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Oct 06
Love0

Preserving Bonnet House

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

The Bonnet House property was purchased in 1895 by Hugh Taylor Birch. While the property had already experienced over 4,000 years of Florida history at the time it was purchased, the state of Florida looked nothing like it does today. Although much time has passed, the Bonnet House property still encompasses one of the last examples in South Florida of a native barrier island habitat. We are fortunate to be one of the few places in Florida to include five distinct ecosystems and an abundance of native plants and wildlife.

These five unique ecosystems include the Atlantic Ocean beach and primary dune, a freshwater slough, the secondary dune which includes the house site, mangrove wetlands, and a maritime forest. To complement the natural vegetation, the grounds also contain a Desert Garden composed of arid plantings, a hibiscus garden, and the main courtyard planted with tropical vegetation.

Our stunning variety of tropical vegetation includes but is not limited to mangroves, saw palmetto, blue porterweed, wild coffee, bougainvillea, and plumeria. Bonnet House also showcases various blooming examples of orchids in our greenhouses and throughout the estate all year round.

If you are interested in learning more about our fascinating ecosystems, and specific plant varieties, we encourage you to participate in our Education Programs . Our Educational Programming enlivens our mission statement and supports Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards by offering onsite classes, field trips, and virtual lessons in Florida history, nature, art, and design.
These programs:
● Integrate character education
● Involve hands-on activities
● Provide various choices of curriculum enrichment
● Conform to the National Trust for Historic Preservation curriculum guidelines

Here at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, we pride ourselves on providing unique and interesting opportunities for our guests to learn more about our estate, its owners, and Florida’s beautiful ecosystems. But none of this would be possible without our passionate and engaging volunteers. These dedicated individuals help us to educate guests, and care for our many species of plants. Our volunteers are truly the heart and soul of Bonnet House and they make all of our goals come to fruition.

Whether it’s everyday operations, special evening events, or gardening, Bonnet House couldn’t operate as it does without our team of volunteers. Volunteers have a variety of different opportunities to serve at Bonnet House. If you have any questions or wish to join our team of volunteers at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, please call (954) 703-2606 or click here.

May 14
Love9

Explore The Natural Beauty of Fort Lauderdale

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

As residents of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, we are incredibly proud of our community, and its rich cultural history. We’d like to take some time to highlight some other Fort Lauderdale attractions that you can enjoy with the whole family!

Bonnet House – is situated on a coastal barrier island. Much of the natural environment of barrier islands has been lost today to commercial development. A walk along the Nature Trail allows you to step back in time and experience a rare piece of old South Florida.

In addition to being open for public tours, Bonnet House hosts an annual week-long sparkling Holiday Magic festival of trees and décor, an annual series of outdoor music concerts, an annual orchid festival and offers adult educational programs in art, ornithology, orchid cultivation, and lectures as well as educational programs for Broward County schools and homeschool groups.

NSU Art Museum – located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, The NSU Art Museum is home to diverse and innovative collections of art from around the world. Founded in 1958, NSU Art Museum aims to provide opportunities for individuals to access, learn from and be inspired by exceptional art from across the globe, and from different time periods. They have used their vast space (83,000 square feet, to be exact) to house over 6,000 works of art. They boast a wide array of collections that feature artists ranging from the American realist, William Glackens, to post-WWII, avant-garde artists from Copenhagen, Brussels and Amsterdam.

If you are passionate about art and culture, be sure to stop by one of Fort Lauderdale’s favorite spots!

Stranahan House & Museum – Stranahan House was constructed in 1901 by Frank Stranahan and his wife, Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, Ft. Lauderdale’s Founding Father and first school teacher, respectively. It is the oldest surviving structure in Broward County and has served multiple purposes in the county’s history. The Stranahan House & Museum is committed to
telling the fascinating story of the birth of our community through the Stranahan’s lives and the beautiful home they created.

Don’t miss your opportunity to experience the rich history of Fort Lauderdale through this gorgeous wood-frame vernacular structure, with wide porches and a stunning view of the New River!

Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum – This museum was established with the goal of preserving the history of the Packard Motor Co., and to demonstrate the progress of American engineering. With 22 Packard motor cars in working condition, The Ft. Lauderdale Antique Car Museum is proud to show some of the finest cars ever made. The 18,000 square foot building also contains thousands of pieces of memorabilia, and a separate gallery dedicated to the life of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and so much more.

See some of the finest automobiles in the world first hand at the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum. You won’t be disappointed!

Flamingo Gardens – Flamingo Gardens is home to one of the last natural jungle growths in South Florida, with over 3,000 tropical and subtropical plant species, including the largest tree in the state of Florida. Their Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to over 90 native species,
making it the largest collection of Florida Native wildlife in the state! The Flamingo Garden’s mission is to depict, preserve, and provide education about the natural and cultural heritage of South Florida and the Everglades.

These beautiful gardens, wildlife sanctuary, and historic Wray Home Museum have been delighting visitors of all ages for 90 years. Don’t miss this fun and educational South Florida attraction!

Fort Lauderdale Historical Society – The Fort Lauderdale Historical society is dedicated to preserving and sharing material from Ft. Lauderdale’s past so that present and future generations can stay connected to and inspired by their predecessors, and plant their own roots in our community. The Historical Society includes a 1907 house museum and three other 1905
historic structures, as well as a museum of changing and permanent exhibitions. They also offer docent-lead and self-guided tours 7 days/week.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore the fascinating history of South Florida at the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society on your next visit!

We hope that you’ll consider some of these exceptional attractions in addition to Bonnet House Museum & Gardens on your next visit! We are incredibly proud of our community and all that it has to offer. Happy exploring!

May 31
Love0

Bonnet House Announces South Florida Adventure Pass

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

For the third year in a row, five local attractions have joined together to offer the ‘South Florida Adventure Pass!’ For one low price ($45 for adults and $35 for children), locals and tourists can enjoy unlimited admission to Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, Flamingo Gardens, Young At Art Museum, Sawgrass Recreation Park, and Xtreme Action Park!

If you enjoy history and nature, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a must-see attraction featured on the South Florida Adventure Pass. On 35 acres of pristine barrier island habitat, this plantation-style house remains much as it was in the 1930s and 1940s when Frederic and Evelyn created the unique blend of art and whimsy that so delights visitors today!

For wildlife enthusiasts, The South Florida Adventure Pass also features Flamingo Gardens. Established in 1979, Flamingo Gardens is home to one of the last natural jungle growths in South Florida. With the South Florida Adventure Pass, you’ll be able to view over 3,000 tropical and subtropical plant species, including the largest tree in the state of Florida. Their Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to over 90 native species, making it the largest collection of Florida Native wildlife in the state!

If your family is interested in having fun while learning about art and culture, plan on stopping by the acclaimed Young At Art children’s museum. Enjoy free admission to this 55,000 sq. ft interactive museum that’s perfect for kids and families. The Gold-LEED certified Young At Art Museum is the epicenter for families and features four permanent galleries. The Young At Art Institute houses a series of professionally equipped studios for drawing, painting, sculpture, animation, photography and film, printmaking, mixed media, digital computer, and 4D video design. YAA also houses 10,000 square-foot Broward County Library, a National Traveling Exhibition Gallery, Teen Center and Recording Studio, a preschool and early childhood learning center, and a Museum Gift Shop. Don’t miss out on this must-see South Florida attraction!

If it’s adventure, you’re looking for, use your South Florida Adventure Pass at Sawgrass Recreation Park ! Here, you and your family can discover the Florida Everglades on a thrilling 30 minute Airboat Adventure ride free of charge. Glide over the sawgrass and cattails and let your spirit soar as you hear the stories of this unique environment. Hold an alligator, and see a Florida Panther in their animal exhibit areas featuring over 100 mammals and reptiles who have been adopted and rescued.

For an exciting indoor experience, visit Xtreme Action Park , the largest indoor entertainment venue in Florida! Xtreme Action Park has over 200,000 square feet of exciting attractions and event spaces including Go Kart Racing, Bowling, Arcade, a Ropes Course Adventure, Glow-in-the-Dark Bazooka Blast, a Trampoline Park, Roller Skating Rink, Escape Rooms, an Auto Museum, All American Cafe, Hershey’s Ice Cream Shake Shoppe, Sports Bar, and so much more. Xtreme Action Park truly has something fun for everyone! From animal interactions and lush botanical gardens, to art expression and unlimited roller skating, the South Florida Adventure Pass boasts exciting adventures of all kinds.

If you’re interested in purchasing an Adventure Pass for you and your family, the savings pass will be sold at each participating attraction beginning May 15th, 2018, granting unlimited admission to each attraction until September 30, 2018.

Oct 29
Love10

Bonnet House Seeks Volunteers

By Bonnet House Blog, News No Comments

With five distinct eco-zones and former owners whose interests ranged from art, poetry, and music to natural conservation and organic agriculture, Bonnet House has nurtured eclectic interests for almost ninety-five years.  There’s something for everyone to enjoy here, and the same can be said of our volunteer opportunities.  Looking for something peaceful and quiet?  The courtyard and bridge aren’t that way all the time, but greeting guests there will give you ample opportunity (most days!) to enjoy the natural habitat and gardens.  How about something more active with lots of visitor interaction, reading an audience, and telling a great story?  Guiding house tours might be for you.  How about sales?  The Museum Shop is always in need of extra help.  And no matter which role you choose, you’ll be interacting with other like-minded volunteers who have more passion and interest for the remarkable Bonnet House estate than you can imagine.

To learn more about the many volunteer opportunities at Bonnet House, visit www.bonnethouse.org/opportunities.

Oct 10
Love11

Orchid, Garden & Gourmet Food Festival

By Bonnet House Blog, Events No Comments

300x150_OrchidFestWebBannerNoDates 

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens will be blooming during its Orchid, Garden and Gourmet Food Festival featuring the 7th Annual Orchid and Exotic Plant Sale December 7th and 8th from 9:00am to 4:00pm! With free parking and a $10 entry fee for members and $12 fee for non-members- plant lovers and orchid enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see and buy an exclusive selection of orchids and exotic plants.

In addition to the unique collection of exotic orchids and plants sold by over 40 local vendors, the two-day event will feature gourmet food trucks, libations, orchid care lectures, cooking and gardening demonstrations, a silent auction display, live music and a farmer’s market.

The event will take place Saturday and Sunday, December 7th and 8th from 9:00am to 4:00pm.  The entry fee is $10 for members and $12 for non-members for the fair and grounds and an additional fee of $8 for the self-guided tour through the house. Tickets will be available online at www.bonnethouse.org beginning in October.

Event Features:

Orchid Displays & Silent Auction – Various orchid displays created by the participating vendors will be available for auction.
Gourmet Food Trucks – Food trucks throughout the property offering edible bites.
Wine, Beer, Mimosa’s & Bloody Mary’s– Enjoy an invigorating mixture as you wander through the garden.
Orchid and Exotic Plants – Featuring over 40 vendors including tropicals, fruit trees, bamboo, butterfly garden plants and much more.
Orchid Supplies – Vendors to provide all you need to plant and grow orchids.
Garden Art – Attractive and unusual orchid and/or garden related items from several vendors.
Lectures – Educational lectures by Home Depot on caring for your garden and how-to demonstrations by Whole Foods Market on preparing healthy meals for the entire family.
Dillard High School Art Exhibit- NatureScapes @ Bonnet House. Beautiful works of art inspired by the Bonnet House Estate will be on display in the newly renovated Island Theater.  Reception scheduled for Sunday, December 8 at 2pm.  Exhibition will run Saturday, December 7, 2013– Sunday, January 5, 2014.
Marando Farms Green Market – Herbs, organic fruit and vegetables and helpful tips on gardening will be available.
Self-guided Tours of the House and Grounds – Stroll through the grounds and house at your leisure and experience the charm and beauty of the Bonnet House estate.
Rest Areas – Where you can sit and relax in the shade.
The Bonnet House Museum Shop – Near the main house, offers a unique choice of interesting books, jewelry and array of gift items.
Lots of Free parking – The entrance to the parking lot is on N. Birch Road off of Sunrise Blvd. between A1A and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Sep 26
Love13

Newly added Behind the Scenes Tours

By Bonnet House Blog, News, Uncategorized No Comments

BehindtheScenesR3

Visitors will participate in a VIP experience at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens beginning Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at 2pm. Bonnet House will be offering new Behind the Scenes – Private Living Quarters Tours. Take a sneak peek inside normally-closed areas of Evelyn and Frederic Bartlett’s private living quarters. Tours are led by our seasoned Bonnet House docents and will be offered the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 2pm – 3pm for only $20 per person. Visitors will enjoy rooms not seen on our other tours.

The tour is offered in groups of 10 to allow for questions and discussion. Limited reservations available, pre-registration required. Please note, the ability to climb stairs is necessary to fully participate in the tour.  A video presentation at ground level will accommodate those guests unable to climb stairs.

Visit us at https://bonnethouse.org/hours-fees/ or contact Linda Schaller at (954) 703-2606 or [email protected].

Aug 22
Love12

Corporate Events and Meetings

By Bonnet House Blog, Events, Uncategorized No Comments

Bonnet House offers a beautiful and unique setting for corporate affairs and cocktail receptions. Beginning with the first impression at the main entrance, your guests will experience a night to remember.  Become inspired by the innovative architecture, rich history, original artwork, and lush gardens.  Experience the beauty and history of our facilities that combine the grandeur of the past with amenities of today.  In compliment to the natural vegetation, the grounds contain a Desert Garden composed of arid plantings, a hibiscus garden, and the main courtyard planted with tropical vegetation.  Bonnet House is a unique space for events, with open areas appropriate for any meeting.

Located in the center of Fort Lauderdale, Bonnet House is a culturally and historically rich venue with modern amenities and a private parking lot, making it a choice destination to accommodate any event.  Bonnet House limits the number of private events. Dates are reserved based on availability when accompanied by your rental deposit.

trump pixs 036 Bonnet House Museum & Garden History Photo New Image-1

For additional information or give us a call at (954) 703-2608.

Price Range: $1,000 – $5,500
Use of Estate for Photography: Yes
Preferred Caterers: Yes
Renters Insurance Required: Yes
Membership Required: Yes
On the Water: Yes
Tented Area: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Onsite Parking: Yes
Transportation from Parking Lot: Yes
Capacity: Up to 350
 

Corporate-Event-Rates

Aug 21
Love21

2013/2014 Programs & Events

By Bonnet House Blog, Classes & Workshops, Events, Exhibitions, News No Comments

The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens 2013/2014 season is highlighted with a variety of exciting programs and events. We will be offering art classes in the Bonnet House gardens with Karen Eskesen and Nia Nakis, calligraphy and zentangle workshops with Tony Patucci and Shawn Hayden as well as our annual Concerts Under the Stars series from January through April and the 7th Annual Orchid, Garden & Gourmet Food Festival the first weekend in December.

Orchid Care Classes, Individual classes, September 28 (Diagnosing Pests & Diseases), January 11 (Orchid Basics), February 8 (Repotting & Mounting) and February 22 (Diagnosing Pests & Diseases), 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Join Bonnet House Orchid Curators, Sandy Jones and Tom Wells in the historic Bonnet House Island Theater.  To register call the Bonnet House Education Department at 954-703-2606. Cost: Bonnet House Members $30, non-members $35.

Birding Classes, Individual Classes, November 2, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Ascend to Better Birding), February 2, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. (Bird Behavior for Easy ID), March 1, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Birds are Creatures of Habitat).

Join birder extraordinaire, Paddy Cunningham on the historic Bonnet House estate. To register call the Bonnet House Education Department at 954-703-2606. Cost: Bonnet House Members $20, non-members $25.

orchidOrchid, Garden & Gourmet Food Festival, December 7 & 8, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Featuring the 7th Annual Orchid and Exotic Plant Sale. Orchids, Exotics, Tropicals, Herbs, Fruit Trees, Garden Art, Gourmet Food Trucks, Libations, Gardening Lectures, Cooking Demos, Orchid Displays, Silent Auction, Live Music, Farmer’s Market and Much More!!

To purchase tickets visit www.bonnethouse.org or call 954-703-2614. Cost: Bonnet House Members $10, non-members $12.

Watercolor in the Gardens, Six-week sessions: January 8 – February 12 or February 26 – April 2, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Join fine artist and watercolorist, Karen Eskesen in the historic Bonnet House gardens.  Workshop includes traditional techniques of realism in watercolor and line drawing and time to paint in the gardens.  To register call the Bonnet House Education Department at 954-703-2606. Cost: Bonnet House Members $120, non-members $150.

Acrylic in the Gardens, Six-week sessions: January 9 – February 13 or February 26–April 2, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Join Fine Artist Nia Nakis in the historic Bonnet House gardens. Workshop includes basic principles of acrylic painting and time to paint in the gardens. To register call the Bonnet House Education Department at 954-703-2606. Cost: Bonnet House Members $120, non-members $150.

Calligraphy with Tony Pastucci, Five-week sessions: January 14 – February 11 or February 25 – March 25, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Join artist, Tony Pastucci on the historic Bonnet House estate.  Workshop includes basic principles of calligraphy.  To register call the Bonnet House Education Department at 954-703-2606. Cost: Bonnet House Members $100, non-members $125.

Zentangle with Shawn Ann Hayden, Three-week sessions: January 14 – 28, February 11 – 25 or March 4 – 18, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Join Certified Zentangle specialist, Shawn Ann Hayden in the historic Bonnet House Island Theater.  Workshop includes basic principles of Zentangle, a way of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns.  To register call the Bonnet House Education Department at 954-703-2606. Cost: Bonnet House Members $105, non-members $120.

New ImageConcerts Under the Stars, January 23, February 13, March 13 & April 10, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The finest young talent in South Florida will be performing at Bonnet House’s Young Artist Music Series this winter. Concerts under the stars on the beautiful Bonnet House estate include wine, dessert and coffee in the ticket price. The evening’s activities take place in and around the house with the concert taking place on the veranda lawn beneath the moon and stars. To purchase tickets visit www.bonnethouse.org or call 954-703-2614. Cost: Bonnet House Members $35 and up, non-members $40 and.  Series tickets are also available.

Entirely Entertaining, February 24, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. An elegant luncheon with uniquely individualized table designs presented by our Bonnet House Alliance. To register or for more information call 954-772-7429.

Impressions: A Juried Art Exhibit, March 6, 6 p.m. Lavish Opening Reception
Impressions is an annual juried art competition with fine food, fine wines and fine friends amid the Old Florida charm of Bonnet House. To submit your artwork, register or for more information visit www.bonnethouse.org or call 954-703-2614.

Jul 23
Love9

Family Discount Days at Bonnet House

By Bonnet House Blog, Events, News No Comments

Family Fun Days at the Historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

1st and 3rd Saturday July through September from 10am – 4pm

 

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is offering a day of fun for the entire family this summer with ½ price admission for adults and free admission for children 12 and under.  Families will have the opportunity to tour the historic house museum filled with a delightful collection of art and personal treasures from the Bartlett family as well as explore the nature trails filled with native plants, trees and an occasional monkey or swan all at a discounted rate. The Family Fun Days are scheduled for the first and third Saturday of each month July through September 2012 from 10am – 4pm with the last tour starting at 3:30pm. The specific dates are July 7 & 21, August 4 & 18 and September 1 & 15.

Discounted price breakdown is as follows:

Individuals – $10

Senior Citizens – $9

Children 12 & under – Free

For more information contact Linda Schaller at (954) 703-2606 or [email protected].

Apr 12
Love8

Broward Attractions & Museums Month (BAMM) – June 2012

By Bonnet House Blog, Events, News No Comments

CULTURAL TREASURES HERE IN YOUR BACK YARD!

“Broward Attractions and Museums Month (BAMM)”

June 2012

Broward Attractions and Museums Month (BAMM) kicks off June 1. Discover 16 local museums, unique attractions and cultural centers for the price of one membership.  During the month of June members of any one of the 16 cultural institutions in Broward County, and South Palm Beach County, receive free general admission to all participating venues.

JOIN ONE, EXPERIENCE THEM ALL!

Let the adventure begin.  Discover what awaits you right outside your door.  Each attraction or museum offers an experience for all ages.  Spend an evening enjoying a movie at Cinema Paradiso; discover some of Boca Raton’s History at the Boca Raton Historical Society; play and learn at The Boca Raton Children’s Museum; explore the historic house and grounds at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens; learn all about fish at IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame or trek out and celebrate Seminole Indian Traditions at Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum… and so much more.

Current and new members of these museums and attractions will receive free entry with proof of membership. Special events may not be included.  Experience diverse cultural treasures in Broward County and Boca Raton.

“South Florida is a prime destination with a unique array of activities and attractions to enjoy,” says Mary Birch-Hanson of the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum.  “We are pleased to offer BAMM in June 2012.  Whether a person has been a longtime museum supporter or has just signed up, the program enables everyone to experience the attractions and cultural scene for the price of one membership.”

Participating institutions include:

African-American Research Library and Cultural Center

Art andCultureCenterofHollywood

Boca Raton Children’s Museum

Boca RatonHistorical Society

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

Cinema Paradiso

Classical South Florida – 89.7 & 90.7 FM

Fort Lauderdale History Center

Historic Stranahan House Museum

IGFA – Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum

International Swimming Hall ofFameMuseum

Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale – Nova Southeastern University

OldDavieSchoolHistorical Museum

Old Dillard School Historical Museum

PlantationHistorical Museum

SeminoleAh-Tah-Thi-KiMuseum

 

Our Sponsors this year include:

CTM DISTRIBUTION

Classical South Florida 89.7 & 90.7 FM

Creativexchange

Ettractions.com

Broward County Cultural Division

Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitor Bureau

TRAVELHOST

 

For more information on BAMM; please visit www.BAMMinfo.org or call Mary Birch-Hanson at 954.364.5205

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