‘YOUR STORY IS OUR STORY’

Museum asking for Fort Lauderdale families’ histories

History Fort Lauderdale has launched “Your Story is Our Story,” an anniversary historical preservation collaborative initiative.

The nonprofit organization is looking for family stories from current and past residents to share and add to its growing living history of the city of Fort Lauderdale.

“Our team has logged an incredible and ever-growing library of information in the past 60 years, but despite our efforts, we understand that there will always be important stories beyond our grasp,” Patricia Zeiler, executive director of History Fort Lauderdale, said in a statement. “We encourage our residents and visitors to share their cherished family memories, struggles and triumphs with us — however great or small — so that, together, we can weave a truly representative, accurate and vibrant literary and photo tapestry of our diverse great city.”

People interested can submit their stories at historyfortlauderdale.org/museum/ your-story-our-story and be entered to win a free History Fort Lauderdale family membership.

While participation is free, donations are encouraged. Submitted stories may be shared on History Fort Lauderdale’s social media channels and website.

History Fort Lauderdale is home to a variety of year-round, multicultural experiences as well as permanent exhibits and is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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 age 6 and under.

CORA STRIGGLES JOHNSON/ COURTESY ABOVE: Willie James Striggles, Fort Lauderdale’s first Black male nurse, and Shirley Striggles, with their three daughters.

FAMILY OF SHAUN KELLEY PERRONE/COURTESY LEFT: The Farrington wedding party included, back row, from left, CE Farrington, Cecil Farrington, Phyllis Kelley, Inez Farrington, Otis Farrington and Bill Kelley; front row, from left, Jean Farrington, Kay Farrington, other members of Jean’s family, and minister and father-of-the-bride Rohan Kelley.