History Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale

I happened upon the New River Inn Museum of Fort Lauderdale totally by accident on Monday, January 3 2022. I went in to see after I saw the building and the historical sign outside. It is a small quaint museum with self-guided or guided tours. It has some interesting information about history of the arrival of Europeans to the area. It shows history of the Seminoles and other native American tribes of the area prior to the arrival of Europeans. It also gives some history of some of the African-American history of the area including how education was minimized for them for many years because of the need for cheap labor for the farms of the area. It also talks about Fort Lauderdale's contribution to the U.S. war effort during WWII as well as some of the contributions of some individual families efforts to building/changing the Fort Lauderdale area to what it has become today. More interesting is actually the artists-in-residence on the upper floor of the museum. These artists are allowed work space and allowed to sell their works. It was quite interesting and there was some amazing work. Two of the artists were there at the time and were happy to talk about their work and the work of some of the other artists. It was definitely worth seeing because it was honest about how today's Fort Lauderdale came to be.

This was a hidden treasure to stumble upon on our last day in the area. From entering in the main building (the old hotel), Ms. Sandy greeted my son and I with the warmest welcome. We explored the main building solo and met a wonderful artist named Jenna with jennaswearableart. She does amazing work and she was gracious to show us some other artists work that was being showcased. Following our solo explanation, Ms. Carolyn took us to the old school house replica and had my 7yo so engaged in learning about the first school house in Fort Lauderdale and about the first 14 children who attended. She then took us to the 3rd historic location, the King-Cromartie House which was absolutely AMAZING. It truly was like stepping into the early twentieth century. The house and antiques are so well cared for. Her knowledge of the history of Fort Lauderdale is incredible. I am so glad to have spent our last few hours learning about the area. Thank you Ms. Sandy and Carolyn for your wonderful hospitality!