Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, provide an array of lifelong learning opportunities for older adults. From the historic buildings and museums to the arts and wellness classes and events, seniors will appreciate the area’s enriching activities and engaging lifestyle.
Find our top arts and learning choices in this blog from Golden Bell Senior Living. Our residents enjoy a comprehensive activities program but also look forward to visiting nearby places to immerse themselves in the culture and history of South Florida.
Top Arts and Learning Attractions in Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale
History Fort Lauderdale offers lectures, workshops, and guided tours of its 1907 house museum and three additional 1905 historical buildings. The museum campus is home to the largest concentration of historic buildings remaining in Broward County, including the New River Inn, Pioneer House Museum, and Schoolhouse Museum. The Hoch Research Library, also on the campus, houses thousands of photos, maps, and blueprints from the area.
Historic Stranahan House Museum
The Historic Stranahan House Museum on the New River is Fort Lauderdale’s oldest home. Built in 1901 by Frank Stranahan, Fort Lauderdale’s founding father, the house was home to the Stranahans and served as a trading post, post office, and town hall. Scheduled tours are recommended and last approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
Related: The History of Wilton Manors >>
Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library
The Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library (SNMAL) was founded in 1972 by Mark Silber and named to recognize the fight for LGBTQIA+ liberation that began at the Stonewall Inn in 1969. Home to one of the largest gay archives and libraries in the country, SNMAL offers ongoing programs, exhibits, special events, films, and more.
The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens was built in 1920 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Chicago-born artist Frederic Clay Bartlett was given the land by his father, Hugh Taylor Birch. Visitors can enjoy self-guided or docent-led guided tours of the house and gardens tucked away among miles of beachfront development on 35 acres of a native barrier island ecosystem.
Fort Lauderdale Fire & Safety Museum
Historic Fire Station 3 was opened in 1927 by architect Francis Abreu. Decommissioned in 2003, the station reopened as a museum in 2008. The Fort Lauderdale Fire & Safety Museum displays historic fire service artifacts and focuses on preserving the station and sharing the department’s legacy. The museum is currently open for tours on the last Saturday of the month.
Related: Finding Connection and Purpose During Retirement >>
Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum
The Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum honors the memory of the men and women of the station who defended their country’s freedom during World War II. The museum’s mission is to preserve the memory of Flight 19, which flew out of the station on December 5, 1945, and vanished into the Bermuda Triangle. The museum features WWII outdoor artifacts, thousands of photographs and memoirs, recreated soldier’s barracks, and more.
NSU Florida Lifelong Learning Institute
Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) Lifelong Learning Institute offers programs and classes that promote physical well-being, intellectual stimulation, and social growth for older adults. Members can audit classes at the university or attend separate lectures planned for retirees.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Florida Atlantic University
Like the NSU Florida Lifelong Learning Institute, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute promotes programs in an academic setting. Many activities are held on the Florida Atlantic University campus or via Zoom. Other classes are hosted at different venues in the community, including historical sites and nature centers.
Related: Live Well During Retirement in Wilton Manors >>
Lauderdale By The Sea Community Center
The Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Community Center plans a variety of fun social events, live entertainment, plays, wellness programs, technology classes, and arts opportunities on weekdays throughout the year. A monthly activities calendar is published in advance so seniors can plan ahead. Programs are free to individuals who are 60 and older and reside in Broward County.
Lifelong Learning Opportunities at Independence Hall and Williamsburg Landing in Wilton Manors
Residents at Golden Bell’s Independence Hall and Williamsburg Landing have numerous choices for how they spend their days. Many residents decide to participate in wellness programming to enhance their quality of life and well-being.
Some residents explore a new hobby or topic, like gardening, technology, or art, through one of our classes. Others may prefer a quiet spot in a community room or their private apartment suite to read a book or listen to their favorite music.
Whatever they decide, each day offers a new adventure with supported living services and socialization opportunities. Our caring team offers chauffeured transportation services and customizes programming based on resident input and interests. We often discover fun places to visit in Wilton Manors and nearby Fort Lauderdale.
Life at Golden Bell Senior Living
Senior living communities like Golden Bell provide the comforts of home with the added benefits of supportive care, engaging activities, and a maintenance-free lifestyle. With your daily needs met, your loved one will live more independently and have opportunities to meet friends, discover new interests, and live each day to the fullest.
Golden Bell Senior Living offers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and respite care. Residents have personalized care plans, are treated like family, and are greeted by name in a warm, welcoming environment.
Amenities and activities include:
- Beautiful accommodations
- Landscaped grounds and gardens
- Community outings
- Recreation and social activities
- Chef-prepared meals
- Scheduled transportation
- Beauty and barber shop
- Housekeeping and maintenance services
Please contact us to learn more about our communities or set up a tour. We’d love to hear from you and are happy to help answer any questions you have about senior living. For more information about choosing senior living, download our complimentary Family Decision Toolkit.
