FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — South Florida PBS proudly announces the premiere of a new documentary chronicling the rich history, cultural significance, and enduring legacy of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, one of South Florida’s most iconic historic properties.
Located on a rare 35-acre coastal estate in Fort Lauderdale, Bonnet House stands as one of the last remaining examples of the region’s early twentieth-century waterfront estates. Through compelling storytelling, rare archival materials, expert interviews, and stunning cinematography, the documentary reveals the remarkable history behind the beloved landmark and the visionaries who shaped its legacy.
The film, “Hidden In Plain Sight,” traces Bonnet House’s origins to Hugh Taylor Birch and artists Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife, Evelyn Fortune Bartlett. Audiences will discover how the estate evolved into a uniquely personal retreat that blended art, architecture, and nature while reflecting the spirit of Old Florida.
The documentary also explores the extraordinary preservation efforts that saved Bonnet House for future generations, including the pivotal role of Evelyn Fortune Bartlett, whose historic gift of the property ensured its protection as a cultural and environmental treasure. Today, the estate remains a cherished destination where visitors experience a rare intersection of history, art, and five distinct South Florida ecosystems.
As South Florida continues to grow and change, Bonnet House serves as a reminder of the area’s unique heritage and natural beauty. The documentary preserves these stories for future generations while celebrating the vision, creativity, and stewardship that have shaped this extraordinary place for more than a century.
Broadcast Information
Program: Bonnet House Museum & Gardens: Hidden In Plain Sight
Premiere Dates:
WPBT – Monday, June 22, 2026 – 7:30PM
WXEL – Monday, June 29, 2026 – 11:00PM
For additional information, interviews, or media inquiries, please contact:
Bonnet House Media Contact:
Monica Estevez | 954-703-2614 | monicaestevez@bonnethouse.org
and Kip Hunter Marketing
Aimee Adler Cooke | 561-302-6902 | aimee@kiphuntermarketing.com
ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA PBS:
South Florida PBS is Florida’s largest public media company, including Public Broadcasting stations WXEL-TV, serving the Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast and WPBT2, serving Miami-Dade and Broward counties, and the Health Channel, the only 24/7 channel dedicated to health in the nation. South Florida PBS connects organizations and institutions across our region and preserves South Florida’s history. Leading the way in this global society, South Florida PBS is committed to creating and presenting award-winning programs focused on kids, education, arts and culture, health, environment, science, and civic engagement.
ABOUT BONNET HOUSE MUSEUM & GARDENS:
Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a 35-acre subtropical estate and historic house museum located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. Bonnet House, Inc. is a nonprofit, 501c3, whose mission is to celebrate the story of Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett, and preserve the art, history and nature of Bonnet House, providing inspiration and respite for all. Bonnet House is located at 900 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 and is open for tours Tuesday–Sunday from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. and closed on Mondays, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Guided tours are also available. Members are always free. For more information, please visit www.bonnethouse.org.
Disclaimer
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure & Legal Disclaimer
AI Content Policy.
To provide our readers with timely and comprehensive coverage, South Florida Reporter uses artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in producing certain articles and visual content.
Articles: AI may be used to assist in research, structural drafting, or data analysis. All AI-assisted text is reviewed and edited by our team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our editorial standards.
Images: Any imagery generated or significantly altered by AI is clearly marked with a disclaimer or watermark to distinguish it from traditional photography or editorial illustrations.
General Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service. In no event shall South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service.
The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice. The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components.
