History Happy Hour at Stranahan House: Imani L. Warren on Annie T. Reid

Read the full experience

On a warm evening in Fort Lauderdale, the Historic Stranahan House Museum at 335 SE 6th Avenue becomes a different kind of landmark: a small public forum where local history liquefies into conversation and memory. History Happy Hour invites visitors to gather on the museum grounds on January 9, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. to hear curator Imani L. Warren unpack the life and legacy of Annie T. Reid and the historic ties between the Old Dillard Museum and the Stranahan House. Situated along the New River, the Stranahan House is one of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest surviving structures, and the outdoor cocktail format makes it an approachable way to engage with civic history without stepping inside the museum. Expect a guided presentation, light appetizers, and one free beer or wine, all included with your booking. Note: because this is an outdoor cocktail event, there will be no entry to the interior house during the program; if you want a full tour, register separately at https://stranahanhouse.org/self-guided-tour/. What makes this evening special for visitors is the connection between place and people. Imani L. Warren, curator of the Old Dillard Museum, traces threads of community, education, and resilience—centering Annie T. Reid’s influence on local schooling and civic life—while the river and city skyline provide a quiet, urban backdrop. The program is compact (about 1.5 hours), social, and framed for a mixed audience: history buffs, local residents, and travelers wanting a civic portrait of Fort Lauderdale beyond the beach. Practical notes: arrive early to secure courtyard seating near the lecture area at the meeting point. The event is all outdoors, so bring a light jacket in cooler months or sun protection in the day; the organizers supply appetizers and a complimentary adult beverage. The setting is accessible by foot, rideshare, and public transit from downtown Fort Lauderdale, making it an easy add-on to evening plans. Why book this instead of a standard museum tour? History Happy Hour blends scholarship and storytelling with social time, giving context to the Old Dillard–Stranahan connection in a relaxed, evening format. For travelers who want to understand how education, race, and civic leadership shaped this waterfront city, the program offers a concise, locally led primer. Meeting point and address are: Stranahan House Museum | 335 SE 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The event is ideal for small groups and solo visitors seeking an evening of local storytelling; it pairs well with a waterfront dinner or a stroll along Riverwalk. Photographing the presentation is fine but keep flash off and be mindful of speakers. Tickets are limited; book through the FareHarbor link to guarantee a spot and check for updates on weather or accessibility at the meeting point heading out.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

1.5 hours.

Fitness level

Minimal physical exertion; accessible for most adults who can stand or sit for 90 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a tour of Stranahan House?

No. This is an all-outdoor cocktail event featuring a presentation by Imani L. Warren; there is no entry to the museum interior during the program. For interior tours, register separately at the museum website.

What is included in the ticket?

Light appetizers and one complimentary beer or wine are included, along with the presentation by the curator.

Where is the meeting point?

Stranahan House Museum | 335 SE 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 (the courtyard/grounds will host the event).

Is the event wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility details are not specified in the provided listing; contact the Stranahan House Museum directly or check the booking link for accessibility information.

Can I photograph the presentation?

Yes, photography is allowed but please keep flash off and be respectful of presenters and other guests.

What if the weather is bad?

Check the FareHarbor booking link for updates and any weather-related changes; the event is outdoors and subject to weather adjustments.

Local insights

Wildlife

white ibis
brown pelican

History

Stranahan House is one of Fort Lauderdale’s earliest surviving structures and sits along the New River; the Old Dillard Museum preserves African American history in the city.

Conservation

Minimize single-use waste during the event, respect riverfront plantings, and follow museum guidance to protect the New River shoreline.

About Historic Stranahan House Museum

Historic Stranahan House Museum preserves and interprets the story of Fort Lauderdale’s early pioneers and the family who shaped the city’s beginnings: Frank and Ivy Stranahan. Located on the New River, the museum operates the original early-1900s structure and offers guided tours, seasonal programs, and community-focused events led by knowledgeable docents. Docents present intimate guided tours (limited to 10 guests) that trace the Stranahans’ trading post, civic leadership, and domestic life, using primary sources and period interpretation to create engaging, accurate narratives. Ticketed experiences include Victorian Christmas Tours with costumed interpreters, Cookies with Santa family photo sessions, the Founding Families Fall Festival, themed History Happy Hours, a Stranahan Speakeasy evening, craft fairs with vendor participation, and signature fundraisers such as Pineapple Jam. An active Capital Campaign supports construction of a state-of-the-art education center, upgraded public facilities, and a welcoming courtyard to expand school programs, accessible exhibits, and community gatherings. As a nonprofit steward of local heritage, the museum partners with historians, educators, and preservationists to maintain the site and deliver educational programming for families, students, and history enthusiasts. Advance booking is recommended for limited-capacity tours and ticketed events. Visitors can expect an authentic period setting, thoughtful interpretation, a curated gift shop, and opportunities to support preservation through donations and event participation.

Base locationFort Lauderdale, Florida

Tours offered14+

Specialtyothers

Adventure tips

Arrive earlySeating is first-come in the outdoor courtyard; arrive 15–20 minutes early to get a good spot near the lecture area.

Outdoor event—dress smartBring a light layer for cooler evenings and sun protection if it’s still daylight; the program runs outside regardless of light conditions.

No interior tours during eventThis cocktail presentation does not include entry to the historic house interior; book a separate self-guided tour if you want inside access.

Use transit or rideshareStreet parking is limited downtown—consider public transit or a rideshare to avoid a long search for parking.

Recommended gear

Light jacket: Evening breezes off the New River can be cool after sunset.
Sun protection (hat/sunscreen): Early evening sun still gets strong in South Florida—use sunscreen if arriving before sunset.
Comfortable shoes: Courtyard surfaces and nearby sidewalks are best enjoyed with stable footwear.
Portable umbrella or rain jacket: South Florida storms can appear suddenly—compact rain protection keeps you comfortable.

Photos of the experience

History Happy Hour at Stranahan House: Imani L. Warren on Annie T. Reid photo 1

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