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Bonnet House Blog

Jul 22
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Beautiful Shell Work On-Site At Bonnet House

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

For much of his life, Frederick Bartlett was an avid art collector and artist, purchasing and creating unique pieces for his tropical South Florida estate. He even passed his passion for art along to his third wife, Evelyn, who became a prolific painter and talented art collector herself. Today, most of t his artwork is still on display at the Bonnet House estate for guests to enjoy as they visit the museum. But it isn’t just paintings and two-dimensional artwork that are on display throughout the estate – Bonnet House also displays quite a bit of shell art from the Bartlett’s original collection.

If you’ve toured Bonnet House in the past, you likely noticed that the Bartlett family had an affinity for shells and shell-themed artwork. In fact, eleven of Evelyn’s original paintings, and eight of Frederick’s paintings contain shells. Evelyn also purchased f our small shell assemblages that are in the shape of a bride’s basket in Nassau, which are still on display in our Music Room. As these intricate shell assemblages are very difficult to dust, we have them displayed under glass domes.

Another clear example of the Bartletts’ love for shells can be seen in the intricate shell designs in the Haitian Loggia. When the building was created, the designs were even more impressive, but a shadow of these details can still be seen today. Also featured at Bonnet House are the two shell flower arrangements in the white marble urns at the base of the pier mirrors.

Today, Bonnet House pays homage to the original owners of Bonnet House by continuing to display their shell art pieces throughout the estate. You can learn more about these pieces and other artistic elements shown throughout the museum on our guided tours available Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 am-4:00 pm, and Saturdays from 9:30 am-11:00 am. This is the perfect opportunity to see how many different pieces of shell art you can find throughout the property.

We hope that you and your family join us for a guided tour of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. You’ll get to enjoy the natural beauty of our gardens, and learn about the artwork and design elements that make the property so unique. Click here to plan your next visit to Bonnet House Museum & Gardens.

Apr 20
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Historic Restoration On Bonnet House Property

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

Here at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, we have been busier than ever! With so many new events and classes taking place, it’s hard to imagine taking on even more major projects. But our dedicated team understands that taking care of a historic estate in South Florida is no easy feat and requires round-the-clock maintenance. That’s why we are excited to be restoring a few key areas of the Bonnet House property in the coming weeks.

Specifically, we will be focusing restoration efforts on our thatch roof, as well as the ponds located on the north and south ends of our property. These types of renovations are incredibly important to our estate and our guests. They not only ensure that our historic estate is preserved for future generations, but they also enable us to provide our guests with an enjoyable experience as they explore the Main House and gardens.

In order for Bonnet House to continue making these important historical renovations to our estate, we rely on donations from our supporters and guests. Our generous donors make our work at Bonnet House that much more effective and beneficial to our community. If you’d like to make a donation to support our restoration efforts, you can click here to donate any amount that you feel comfortable with.

While Bonnet House happily accepts donations of any amount, we do provide special options for our patrons who choose to donate large sums to our restoration efforts. For anyone interested in donating at l least five thousand dollars to the Bonnet House Revitalization project, we are offering a “Night At The Museum” experience for two in a newly refurbished second-floor suite. Depending on the amount you would prefer to donate, you can experience a multi-course dinner on our veranda with a curated menu, as well as breakfast in the morning that can include mimosas and Bloody Mary’s.

Even if you choose not to donate, we hope that you and your loved ones take some time to visit our estate to see the progress on our newest renovations. You’ll be sure to leave impressed and inspired by the beauty of our historic estate and vast gardens. To plan your next visit, and view information about admission and how we’re keeping you safe, click here.

Apr 15
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Self Guided Tours Now Available In Spanish & German

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is located i n sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Our location in the center of a thriving metropolis i n South Florida puts us i n a unique position to cater to a variety of different guests that come to us from all over the world. It i s an honor to share the unique history of our estate, and the artistic legacy of the Bartlett & Birch families to people from all corners of the globe.

In an effort to ensure that all our guests can have the same opportunities to l earn about our historic estate, we have started offering self-guided tours in Spanish as well as German. We also plan on launching self guided tours i n Portuguese very soon.

Here at Bonnet House, international tourists can experience the unique charm and historic atmosphere that South Florida has to offer. With our expansive tropical and desert gardens, and our historic Main House, Bonnet House has so much to offer. By providing self guided tours in multiple languages, we aim to become a top destination for international tourists visiting Fort Lauderdale.

Bonnet House offers self guided tours Tuesdays – Fridays from 11:00am to 3:00pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Welcome Center on the day of your visit, or by visiting this webpage. Adult tickets can be purchased for $20.00 per person, and children are $8.00.

We hope that you and your l oved ones have the opportunity to visit our museum on your next visit to Fort Lauderdale. To plan your visit and learn more about how we’re keeping you safe, click here.

Jan 12
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Artists & Artwork at Bonnet House

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

Bonnet House has had a long and varied history since its establishment in 1920. But today, the estate is a preeminent house museum dedicated not only to historic and environmental preservation but also to learning and creative expression. Both Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett were highly artistic individuals and ensured that art was featured prominently inside their estate. Today, guests have the opportunity to experience firsthand the artwork that so inspired the Bartlett family.

Both Frederic Clay Bartlett and Evelyn Fortune Bartlett were highly esteemed artists. Frederic’s work displayed at Bonnet House was influenced mostly by Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. He worked on mural projects in conjunction with American architects such as Howard Van Doren Shaw, and his easel work was acquired for the collections of several well-respected institutions including The Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh and the National Museum of American Art. Guests can find examples of his easel art displayed in the Bonnet House studio. Frederic’s murals and faux painting can also be found throughout the Main House.

But despite Frederic’s talents in creating art and collecting art, he often commented that his greatest artistic discovery was the innate talent possessed by his third wife, Evelyn Bartlett. With little formal training but a great deal of encouragement from Frederic, Evelyn began painting in 1933. For the next five years, she painted prolifically, and her work was featured in well-received gallery exhibits in cities such as Boston, New York, and Indianapolis. Today, guests can find Evelyn’s works proudly featured in Bonnet House’s Carl J. Weinhardt Gallery.

While enjoying the beautiful paintings on display at Bonnet House, don’t forget that the estate itself is a carefully crafted work of art in and of itself. After Frederic married Evelyn, the couple worked hard to add decorative embellishments throughout the estate in order to bring out the best in both the building and the natural environment surrounding the estate.

Next time you and your family are in the downtown Fort Lauderdale area, be sure to include a trip to the Bonnet House estate. You’ll be sure to find inspiration, and tranquility as you enjoy the artwork, and take in the natural scenery. To plan your next visit, click here or call (954) 563-5393.

Dec 17
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New Year’s Resolutions & Community Support in 2021

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

As 2020 comes to a close, it is a good time to reflect on the year that is behind us. It is important to consider all the good moments, as well as the bad ones, and begin to determine how we want to carry what we’ve learned into the new year. This year, our team at Bonnet House was
reminded once again of the importance of community and the vital role it plays in the future of our beloved estate.

2020 threw a variety of unprecedented challenges our way, but we were fortunate enough to have a wonderful community of supporters who helped us as we navigated this challenging year. It is hard to put into words just how much we appreciate each and every one of our guests,
volunteers, donors, and supporters. We are immensely grateful for the ability to continue our mission, and showcase this beautiful estate to locals and tourists alike.

But not every organization has been as fortunate as we have been this year. Many local community organizations, museums, and artists are struggling to make ends meet, and are at risk of shutting down. These organizations and artists are the lifeblood of the South Florida
community, and work tirelessly to improve our community.

This New Year, we encourage you to put forth your best efforts to support your local communities. Whether you live in a midwestern small town or a bustling metropolis in South Florida, do what you can to shop locally, and support community-based organizations and artists. By doing this, more money can stay within the community and help other small businesses and families directly in your area.

If you are interested in supporting Bonnet House in the new year, you can consider making a contribution to our Re-Vitalize Bonnet House campaign. This is a fundraiser to help us achieve our five-year comprehensive, strategic plan that includes advanced marketing efforts to attract tourists and broaden engagement with the local community. You can learn more about our campaign, and make a donation, here.

Dec 15
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Connect With Nature At Bonnet House

By Bonnet House Blog, Uncategorized No Comments

If you’ve ever visited Bonnet House, you know that our estate consists of much more than just a single, large home. In fact, the Bonnet House estate contains vast gardens and a multitude of fascinating wildlife for guests to enjoy. Interestingly enough, the grounds of Bonnet House exists on one of the few remaining examples of a natural barrier island ecosystem in South Florida. In order to preserve and showcase this unique ecosystem, we include many opportunities for guests to connect with nature, and experience the tranquility that comes with appreciating the outdoors.

This coming January, Bonnet House is excited to announce that Don Oprea will be hosting a ‘Forest Bathing’ class in the Bonnet House Hammock. This relaxing class will give guests the opportunity to slow down and tune out the stress of everyday life by connecting with nature. This course will take place on January 10th, 2021 from 10:00am – 12:00pm. The class is $20 for Bonnet House Members and $25 for non-members. To register, click here, or call 954-703-2606.

Bonnet House also offers a variety of artistic workshops that teach you how to create your own stunning landscape scenes inspired by the Bonnet House gardens. Starting in January, Bonnet House will be hosting our popular Watercolor and Acrylic workshops. Each workshop includes six weekly sessions that will cover the basic principles of whichever technique you choose. Each workshop will also include time to paint outside in our covered courtyards and gardens. To learn more, and register for a workshop, visit our events calendar .

If you are someone who finds your peace at work in the garden, our annual orchid care classes may be the right fit for you. Starting in January, Bonnet House will host classes that will teach you the basics of orchid care, repotting and pest control. You can purchase tickets and learn
more about these classes by visiting our events calendar .

It is important to note that you don’t have to attend a special class, or specific workshop to enjoy the gardens and wildlife here at Bonnet House. Guests are more than welcome to take a guided or self-guided tour of the estate and grounds as they visit. Taking a walk in our gardens is an activity that can either be fun for the whole family or enjoyed peacefully by yourself.

There is so much to learn and discover here at Bonnet House, whether it’s inside our main house, or outside in our gardens. We hope that you and your family take the time to explore and find peace in nature. Learn more, and plan your visit to Bonnet House, here.

Aug 25
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Things To Do In Fort Lauderdale – What’s Open

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

While this summer has been quite different from years past, you and your family can still get out and enjoy yourselves in a safe environment. Right here in Fort Lauderdale, we have a variety of museums, historical homes, parks and beaches that are open to the public and offer safe environments for social distancing. We have listed a few of our favorite spots in Fort Lauderdale that you and your family are sure to enjoy!

The Historic Stranahan House & Museum is a perfect weekend activity for families! The historic home is open Friday through Sunday and offers guided tours at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. Located on the New River, the home was built in 1901 by the predominant businessman, Frank Stranahan. Throughout the history of the estate, the home was used for multiple public projects, as Mr. Stranahan and his wife, Ivy, took on leadership roles in the community. This estate has been open to the public for viewing as a historic house museum since 1981 and welcomes more than 10,000 visitors annually.

Birch State Park is another great place to take the family in Fort Lauderdale. Birch State Park is a vibrant center for the community of Fort Lauderdale, and residents often enjoy activities including bicycling, roller skating, snorkeling, paddle boarding and so much more. Visitors can access the beach via the pedestrian tunnel under A1A, and there are also picnic areas that overlook the channel. The park is open daily from 8am to 6pm, and they charge a $6 entry fee per vehicle.

If you are in Fort Lauderdale, you should be sure to set some time aside to visit some of our beautiful beaches. With our clear, turquoise water and white sand beaches, Fort Lauderdale’s beaches are popular destinations for visitors and residents alike. Whether you enjoy surfing the waves, searching for seashells, or relaxing with a good book, Fort Lauderdale beaches offer something fun for the whole family.

Of course Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is also open to the public for self-guided tours of both our main house and expansive gardens on Tuesdays through Sundays. In fact, now through November 25th, we are offering our Family Special, which includes free admission for guests 17 and under!

Make lasting memories with your loved ones by experiencing the best that Fort Lauderdale has to offer. If you would like to learn more about Bonnet House’s Family Special, click here.

Aug 17
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Romantic Proposal Venue In Fort Lauderdale

By Bonnet House Blog One Comment

Here at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, romance is always in the air, especially in our vast tropical garden. Bonnet House offers a unique location in downtown Fort Lauderdale for couples to spend time together and enjoy the romantic atmosphere on our secluded garden trails. With our spectacular views, and gorgeous plants in bloom all year round, Bonnet House is the perfect place to propose in Fort Lauderdale.

While Bonnet House has been known throughout South Florida as a gorgeous location to host an outdoor wedding , our estate is also an excellent place to make a promise to your future bride.

Marriage proposals are important, and your engagement should be a special time for both you and your new fianc é . Before getting engaged, there is so much to consider about how you will make that big moment as special as possible. In addition to the engagement ring you choose, you also need to plan the location, your wardrobe, any photography, the way in which you’ll pop the question, and more!

But don’t stress Bonnet House has you covered. In addition to the beautiful outdoor location, Bonnet House will do what we can to accommodate your proposal on site in any location you choose. Whether you want to propose in our Courtyard, our Veranda, or on our Chickee Bridge, an events coordinator will be available to help guide you and any potential guests through your proposal.

If you hear wedding bells in your future, and you just can’t wait for the day you’ll share your vows and say “I do,” consider making your engagement official at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Contact David Wooden at 954-703-2608 or [email protected] to book your proposal.

Aug 06
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Orchid Display House

A Complete Guide to Orchid Care

By Bonnet House Blog 3 Comments

At Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, we understand the importance of caring for one’s orchids, sharing South Florida’s history, and the unique natural environment that we call home. Even in a warm, sunny environment like South Florida, orchids can be a challenge to grow and specific techniques vary based on a multitude of factors. We’ll take some time in this blog to highlight some of the basics of orchid care. The first step to basic orchid care is  understanding what type of orchid you want to grow. Each orchid is unique and requires a different balance of sunlight, water and food in order to grow.

The first step is to consider the amount of sunlight your plant will require. Essentially, orchids need just enough sun so that they have somewhat yellow-green foliage and strong, vertical growths. If your orchid is exposed to too much sunlight, the foliage will appear dark green, and will not have the typical strong upright growths.

The roots of your orchid, as well the entire plant will not survive without sufficient exposure to moving air. For this reason, most orchids do not actually grow in soil, with the exception of a few terrestrial varieties. When potting your orchid, your pot should be open with good drainage, but it should still be capable of holding enough moisture to support the plant’s needs. Typically, orchids are intolerant of an environment with little to no airflow. When considering where to keep your orchid, you should ensure that your plant is exposed to gentle air movement at all times. If you are growing your orchid in an indoor environment, you can simply use an overhead fan on a low setting, or a portable oscillating fan that is directed away from the plant.

Watering is the most common issue faced by orchid owners. In order to properly water any plant, you must consider both quantity and frequency. Due to the specific nature of your growing environment and the type of orchid itself, there isn’t an exact answer to how much and how often you should water your orchid. However, the main rule of thumb is to give the plant some water just as it dries out. The most effective way to determine whether or not your orchid has begun to dry out is to insert your finger into the soil and determine the moisture content yourself. This will not cause harm to the plant, and will let you know whether or not it is time to give your orchid some water. When your orchid is ready to be watered, it will require copious amounts. Continue watering your plant until you start to notice water running freely from the drainage holes in the pot. This will not only soak the potting medium, but it will flush away salts that naturally accumulate. At a minimum, be sure to water your orchid at least once a month.

If you care for your orchid properly, it will be able to grow and flower for long periods without the use of fertilizer. However, feeding orchids fertilizer regularly does yield better results. Typically, orchids should be fertilized once a week in the summer and every two weeks during the fall and winter times. Regardless of what brand or type of fertilizer you select for your orchid, most experienced growers recommend that you use no more than one half of the label-recommended strength after you water your plant.

Here, at Bonnet House, we have an orchid curator and orchid care volunteers who maintain the two greenhouses and display house.  The Orchid Display House is part of the house tour.  Visitors can visit the estate and enjoy a self guided tour of the house and grounds, view the beautiful orchids grown throughout the estate and on display in the Shell Museum Complex.  Click here to purchase your tickets.

Jul 22
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Intimate Summer Weddings Close/ Intimate Ceremony Dates Available

By Bonnet House Blog 3 Comments

As the COVID19 epidemic has spread throughout the world, countless planned events have been cancelled or postponed indefinitely. Unfortunately for many happy couples, this has also included wedding ceremonies, receptions, honeymoons, and much more. With travel restrictions and social distancing recommendations, getting family and friends together for a wedding can feel nearly impossible. Here at Bonnet House, we understand the importance of celebrating love and family, especially such during such challenging times. This is why we have made it a priority to create opportunities for couples to get married now in a safe environment that includes  options for live streaming to your loved ones. To ensure the safety of those involved, up to five people will be permitted during the ceremony, including the couple, officiant, photographer, and videographer.

Here is a list of our package details:
● Package 1 – Use of Bonnet House only – $500
● Package 2 – Use of Bonnet House & Video – $1,300
● Package 3 – Use of Bonnet House with Photography – $1,300
● Package 4 – Use of Bonnet House with Video & Photography – $2,100

To make sure that everything runs according to plan on your wedding day, Bonnet House will provide you with a Personal Bridal Assistant, and allow you to use the Bonnet House Estate for a one hour ceremony between 9am and 6pm. You can also use the property for bridal photography one hour before the ceremony. Free parking is available onsite as well. Please click here to view our preapproved vendor list for a list of officiants.

An intimate summer wedding on the beautiful Bonnet House estate will be sure to provide you and your loved ones with lasting memories. An intimate wedding keeps the focus of the ceremony on the couple and the love that is shared. By choosing our wedding options, you can share your beautiful ceremony and commitment with those you love most, while still maintaining the intimacy and serenity of a small wedding.

To view our availability, please click here. If you are interested in hosting your wedding ceremony at Bonnet House this summer, contact David Woodin at 9547032608 or [email protected] to book your event.

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