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HISTORY

OLD DILLARD MUSEUM (ODM), under the auspices of the School Board of Broward County, occupies a prominent place in the history of Fort Lauderdale and has, over the years, presented educational opportunities for African-Americans as the first school constructed for people of color in this area. Formerly called "the colored school," Old Dillard was erected on land purchased from Ft. Lauderdale pioneers Frank and Ivy Stranahan for one dollar.

The first school for African-American students in Ft. Lauderdale began with ten students in 1907 in an old, one-room wooden building on Northwest 3rd Avenue between Broward Boulevard and Northwest 2nd Street. In 1910, the school was torn down. The students attended classes at the lodge hall on the comer of 4th Street and Northwest 4th Avenue until the construction of the new "Colored School" was completed in March 1924, at a cost of $13,950.24.

In 1930, at the request of the then-Principal Dr. Joseph A. Ely, the school was renamed after Dr. James Hardy Dillard, who was a prominent philanthropist and educator. Since its construction, this landmark has served as an important educational and cultural center for Ft. Lauderdale's African-American community. Regarded by all as one of Broward County's most significant links to the past, this historically distinctive structure has been restored to serve the community as a museum and cultural/educational center. It exists today because of Broward community efforts and its success points to wide aspirations for future projects involving all segments of our city and county. The existence of Old Dillard primarily represents the social climate for African Americans in Ft. Lauderdale in the 1920's. Within this historical context it serves as a constant reminder to the multi-cultural community of its proud and rich heritage; even more, it represents the community's strong determination and perseverance to succeed.

The museum not only serves the African-American community in which it resides, but it provides a valuable resource to historians and other visitors interested in Black history. .All races· and cultures have an opportunity to develop an understanding and appreciation for this rich heritage. Eventually, a partnership was formed with the School Board of Broward County, the City of Fort Lauderdale, the Broward County Commission, and the Black Historical Society to renovate and preserve the Old Dillard School and to develop the Cultural Center in which the Old Dillard Museum is presently housed. Through funding from the City, the County, the School Board, and the State of Florida's PECO Fund, the building was renovated. In February 1991, the museum was placed on the National Historic Register.

The Museum's Grand Opening was held on April 27, 1995. The extraordinary story of ODM and its community's existence was/is one of quiet triumph and endurance from its very beginnings. It is a celebration of what has been, is and will be in future years. The journey continues ... Pass it on!

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Old Dillard Museum Mission Statement

Facilitate collaborative relationships and actions that allow and assure sustainable resources to support successful museum programs and projects that celebrate the pride, history and culture of the African American community.

Old Dillard Foundation Mission Statement

To be widely recognized for board excellence in governance, fund raising and stewardship in support of the African American heritage and culture.

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Old Dillard Foundation Officers & Board of Trustees

Patricia West, President
Earlene Striggles Horne, Vice President
Tiffany McNealy, Secretary
Odessa Striggles Bennett
James D. Bradley, Treasurer
Leslie Carhart
Dr. Carl M. Crawford
Judi Hamilton
Julia McElvy
Raleigh R. Rawls, Esq.
Mary Black Rizor
Levi G. Williams, Esq.
Cory Witherspoon

Honorary Members

Gale Butler
Bobby Henry, Sr.
Noel Hyatt

Join us on Saturday, May19, 2012 @ 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for a day of fun for the entire family.

Featuring:
The Dillard High Jazz Ensemble
Venus Rising African Dance Troup
Fun Generation Cares, Inc.
Sherman Hunter, Jazz Guitarist

Save-the-Date:
Tuesday, June 19th, "Mama Said," Juneteenth Social featuring Kitty Oliver @ 6:00 p.m.

 

Come to the Old Dillard Museum and be inspired. Sensational tours are available Monday thru Friday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Summertime hours are Monday thru Thursday 10:00 am to 4:00pm. June 13th to August 11th.

Suggested Donation:

• Tours - $3.00 per person. To schedule a tour click here.
• Ambassador Workshops - $150.00. To schedule an Ambassador Workshop click here.

Membership has priviliges!

Membership benefits:

• Membership recognition
• Membership benefits at all Broward Attraction & Museum Month (BAMM) locations during the month of June.
• Email updates on all events

Click here to become a member today.

To download our Schedule of Events for 2012, open the PDF and use Save As to copy it to your computer.

To download a copy of our brochure, open the PDF and use Save As to copy it to your computer.