BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – On March 3, 1845, Florida became the 27th state to join the United States of America. Much has happened in Florida since then, and to commemorate and mark our state’s rich history, March 15 through April 15 has been designated “Florida Heritage Month” by the Florida Department of State. During Florida Heritage Month, Broward County Libraries (BCL) Division will host a slate of exhibits, programs and more to honor Florida’s rich history and raise awareness of its cultural heritage.
Additionally, Broward County Library will publish a Bibliography of Select Local History Holdings, which includes books and other resources on the history of Broward County and many of its cities and towns. The free booklet will be available at Broward County Library locations in mid-March.
Florida Heritage Month Events at Broward County Libraries:
April 4 – Film: Flagler’s Train – The Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Flagler’s Florida Keys Railroad, 2 p.m., West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation (954-382-5860)
April 14 – Their Story is Our Story, musical/historical production about the founding of Carver Ranches, 2 p.m. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at door. Seniors/students $10 in advance, $15 at door. Call 954-357-6210 for tickets and information. African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954-357-6282)
April 16 – Civil War Monuments and Sites in Florida Book Talk and PowerPoint Presentation with travel writer Roberta Sandler, 1 to 2 p.m., Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale (954-357-7444)
April 24 – Everglades Artist-in-Residence 2011 Brian Trainor discusses his photography and experiences in the Everglades, 1 p.m., North Regional/Broward College Library, 1100 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek (954-201-2600)
May 12 – The Florida East Coast Railway: For More Than 110 Years, America’s Speedway to Sunshine, an enlightening and enjoyable talk by historian Seth Bramson, 3:30 p.m., Hallandale Beach Library, 300 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale (954-457-1750)
Florida Heritage Month Exhibits at Broward County Libraries:
• Fabulous Forties on the Avenue Exhibit: See a replica of Fort Lauderdale’s historic Northwest Fifth Avenue (April-October), African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954-357-6282)
• Florida Mystery Writers Book Display, Galt Ocean Mile Reading Center, 3403 Galt Ocean Mile, Fort Lauderdale (954-537-2877)
• Book Display in Honor of Florida Heritage Month (April 1-15), Imperial Point Library, 5985 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (954-492-1881)
• Broward Historical Society Sailboat Bend Photographic Exhibit (April 1-May 31), North Lauderdale Saraniero Library, 6901 Kimberly Blvd., North Lauderdale (954-968-3840)
• Book Display “Florida’s Past” (April 1-30), North Regional/Broward College Library, 1100 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek (954-201-2600)
• Everglades Photography by Everglades Artist-in-Residence 2011 Brian Trainor (April-May), North Regional/Broward College Library, 1100 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek (954-201-2600)
• Poster Display – Florida Humanities Council Educational Posters on Culture of Native Americans/Early Florida Settlers (April-May), Northwest Regional Library, 3151 University Dr., Coral Springs (954-341-3900)
• Florida Heritage Month Materials Display (April 1-15), Riverland Library, 2710 W. Davie Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (954-791-1085)
• Model Train Exhibit, courtesy of Florida Citrus Model Train Society, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Flagler’s Florida Keys Railroad. See the exhibit, watch train films and enjoy musical performances. Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri. and Sat.: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays: 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. (April 21-May 5), West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation (954-382-5860).
The award-winning Broward County Libraries Division, founded in 1974, is the ninth largest library system in the nation by population served and one of the busiest, with more than 9 million walk-in customers visiting its 37 locations annually. The library has more than 3.4 million items and 2,000 computers for public use and offers hundreds of events and programs to meet the needs of the Broward County’s diverse community. The library continues its strong emphasis on literacy, after-school programs and electronic access. In addition to our comprehensive Web site, www.broward.org/library, which provides information about library activities, links to online catalogs, reference information and databases, customers can visit BCL WoW – Broward County Library Without Walls – for free eBooks, music, audiobooks, apps and more. Customers may also follow Libraries on Facebook and Twitter. Libraries Division also administers the services, programs, collections and exhibits of the Historical Commission.
MEDIA CONTACT: Catherine McElrath
PHONE: 954-357-7402
EMAIL: cmcelrath@browardlibrary.org
