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Feb 01
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Upcoming Speaker Series At Bonnet House

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If you’re familiar with Fort Lauderdale, you likely already know that Bonnet House Museum & Gardens has been a predominant feature in the heart of the downtown area for over one hundred years. But have you ever wondered exactly how that came to be? How was this one piece of beach-front property able to be preserved for so long? And what made it so special? Well you can have all of these questions, and many more, answered during our Speaker Series beginning on February 12th.

To kick off this fascinating series, author and historian J. Kent Planck will be discussing “ The Making Of Bonnet House ” on February 12th, from 10:00-11:30am. This online and in-person lecture will trace the making of Bonnet House from its origins up to the modern day. In this lecture, you will learn about:

● Bonnet House’s original site as a sailors’ house of refuge
● The estate’s construction, enhancement, and decoration by its designer Frederic Bartlett
● It’s preservation as an historic house museum by Bartlett’s widow Evelyn
● Bonnet House’s difficult separation from its original preserving organization in order to
ensure its financial stability into the future

Through pictures and stories about all the difficulties and controversies along the way, Planck weaves a comprehensive, informational and entertaining tour through nearly 150 years of what has made Bonnet House the unparalleled Museum it is today. Registration for this event is free for members, and $5 for non-members. Registration is required by February 9th at 2:30pm.

If you enjoy the first portion of our speaker series, you will likely also enjoy our March series feature. On March 14th, Founder of Grace Arts Gallery, Clare Vickery will be discussing the interesting history of Florida’s Saltwater Railroad. This discussion will have a particular emphasis on the influential women who influenced its creation and history. To learn more about this lecture and to register to attend in person or via Zoom, click here.

Bonnet House works hard to ensure that there are always a variety of speakers and events to educate and inspire our guests. We hope that you are able to attend one or both of these events either in person or via Zoom. To learn more and to plan your next visit to Bonnet House, click here.

Jan 30
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From the Collections Vault: Portrait and photographs of Jeff Lockett

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Accession Number 1990.FB.006

This February we celebrate Black History Month on our blog by acknowledging and honoring people of color who were connected to Bonnet House. In this blog we will look at the life and contributions of Jeff Lockett.

Jeff Lockett was one of Fort Lauderdale’s earliest African American pioneers. Coming from Georgia in the 1890s with Senator Thomas E. Watson, Lockett was then hired by Hugh Taylor Birch as the caretaker of his land. This land included the property Bonnet House resides on today. But to Birch, Lockett was more than a caretaker and town representative for him; Jeff became, in his own words, “a faithful and dear friend”. He came to be well-known around town and gained the nicknames “Old Jeff” and “Uncle Jeff”.

According to the article “Fort Lauderdale’s African-American Pioneers” by Susan Gillis, “A document dated 1924 shows that he was the owner of a dredge (a fairly valuable vessel), which he sold to C.J. West and then dredged out the canal and lagoon around the Bonnet House. Lockett maintained a long acquaintance with the West family; West’s brother served as caretaker at the Bonnet House property. From this friendship came a wonderful portrait of Lockett, given by West as a token of his esteem.” We know that painting well here at Bonnet House, as it resides in our Drawing Room and is a highlight of that space. It was painted by Frederic Clay Bartlett, who married Birch’s daughter, Helen. They lived here at the house for a few winters before Helen passed away in 1925. The article goes on to state: “According to county probate records, she (Helen Birch Bartlett) left Lockett $1000 – a considerable sum at the time.”

Jeff Lockett obviously made an impression during his time here on Earth and was respected and valued in the community. He continued working at the Birch estate until 1930 and passed away in 1934 at the age of 82. We thank you for your passionate and dedicated work on this land, “Uncle Jeff”.

The photographs you see here are of Jeff Lockett and Helen Birch Bartlett on a coconut-collecting expedition in the early 1910s, a solo photograph from the early 1920s, and the portrait of him by Frederic Clay Bartlett,  painted in the 1920s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

To learn more about Jeff Lockett and Hugh Taylor Birch, visit Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and History Fort Lauderdale:

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park | Florida State Parks

Homepage – History Fort Lauderdale

Jan 25
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Maintain Your New Year’s Resolutions WIth Upcoming Classes At Bonnet House

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Well, folks, the new year has finally arrived! It’s hard to believe that after the craziness of the holiday season, we are now a few weeks into 2024! If you’re like many people, you have likely been trying to maintain your New Year’s resolution(s) as the year progresses. Maybe you’ve resolved to be more active, invest in a new hobby, or practice mindfulness. Whatever you have chosen to take on in 2024, we have you covered with a variety of fun and unique upcoming classes at Bonnet House!

Yoga is a wonderful way to not only stay active, but it can also improve flexibility and focus. On February 9th, we invite you to experience a topical treat surrounded by the beauty of nature, with an all-levels, slow vinyasa yoga flow on our veranda. This class will sequence together your basic yoga poses with breathing techniques in a fluid, meditative, and invigorating way. To learn more about this refreshing class and to register, click here.

Perhaps your New Year’s resolution was more centered around artistic practices. This year, Bonnet House is proud to announce that in February, we will begin a variety of classes for both new and advanced artists.

Starting on February 3rd, we will begin a 4-week Intro To Colored Pencil Drawing Workshop where artists will learn colored pencil techniques that will help them create stunning artwork without years of experience. For those more interested in painting, we will begin two 6-week Oil/Acrylic Painting Workshops, starting on February 20th & 22nd. These classes will be taught by Bonnie Opie and are perfect for artists of all skill levels. Additionally, Bonnet House is excited to provide opportunities for budding watercolor artists starting on February 28th. Guests can join fine artist Barbara DiMartini for a 6-week series covering traditional techniques.

Getting outside alongside nature can be a great way to practice mindfulness and cope with stressful situations. Fortunately, our Fort Lauderdale beachside location makes it easy to spend time outside during all seasons of the year. To help visitors feel more connected with the natural world around them, we have upcoming Birding Classes that are open to members and non-members. Starting on February 4th, guests will have the opportunity to gain knowledge about flight and feeding behaviors that are unique to a variety of birds. The class also focuses on commonly found birds that can be spotted in yards and local parks. The class will even include an informative PowerPoint, numerous handouts, and a fun birding activity.

There are so many great opportunities to maintain your New Year’s resolutions well into 2024 with Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. We hope that you and your loved ones are able to attend at least one of our upcoming classes or workshops this season. To learn more about our historic estate, and to plan your next visit, click here.

Jan 04
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orchid festival

Looking Forward To 2024 At Bonnet House

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2023 was an incredible year at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. From our exciting new classes, to our Holiday Magic events, we were able to delight and educate guests of all ages, from all across the world. Looking ahead to 2024, we couldn’t be more thrilled about what is in store! This coming year, we are happy to announce fun, educational events like our 15th Annual Orchid & Garden Festival, a new Bonnet House Speaker Series, and relaxing yoga classes on the veranda.

This year, Bonnet House is once again excited to announce our 15th annual Orchid & Garden Festival . This extremely popular event will take place this Spring on Saturday, April 6th & Sunday, April 7th. During this popular event, guests will have the opportunity to learn more about orchids and find beautiful new specimens to add to their collections. Visitors should also be sure to stop by the Orchid Display House (part of the Shell Museum Complex) to see a sampling of Evelyn Bartlett’s original orchid collection.

In 2024, Bonnet House will also be hosting an educational speaker series starting on January 8th from 10:00-11:30 AM. These unique lectures will be available both in person and via Zoom. To kick off these lectures, we have invited Stephanie Brinez, Endangered Species Interventions Specialist with Bat Conservation International. She will be taking the time to discuss Bats At Bonnet House, and answer your questions. Registration for this event is required by January 6th at 2:30 PM.

Additionally, we will be continuing our Yoga On The Veranda event series into 2024. These classes will allow you to experience a tropical treat surrounded by the beauty of nature, with an all-levels, slow vinyasa yoga flow with a fun world-fusion music playlist! The January 5th session will sequence together your basic yoga poses with breathing techniques in a fluid, meditative, and invigorating way. Adventurous yogis are invited to try variations of postures as they are offered. Each student is encouraged to expand boundaries, and celebrate a fun and energizing flow practice. At the end of the class, we will invite you to settle into deep rest and guided relaxation in nature. Participants will also receive a cool-down aromatherapy refresher, inspirational message card, and warm tea to support your amazing day.

There is truly so much to look forward to in 2024 at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. We sincerely hope that you and your loved ones are able to visit us for some of our new and exciting upcoming events. To learn more, and plan your next visit to Bonnet House, click here , or call (954) 563-5393.

Jan 04
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Bonnet House: A Unique Venue For All Occasions

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Did you know that Bonnet House is one of the top event venues in Fort Lauderdale? Well, it’s true! Spanning 35 acres on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens offers a variety of exquisite settings for events of any size, each unique in its own way. Whether you are planning a close and intimate gathering or a grand and lavish affair, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens sets the scene for romance and timeless memories.

With its perfect beach-front location, its spacious tropical gardens, and its ornate Main House, the Bonnet House property was made for people to enjoy themselves and create special memories. This is why we take great care to
provide our guests with the ability to host their special events in our historic estate.

With our tree-lined alee, garden courtyard, waterfront veranda, hibiscus garden, and the Bonnet House Beach, it is not surprising that Bonnet House is a premier destination for outdoor weddings. Couples looking for unique old-world charm combined with understated elegance can find all of that and more within close proximity to downtown Fort Lauderdale.

In addition to weddings, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is the perfect place to host anniversary celebrations, birthday parties, family reunions, memorials, corporate events, and much more! In fact, Alexander Event Catering has partnered with Bonnet House to serve all of your event and catering needs. A more extensive list of pre-approved vendors that have experience on the property is also available.

As you plan your next event, we hope that you will consider Bonnet House Museum & Gardens for your rental space. Your event will be truly unique and will offer your guests unforgettable memories. Click here to view available dates for rentals.

Dec 01
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Holiday Magic Designs with Julius & Beatrice

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The holidays have come to Bonnet House Museum & Gardens and it is truly a magical experience! Enchanting trees, festive wreaths, and dazzling centerpieces deck the halls and museum rooms bringing a lot of light, joy, and holiday cheer to this beautiful estate.

In the videos below, sibling designers Julius Bianchi and Beatrice Flarida give us a closer look at some of the Holiday Magic decor and explain some of their design inspiration. Listen to the stories behind the vintage pieces in the Butler’s Pantry, the equestrian theme in the kitchen, the magical woodlands in the dining room, and be dazzled by the 10-foot tree in Frederic Bartlett’s Studio. This year is the first time you’ll see decor in Evelyn’s Bamboo Bar. Toast with Beatrice to a very happy NYE 2024! We hope you enjoy the stories shared here and feel inspired to come out and support the museum in person.

Butler’s Pantry

Equestrian Theme in the Kitchen

In the Staff Dining Room

Frederic Bartlett’s Studio

Bamboo Bar

Drawing Room

The Bonnet House has always been a place where artists thrive, and we are so grateful for the teams of extraordinarily talented designers and volunteers who generously donate their time, talents, and decorations to create a very merry holiday here for all to enjoy.

We hope you come see us soon! Happy Holiday Magic!

Nov 20
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An Exciting Future for Bonnet House

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Bonnet House is on the Cusp of an Exciting Future

 

What if you could be transported to a different time?

What if Bonnet House Told the Story of the Diverse People who Created and Nurtured It?

What if Fort Lauderdale became known as a destination for outdoor art?

What if local artists had gallery space to display work for visitors and locals?

What if you could have lunch in the middle of nature and Fort Lauderdale beach?

Click here to View Some Ideas.

Nov 13
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From the Collections Vault: Frederic’s Currier & Ives Murals and Bothways Farm sign

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From the Collections Vault: Accession Numbers 1998.FB.182,183,185,188,205; 2023.DA.001; 2004.B.022: Frederic’s Currier & Ives Murals and Bothways Farm sign

Happy upcoming holidays! This year we will be featuring a mini exhibit in the gallery of Frederic’s interpretations of a few Currier & Ives paintings that have been in our vault for some time. Three large murals and two smaller pieces will be featured along with an original Bothways Farm sign and Currier & Ives Catalogue Raisonne with a personal note from the publisher to Evelyn.

Currier & Ives was a printmaking business based in New York from the years 1834-1907. Their hand-colored lithographs were a staple in virtually every Victorian home in the United States. Their art became synonymous with Americana and the holidays in modern times, thanks especially to the 1948 holiday song “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson.

About the Bothways Farm and murals:

Over the years, the Bartletts acquired two properties in Massachusetts. Frederic and his second wife, Helen Birch, purchased a more formal summer estate they donned “Whitehall” in Beverly in 1925. In 1938, Evelyn purchased a 114-acre farm in Essex which her and Frederic named “Bothways Farm” as there were “two ways to get to Bothways”.

The farm produced meat, eggs, cream, butter, and milk that were then flown to Bonnet House for consumption during their winter getaway. The property included a hunting lodge, chapel, and picnic house. The picnic house already existed when the Bartletts moved in; at that time it was just a little cabin. It had been built for the former owner’s grandchildren to spend the night in. The screened-in porch, four columns, and decorative work were designed and added by Frederic Bartlett. This building is sometimes referred to as the “Currier & Ives Building” because Frederic painted the interior walls with reproductions of Currier & Ives prints as part of the celebrations for a 1946 party he had for Evelyn. Bothways is still an active farm today, though the picnic house no longer exists.

The murals on display, as well as five others in collections storage, were removed from interior walls in 1997 at bequest of Evelyn after her death. The photos you see are of the murals as they were in the picnic house, as well as the little house itself with Frederic and Evelyn in front of it. Come see our new winter mini exhibit and learn more about each piece for a limited time, from November 21st through March 31st, 2024.

Interesting links:
Bothways blog posts from “Good Morning Gloucester” website:  https://goodmorninggloucester.com/?s=bothways
Currier & Ives information, timeline, prints list, and FAQ, from the American Historical Print Collectors Society:  https://ahpcs.org/currier_and_ives

Oct 26
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Special Family Day At Bonnet House

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As the holiday season approaches, it is always a good idea to remember the importance of family and togetherness. Spending time with our loved ones as the seasons change and the days get shorter is a time-honored tradition. Here at Bonnet House, we are providing a variety of unique opportunities for families to spend time together this holiday season.

On November 18th from 9:00am – 3:00pm, we invite you to join us for our Special Family Day! Special Family Day will include a selection of fun, family-friendly activities including:

● Live music by the Gold Coast Youth Orchestra at 10:00am & 11:00am on the lovely veranda
● Escape Back to the Museum STEM-based Outdoor Game with Ciphers, Riddles, and STEM Labs along our historical hardwood hammock
● The Mounted Police Horse Unit and K9 Police
● A Treasure map of what to find on the Bonnet House Estate
● Meet the Barefoot Mailman and other historical people from Bonnet House

Guests will also have the opportunity to tour the historic house museum, and explore the nature trails filled with native plants, trees, and an occasional monkey! Admission to Special Family Day is $10 per adult, and children under 13 as well as Broward County educators are free of charge!

We hope that you and your family join us for this special occasion. Spending time with family is one of the most important things we can do, and Bonnet House is the perfect place! To learn more about Special Family Day, visit our event calendar.

Oct 24
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Celebrate the Holidays at Bonnet House

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What’s that noise we hear in the distance? It’s the sound of jingle bells! That’s right, our Holiday Magic celebrations are right around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited! The Holiday Magic five-day celebration kicks off Friday, December 1st with our annual Holiday Magic Soirée. This popular event is followed by four nights of Holiday Magic Sparkling Evening Experiences that will fill you up with Christmas cheer!

On Friday, December 1st, the Main House and grounds will be lit up and sparkling during this Holiday Soirée with a full bar, catered dining by Hansen Group, and live music. The fantastical characters from the award-winning storybook POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance, will join us again this year with a new presentation from their first-ever residency show and immersive experience. Additionally, all of the trees, wreaths, and centerpieces that you will see on display will be for sale. Soirée attendees have the opportunity to view and purchase these works of art before anyone else! To purchase tickets for general admission and exclusive VIP access, click here.

On Saturday, December 2nd, we will be hosting a magical evening for families to enjoy. Join us for a Wonderland of live entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to capture your holiday family portraits. Some of the evening’s highlights include:

● Scavenger Hunt throughout the house and letters to Santa: 5:30 – 7:30pm
● Photos with POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance™: 5:30pm
● Broward Center Spotlights performance: 6:15pm
● Santa rides in on a Firetruck: 6:30pm
● Broward Center Spotlights performance: 7:15pm

We will also be offering holiday cheer during each evening tour which will include general admission to the house and two drink tickets. Self-guided house tours will take place between 5:30pm – 8:00pm. To learn more about this exciting family-friendly event, and purchase your tickets, click here.

We hope that you and your loved ones are able to attend some or all of our annual holiday events this year. The holidays are such a special time of year, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you at Bonnet House this year! To learn more about our upcoming Holiday Magic events, visit our event calendar.

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