As we look toward the nation’s 250th anniversary, my focus as curator has been to move beyond the well-known stories of the Revolutionary era and explore the broader “living legacy” of the American spirit. Here in South Florida, that spirit is defined by a unique intersection of rugged pioneer resilience and sophisticated artistic modernism. While our southeastern coast may be young in comparison to other parts of the country, it tells a powerful story of creativity and adaptation – and Bonnet House is uniquely positioned to help share that narrative.
The Exhibit
To mark this milestone, we are thrilled to present a focused exhibit in the Studio: “America 250 Florida: 100 Years on a Barrier Island: A Pioneering and Artistic Heritage.” This installation features a selection of collection objects typically kept in storage, including Frederic’s original drawing of his concept of Bonnet House, his Silver Medal for his murals from the 1904 Saint Louis Universal Exposition, Evelyn’s passports, signed letters to Evelyn from a former President, and many accolades and recognitions for her generous gift of Bonnet House to South Florida and her preservation efforts. These items place Bonnet House within an evolving American narrative and highlight the contributions that shaped the thriving, diverse community we enjoy today.
The exhibit also features a comprehensive timeline that places our local history within a global context. There is something profoundly interesting about seeing a world war or the worldwide influenza epidemic listed just a few years before Bonnet House was built. We see 40-year-old Frederic working in naval intelligence during WWI just before marrying Helen Birch; we see Bonnet House standing firm through the Great Miami Hurricane of 1926 while the rest of the state’s land boom collapsed, beginning the Great Depression earlier in Florida; and we learn why the Bartletts’ visits here were sparse during WWII. Later, we track the rise of Fort Lauderdale through multiple “land booms” and how it became the epitome of Spring Break destinations, while Evelyn gifts Bonnet House for historic preservation and it transforms from home to historic house museum.
We also have several significant anniversaries this year:
- Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) – 130th anniversary
- Great Miami Hurricane of 1926 – 100th anniversary
- Frederic and Evelyn’s 95th wedding anniversary
Join the Celebration
We invite you to visit the Studio to view the exhibit which will be running through the year. As you walk through this historic property, it is my hope that the exhibit brings history to life and allows you to feel the same inspiration that led the Bartletts to create this sanctuary a century ago. I look forward to sharing this chapter with you and hope you’ll join us in celebrating 250 years of history that continues to unfold.
The America 250 Florida exhibit is included with regular house admission and runs until December 27, 2026.
