The Stranahan House Museum offers a captivating window into the birth of Fort Lauderdale.   A turn of the century Trading Post built on the edge of the swamp.

In January 1893, Ohio native Frank Stranahan, aged 27 arrived to run his cousin’s Ferry and camp on the New River.   He quickly established his own Trading Post by 1894, gaining a reputation among the Seminole Indians for fairness.   Families would spend days behind his Post Trading by dugout canoes. 

In 1899 the growing settlement enlisted Ivy Cromartie, an 18-year-old teacher, to run his first one room school.   During her five-month tenure she and Frank fell in love and married in August of 1900.

In 1901 Frank constructed the iconic two story wood frame house, the ground floor served as the Trading Post and post office, while the upper floor became a Community Hall.

By 1906 his ventures expanded to include a general store and bank. The house was renovated into the Stranahan’s private residence, complete with bay windows, gas lighting, an indoor staircase, electricity and plumbing by 1915.

The area was incorporated as Fort Lauderdale in 1911 and the couple emerged as civic leaders.  Frank served on the city council and founded the Fort Lauderdale State Bank, while Ivy spearheaded education and civic causes and Indian Affairs.

The 1926 Florida land boom collapse, compounded by two severe hurricanes, devastated Frank’s finances.   Overwhelmed with sadness and illness, he took his own life in May 1929, drowning in the New River.

Ivy remained in the house until her death in August of 1971,  using it for rentals and a restaurant, while continuing her civic pursuits.   She championed the Homestead Exemption, Red Cross, Campfire Girls and Seminole causes

In 1975 the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society purchased the property in collaboration with the Board of Realtors and restored it  its 1915s state.

In 1984 it reopened to the public as the historic Stranahan House Museum, Broward County’s oldest standing structure, offering guided tours.

The museum showcases and authentic Florida frontier wood frame architecture, featuring a wraparound porch, Dade County Pine,and early 20th century upgrades.

The museum features artifacts and robust educational programs, welcoming roughly 10,000 visitors annually including school groups.

Stepping into the Stranahan House is like walking into early Fort Lauderdale, a place where pioneering spirit, cultural convergence and civic dedication meet timeless charm.