the Historic Stranahan House Museum, will begin construction on a campus-wide makeover to become the “Center of Community,” reverting to its original function as Fort Lauderdale’s first meeting spot in 1901.
In order to better preserve the historic landmark and provide new chances for both locals and tourists, the Stranahan House started a revolutionary capital improvement program in 2018. In order to maintain Stranahan House’s status as an essential cultural institution, the Capital Campaign seeks to improve its amenities and services. The rebuilt River Patio, the renovated old porches given by Old Florida Lumber, and the rebuilt seawall are among the accomplishments to date.
Historic Stranahan House Museum – Credit: Durée & Company, Inc.
On September 17, the Historic Stranahan House Museum will have a groundbreaking ceremony to mark this milestone. The Stranahan House’s Executive Director Jennifer Belt, incoming Board President Maggie Gunther, Board of Directors, and donors will join Florida State Representative Chip LaMarca, Florida Senator Rosalind Osgood, Commissioner Ben Sorensen, and dignitaries from the City of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County for the celebration. There will be small refreshments offered after the service.
“I’m so excited about the groundbreaking of Stranahan House’s museum and welcome center. It’s extremely important that we maintain Fort Lauderdale’s rich history even as the city grows and matures,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis. “The museum and welcome center will take the property to the next level as one of the city’s most important historical elements. It also has the added bonus of boosting the Las Olas portion of our downtown and the whole Riverwalk area. I look forward to its opening.”
With this creative addition, which was spearheaded by architect Leo Hansen, Miller Construction, EDSA, and Brizaga, the Capital Campaign upgrades officially begin, guaranteeing that the Stranahan House will remain a bustling meeting spot for many years to come.
The Egret Classroom, a cutting-edge educational facility supported by a Private Family Foundation, and the Kitchenworks Hospitality Center will be part of the administration building’s makeover. The museum will be better equipped to serve the community and protect its treasures for future generations with new ADA-compliant amenities, such as restrooms, and an on-site archive and storage facility. John and Pamela Wilkes’ funding for the Mosser Family Education Planning Center will guarantee the development of fresh, engaging content.
Historic Stranahan House Museum – Credit: Durée & Company, Inc.
The City of Fort Lauderdale will fund a new welcome center with a ticket booth and gift store on the east side of the property, while Broward, Palm Beaches, and St. Lucie Realtors will fund an event pavilion. The Virginia and Dwight Rogers Courtyard, another venue for community events and celebrations, was donated by the Rogers Family Foundation.
The Stranahan House, led by devoted patrons and supporters, announced that it had raised $1.6 million from the Broward County Cultural Division, the Fritch Foundation, the R.O. Powell Family Foundation, the Salah Foundation, and the Ted Drum family, to begin the $3 million capital campaign. In 2024, Wayne and Lucretia Weiner’s $100,000 match donation sparked excitement and energy in the neighborhood. The Hudson Family Foundation and Tripp Scott generously contributed lead gifts. Partners and community stakeholders have been very supportive of this campus-wide renovation plan. Nearly 75% of the Stranahan House’s funding target has been reached thanks to recent state appropriations.
When:
Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. | Celebratory remarks and ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m.
Where:
Stranahan House: 335 SE 6th Ave. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
How:
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event and may RSVP to [email protected].
Complimentary parking is available at the Riverside Hotel, located at 620 E. Las Olas Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301.
Though construction has not officially started, it is recommended that closed-toed shoes and pants be worn.
About the Historic Stranahan House & Museum:
The oldest and most historically significant building still standing in Broward County is the Historic Stranahan House and Museum, which was once the Stranahans’ house as well as a trade post, post office, and town hall. The most renowned pioneer and first businessman in Fort Lauderdale is Frank Stranahan. In addition to becoming the first school teacher in the area, his wife, Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, was an advocate for numerous social service, civic, educational, and environmental concerns. The Historic Stranahan House Museum’s current goals are to serve as an enduring legacy of historic preservation and to convey the story of the community’s founding through the lives of two remarkable individuals and the homestead they established. The house, historic location, and history of our community’s founding family are to be preserved, interpreted, and promoted. The House is one of the most popular cultural destinations in Fort Lauderdale, drawing over 30,000 visitors and locals each year, including over 3,000 fourth-graders. 335 SE 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 is the address of the Stranahan House and Museum. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please visit www.stranahanhouse.org for additional details.
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Born and raised in South Florida, Krystal is a recent graduate from the University of Miami with professional writing experience at the collegiate and national news outlet levels. She’s a foodie who loves all things travel, the beach, & visiting new places throughout Florida.