History Fort Lauderdale, proud steward of our community’s past by making our heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors, recently celebrated the opening of its newest exhibit, “The Growth and History of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office,” with a special public preview, opening reception and book signing. This insightful exhibition takes a close look at the department’s progress over the years, from 1915 to the present, while also highlighting the sometimes-scandalous history that has shaped its story. The exhibit features images and narratives from the department’s origins to the prohibition era, organized crime, gambling and outlaws, to mid-century racial tensions and finally, the expansion, modernization, and professionalism of today. 1 of 2 As part of the opening festivities guests had a chance to meet Joe Williams, a decorated BSO Deputy Sheriff, author, and major contributor of artifacts and photographs to the new exhibit. Willams graciously signed copies of his latest novel, Unearthed, which captures the dark history of Broward County in the 1940s. “History Fort Lauderdale is honored to continue sharing the stories about the development of our beloved city and county which includes people, places and organizations like the Broward Sheriff’s Office,” said Patricia Zeiler, executive director of History Fort Lauderdale. “This exhibit provides a rare glimpse into the organization’s impressive growth and development and how it has evolved to serve the community today.” “The Growth and History of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office” is funded, in part, by Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward County Cultural Council and Visit Lauderdale. History Fort Lauderdale hosts a variety of engaging multicultural experiences, year-round. It seeks to bring awareness to the community through both traveling exhibits and multiple permanent exhibits including “Women Trailblazers,” “Fort Lauderdale – the Early Years,” “Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward,” “From Dugouts to Dream Yachts: the story of boatbuilding along the New River,” Seminole Arts & Culture,” “New River Archaeology,” “Viva Fort Lauderdale: Celebrating Hispanic Art & Culture,” and “Take PRIDE, a retrospective on LGBTQ life in South Florida.” History Fort Lauderdale is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. with docent guided tours, daily, at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Group walking tours are available upon special request. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and $7 for students (through age 22 with a valid student ID). Admission is free for members, military and children ages six and under. Tickets are available online at HistoryFortLauderdaleTicket s. For more information about History Fort Lauderdale, please call (954) 463-4431 or visit historyfortlauderdale. org. History Fort LauderdaleSince 1962, History Fort Lauderdale has been committed to preserving our collective heritage, promoting historical literacy, and fostering a sense of pride and stewardship for the vibrant tapestry of our region’s history. Through dynamic exhibitions, engaging educational programs, and meaningful community initiatives, we strive to connect individuals of all ages and backgrounds with the stories, artifacts, and experiences that shape our shared past, present, and future. Guests to Fort Lauderdale are invited to explore the city’s rich past that is housed in historic buildings on a lushly landscaped campus – the History Museum of Fort Lauderdale situated in the 1905 New River Inn, the 1907 Pioneer House Museum, the 1899 Ivy Cromartie Schoolhouse Museum and the Hoch Research Library, South Florida’s foremost history center housing print resources and newspapers from 1910 – present plus 400,000 archival photos, 2,500 maps and 5,000 architectural blueprints. History Fort Lauderdale is located at 231 SW Second Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. Museum tickets are available online at HistoryFortLauderdaleTicket s. History Fort Lauderdale is a nonprofit agency supported by memberships, grants and charitable contributions. For more information, call (954) 463-4431 or visit us online at historyfortlauderdale.org. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ftlhistory and on Instagram @ftlhistory. Subscri be to us on YouTube at youtube.com/user/FTLhistory.
The post “The Growth and History of The Broward County Sheriff’s Office,” An Insightful New Exhibit, Now Open At History Fort Lauderdale first appeared on Miami’s Community News.