History Fort Lauderdale invites the community to celebrate the life and legacy of pioneering educator, philanthropist and founder Ivy Stranahan during its Ivy Stranahan Birthday Tea at noon on Tuesday, February 24 in the historic New River Inn. The tea event commemorates what would have been Ivy Stranahan’s 145th birthday and honors her lasting contributions to education, preservation, and the cultural foundation of Fort Lauderdale. Guests will enjoy an elegant afternoon of tea, crumpets and light bites in one of the city’s most iconic historic landmarks with special guest Mary Cromartie Morris.
Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to view a curated selection of objects and artifacts from the Stranahan Collection, including photographs, personal papers and letters, ledgers, clothing and accessories, books, and ephemera donated by Ivy Stranahan to History Fort Lauderdale. The display offers a unique and intimate glimpse into her life, work, and enduring legacy. Mary Cromartie Morris, Ivy Stranahan’s niece, will provide attendees with a meaningful family connection to the woman whose influence continues to shape the Fort Lauderdale community.
History Fort Lauderdale is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with docent-guided tours offered daily at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Group walking tours are available upon special request. 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 personnel, and children aged six and under. Tickets are available online at HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets.
Tickets for the Ivy Stranahan Birthday Tea are $125 each and include a Sustainer Individual Membership to History Fort Lauderdale with free entrance to the 1905 New River Inn Museum, free entrance to special exhibit opening and programming events, four free museum guest passes, a 10% Museum Store discount, an annual Southeastern Reciprocal Membership and a North American Reciprocal Membership for family (includes free admission to hundreds of museums nationwide).
Attendance is limited. RSVP at bit.ly/IvyBirthdayTea2026 or contact Patricia Zeiler at pzeiler@flhc.org or (954) 463-4431.