FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - History Fort Lauderdale, proud steward of our community’s past by making our heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors, will present “Making Waves: A Visual History of the Marine Industry in Fort Lauderdale,” from October 11 through November 1, at The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale (2414 East Sunrise Blvd). The exhibit, serving as an extension of History Fort Lauderdale’s newest permanent installation, “From Dugouts to Dream Yachts,” is designed to coincide with the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and chronicles the marine pioneers and companies that contributed to the city’s rise to yachting fame.
“Fort Lauderdale’s waterways are and always have been elemental to the success of our great city,” said Patricia Zeiler, executive director of History Fort Lauderdale. “This year is such an important milestone in showcasing the accomplishments of those innovators and businesses who contributed to making Fort Lauderdale a renowned worldwide yachting and vacation destination. We’re pleased to highlight their accomplishments through this ‘Making Waves exhibit, our annual fundraiser, and our new permanent History Museum maritime exhibit.”
This free engaging exhibit showcases nearly 40 never-before-displayed hand-tinted, black and white, and color photos and illustrations from the 1890s to the present. Included are images of Seminole ancestors in dugouts navigating waterways, aerial views of Bahia Mar and Lauderdale Marinas, Pier Sixty-Six pre-construction, Intracoastal cruising, Broward Marine and King Boat Works craftsmen, and more. Also included will be a tribute to this year’s 25th anniversary History Fort Lauderdale History Makers event honorees - the Denison Family (Denison Yachting) and the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF), now celebrating its 60th anniversary. History Makers, commending individuals and companies who have made an impact on the growth of the City of Fort Lauderdale, will take place on Saturday, October 30, at the Superyacht Pavilion at Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina.
Visitors interested in exploring more of the city’s history in-depth are encouraged to visit the new History Fort Lauderdale exhibit, “From Dugouts to Dream Yachts,” which, through artifacts and photos, weaves the story of the ever-changing use of Fort Lauderdale’s waterways by following the strokes of the first people to today’s sightseers. Always a means of travel, now a lifestyle, Fort Lauderdale’s waterways have been and continue to be a vital part of community life.
History Fort Lauderdale is currently 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 HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets.
