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Bonnet House Museum

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.

Nov 14
Love17

Concerts Under the Stars Opens January 23

By Bonnet House Blog, Events No Comments

StageandAudience 

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens kicks off its 18th season of the Young Artist Music on Thursday, January 23rd at 7pm with a performance by the University of Miami’s Frost Opera Theater. We are delighted to offer the Fort Lauderdale community what we consider to be the ‘best deal in town’. Wine, dessert and coffee are donated by Whole Foods Market this year and are included in the price.

The season continues on February 13th with Florida Atlantic University Latin Vocal Ensemble. On March 13th we have Lynn University String Quartet and for our fourth and final performance on April 10th we have Florida Grand Opera’s rising stars.

 Individual tickets range from $35 – $45 per performance and series tickets from $120 – $160, everyone can enjoy an evening under the stars like no other Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale graphic design honors class designs our posters each year with this year’s winner being Paul Tran.

 What started as community outreach has become one of our most treasured programs. We are looking forward to this very special 18th anniversary series.

Concerts in Fort Lauderdale

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (954) 703-2614 or visit us at www.bonnethouse.org/exhbits&events.

 

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 22
Love9

Fall is a Good Time to Review Estate Plans…or Create One

By News No Comments

No one likes to think of his or her passing from this world, but death is an event that we all will share in common sooner or hopefully, much later.  Putting together an estate plan can seem daunting, but it is really a fairly simple process for most people.  Not only will it relieve family and friends of sometimes difficult decisions, it is also an empowering process that allows one the opportunity to take control of how assets accumulated in life will pass.  As you begin gathering year end documents for the tax season, fall is also a good time to revisit estate plans—particularly if there has been a major life event in the past year—or to create one if you are currently without a will and/or trust.  If Bonnet House has meant something to you during life, consider leaving a bequest in your estate plan.  For sample language for a bequest to share with your attorney, contact Patrick Shavloske at 954-703-2603 or [email protected].

Oct 10
Love9

Movie Night sponsored by Whole Foods Market

By Bonnet House Blog, Events No Comments

Elf Poster

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens will be hosting a movie night on the lawn presented by Whole Foods Market on Thursday, December 12 at 7:00pm. The featured movie will be Elf with Will Ferrell. Need an excuse to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Bonnet House Estate? How about a sunset picnic and movie? Bring your beach chair and snacks, Bonnet House will provide beer, wine and free popcorn. The event will take place on the Hibiscus Garden lawn near the Museum Shop, entrance is through the Welcome Center. Don’t miss a wonderful excuse to enjoy cool winter nights with family and friends — come out for this fun event at Bonnet House, compliments of Whole Foods Market Fort Lauderdale! Need directions? The street address for Bonnet House Museum & Gardens — 900 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.  Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children.

Tickets are available online at https://bonnethouse.org/calendar/ or by calling (954) 703-2614 or emailing [email protected].

movie 2 small movie small

 

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].

Sep 16
Love9

New Orchid Greenhouse Tours Begin October 8

By Bonnet House Blog, News No Comments

Beginning October 8, 2013, Bonnet House will be offering special Orchid Greenhouse Tours with Orchid Curator Tom Wells.  These tours have never been offered before, the greenhouses and display house are rarely open to the public. The tours will be offered the second Tuesday of each month from 11am – 12pm for only $20 per person. Our greenhouses and display house hold approximately 1,200 plants in various stages of development. Our Bonnet House Orchid Curator will show you around our greenhouses and discuss how our orchids are bred and cultivated (including our impressive seedling program).  A treat for orchid enthusiasts and novices! Orchid seedlings will be available for purchase.

The tour is offered in groups of 15 to allow for questions and discussion. Limited reservations available, pre-registration is required.  Visit us at https://bonnethouse.org/hours-fees/ or contact Linda Schaller at (954) 703-2606 or [email protected].

orchid

Feb 20
Love6

52 Artists Selected for Impressions: A Juried Art Exhibit 2013

By Bonnet House Blog, News No Comments

Fifty-two artists from around the world will flock to historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens on Thursday, March 7th to participate in the 13th Annual Impressions: A Juried Art Exhibit and Fundraiser benefiting the historic estate. Impressions is a well-respected, annual exhibition of artistic talent, reflecting the world’s architectural, natural and cultural themes.

The fifty-two artists chosen to participate in the exhibition hail from all over the world and work in a wide variety of media and styles. One of the inspirations for Impressions artists was Bonnet House and its surrounding lush landscape.  Many of the artists were able to work on the grounds of Bonnet House, and visitors to Bonnet House had the opportunity to see these artists at work.

Daina Stabulniece, chair of painting and drawing for the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, will be this year’s juror. This is Ms. Stabulniece’s first stint as juror for the exhibit. Kathleen Lowe, Vice President of Marketing and Development for Best Roofing and Scott LaMont Principal of EDSA are co-chairing this year’s Impressions opening.

Impressions: A Juried Art Exhibit is set to open with a private showing for V.I.P. guests starting at 5:00pm.  V.I.P. guests will be treated to champagne and hors d’oeuvres, preview the exhibition, and partake in a rare viewing of the exclusive private living quarters of Evelyn and Frederic Bartlett, Bonnet House’s former owners.  The reception opens to members of the public at 6:00 p.m.

Admission for the opening of Impressions is $200 for VIPs at 5:00 p.m. and $150 for general admission at 6:00 p.m.  Attendance is by reservation only by visiting us online at https://bonnethouse.org/impressions/ or by calling (954) 703-2614. Bonnet House is located at 900 N. Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, 33304.

About the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens: Accredited by the American Association of Museum and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a 35 – acre subtropical estate and historic house museum located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale.  Bonnet House, in addition to being open for guided public tours six days per week, year round, offers a myriad of specially-designed programs for schools, adults and families. Bonnet House also has membership opportunities that include an annual pass to the estate and a program geared to local artists. Music students from nearby universities and opera companies gain experience through their performances on property in the annual Young Artist Music Series and orchid enthusiasts have an opportunity to see and buy an exclusive selection of orchids as well as learn how to grow and care for orchids in their own homes during the Orchid, Garden & Gourmet Food Festival, the first weekend in December of every year. The mission of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is to preserve, interpret and share the unique and eclectic historical legacy – artistic, architectural and environmental – of the Bartlett and Birch families, inspiring in our diverse audiences an appreciation for creative expression, historic preservation and natural conservation, while enhancing the educational, cultural and economic growth of the community.

 

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