South Florida PBS is bringing one of the region’s most beloved cultural landmarks to television screens this summer with the premiere of Hidden In Plain Sight: Bonnet House, a new documentary exploring the history, artistry, and enduring legacy of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens.
Timed to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary, the film invites viewers into the heart of a 35‑acre coastal estate that has quietly preserved the spirit of Old Florida for more than a century. For many, Bonnet House is a familiar oasis tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and the bustle of Fort Lauderdale. But its story, and the visionaries behind it, are far richer than most visitors ever realize.
A Rare Look Inside a South Florida Treasure
Through rare archival materials, expert interviews, and sweeping cinematography, Hidden In Plain Sight traces the estate’s origins back to naturalist Hugh Taylor Birch and artists Frederic Clay Bartlett and Evelyn Fortune Bartlett. What began as a personal retreat evolved into a living canvas where art, architecture, and nature intertwined in ways that still feel magical today.
The film reveals how the Bartletts infused the estate with creativity and whimsy, shaping a home that reflected their artistic spirits and deep connection to the landscape. From the playful architectural details to the lush tropical gardens and five distinct ecosystems, Bonnet House emerges as both a work of art and a sanctuary.
A Legacy Preserved for Future Generations
One of the documentary’s most powerful threads is the story of preservation, particularly the extraordinary role of Evelyn Fortune Bartlett. Her historic gift of the property ensured that Bonnet House would be protected forever as a cultural, environmental, and artistic treasure.
Today, the estate stands as one of the last intact examples of early twentieth‑century waterfront estates in South Florida. As development continues to reshape the region, Bonnet House remains a reminder of the area’s natural beauty, creative heritage, and the importance of stewardship.
When to Watch
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens: Hidden In Plain Sight
The broadcast brings Bonnet House’s story to a wider audience, preserving its history while inspiring new generations to appreciate the art, nature, and vision that make this place so extraordinary.
About South Florida PBS
As Florida’s largest public media organization, South Florida PBS is dedicated to connecting communities, preserving regional history, and producing award‑winning programming across arts, culture, education, science, and civic engagement. Its stations, WPBT2, WXEL-TV, and the Health Channel, serve millions across South Florida.
About Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Bonnet House is a 35‑acre subtropical estate and historic house museum in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. Operated by the nonprofit Bonnet House, Inc., its mission is to preserve the art, history, and nature of the estate while sharing the story of Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett with visitors from around the world.
Bonnet House is open for tours Tuesday–Sunday from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Guided tours are available, and members enjoy free admission year‑round. Learn more at bonnethouse.org.
