Mission Statement

History Fort Lauderdale brings the stories of our diverse community to life through educational experiences, cultural exhibits, research, and preservation for future generations.

The Need for the Study of History

In August 2005, Washington Post columnist David Broder wrote about a hearing convened by Senators Lamar Alexander and Ted Kennedy to air their concerns about what they called “U.S. History: Our Worst Subject?” Alexander reported that, “according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, commonly referred to as ‘the nation’s report card,’ fewer students have just a basic understanding of American History than have a basic understanding of any other subject which we teach including math, science and reading.” Alexander added that our children don’t know American history because they are not being taught it, noting that the Florida legislature had recently passed a bill permitting students to graduate from high school without taking a single U. S. history course.

History Fort Lauderdale focuses on teaching history. We use local history as a microscope for learning American and world history. For, example, we can show the impact of national events such as the Great Depression and other economic developments such as the expansion of railroads upon a community. We can demonstrate what the World Wars meant to a community and what courage individuals found in themselves and what sacrifices that families were called upon to make. We bring history home, close and personal. The Society’s Fort Lauderdale History Center and its museums provide a wider window to the world for the 3,000 students who participate in our programs and for all of the adults and families who come here each year. While they are learning local history, they also are absorbing the values and cultural attributes intrinsic to the American experience.