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Bonnet House Celebrates 100 Years In 2020

By Bonnet House Blog One Comment

Over 100 years ago when South Florida was barely more than a small town, Frederic and Helen Bartlett were gifted the Bonnet House site as a wedding present. Soon after in 1920, the family began construction on the gorgeous Bonnet House estate as their winter retreat where they could each pursue their own artistic passions. After the unfortunate death of Frederic’s wife, Helen, visits to the winter get-a-way became infrequent and sporadic. If it had not been for Frederic’s marriage to Evelyn Fortune Lily in 1931, Bonnet House would not have become the beautiful museum and gardens we know today.

Over the years, Evelyn embellished Bonnet House with the eye-catching decorative elements that delight visitors to this day. Even after Frederic’s death in 1953, Evelyn continued to return to the estate, and maintain its beauty. In 1983, Evelyn gave Bonnet House to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, ensuring that the site would be preserved for the enjoyment and education of future generations.

Now, as Bonnet House approaches its 100th birthday, we are reflecting on the legacy of Bonnet House and the Bartlett family in the Fort Lauderdale community. Since Bonnet House’s nonprofit status was established in 1992, our team has done our very best to preserve this important legacy. Since day one, it has been our mission to share the Bartlett’s love of art and nature through public tours, youth and adult education programs, and cultural events that foster community participation.

Our team at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens honors this legacy through the decades spent preserving and showcasing the Bartletts unique collection of art and personal treasures, while also highlighting the importance of the natural barrier-island ecosystem in Fort Lauderdale. Over the years, we have also been working to teach adults and youths about the fascinating history of South Florida and it’s original settlers through educational tours and programs. But our efforts do not stop there.

In just the last year alone, Bonnet House has hosted many wonderful events and has opened its doors to thousands of guests. From our dazzling Holiday Magic celebration to our successful Orchid Festival, 2019 has gotten off to a phenomenal start. But none of this would have been possible without all of our supporters. Bonnet House is incredibly fortunate to have some of the most outstanding board members, donors, volunteers, and staff. We are forever grateful for their dedication and unwavering commitment to the Bonnet House estate.

With the 100th anniversary of Bonnet House quickly approaching, we are asking for at least 100 friends to donate $100 to help kick-off 100 years! Donate $100 today with this link , or mail in a check to be one of the first to receive a commemorative 100th Anniversary t-shirt, lapel pin and Swarovski crystal pen. Your entire gift is 100% tax deductible, too!

A Night at the Museum

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BONNET HOUSE MUSEUM & GARDENS
OFFERS IMMERSIVE
PROGRAM TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS

Patrons can Participate in a Once-In-A-Lifetime “Night at the Museum”
Overnight Stay and Dinner for Two or a Luxurious Dinner for Eight

As part of the Re-Vitalize Campaign, and for a donation of $5,000, the historic and whimsical 35-acre subtropical estate, located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, will be offering a once in a lifetime experience that includes a luxurious dinner for two and an overnight stay in their newly renovated guest suite. The curated experience will immerse participants in the leisurely life enjoyed at a 1930s era beachfront estate including the rare opportunity to tour the property like never before with accommodations for two in a newly refurbished second-floor suite, dinner for two on the veranda with an exquisitely designed personalized menu, and breakfast in the morning with Bloody Mary’s and mimosas.

Separately and for a donation of $5,000 to the Re-Vitalize Campaign, visitors can enjoy the elegant entertaining tradition of the Bonnet House estate, just as its iconic former owners, Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett did.  This experience for eight includes a specially curated tour, pre-dinner cocktails, and dinner on the veranda or moon-lit courtyard.  Menu options may be exquisitely personalized and could include dishes like a scrumptious lobster first course, steak, and a full open bar.

For more information contact Darla L. Stanton, Director of Development
[email protected] or 954-653-1557

For all donations, except for Night at the Museum gifts, no goods or services are provided as consideration for this gift. The entire gift amount is eligible for deduction. For Night at the Museum Dinner gifts, $3,000 is tax-deductible and for Night at the Museum Sleepover gifts, $4,000 is tax-deductible.

As storytelling and sharing is integral for any establishment that has reached the milestone of 100 years, fans are invited to share their Bonnet House memories on social media with the hashtag, #BonnetHouse100 on the property’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter channels.

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Help us celebrate our new independence by giving to our 100th Anniversary to

preserve Bonnet House for another 100 years!

Your entire gift is 100% tax deductible, too.

Thank you to our generous Centennial sponsors – The Haller Foundation, The Kolter Group, A Alexander Event Catering, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Platinum Tents, McLaughlin Engineering Company, Josh Wine & Redemption Whiskey.