"Timeless Tropics: Florida's Changing Landscape" - An Artistic Look at How Florida’s Landscape Has Changed Throughout the Years

“History Fort Lauderdale is proud to offer this inspiring and artistic look at how Florida’s landscape has changed throughout the years – from seascapes to skyscrapers – to commemorate our part in America’s 250 Celebration activities,” said Patricia Zeiler, Executive Director of History Fort Lauderdale. “Through historic maps, photographs, and artwork, guests of all ages can discover our region’s imperial origins, gorgeous vistas and creative urban cultures; all of which have contributed to our great city’s economic prosperity.”

Visitors to History Fort Lauderdale’s “Timeless Tropics: Florida’s Changing Landscape” will experience Tim Forman’s artfully curated oil on canvas masterworks of the Florida Everglades, waterscapes, beachscapes and natural wildlife. These landscapes are complemented by David Paulo’s bold photographic narrative of buildings and neighborhoods in South Florida that are significant to culture and life of minority communities. Documented cities include Sistrunk, Lauderhill, and Dania Beach. Historical maps of Florida from pre-Revolutionary War/Spanish Florida in 1749 to British controlled Florida in 1763 to Florida as a U.S. state in 1845 and illustrative panels will context and provide clarity about our history.

Tim Forman is the third generation of Formans to have been born and reared in South Florida. He first picked up the brush at nine years old under the instruction of Peter Olsen. By 17, Forman was receiving commissions. Primarily a self-taught artist, Forman’s work is the result of dedicated practice. He uses field sketches, plein air paintings, and photographs to compose his pieces that are painted in layers with both knife and brush. He creates his landscapes to portray the splendor and simplicity of the natural world around us. Through his work, Tim seeks to lift the spirits and inspire awe above our day-to-day lives.

David Paulo, a Lauderhill native, has cultivated a career as a digital creative by contributing his graphic and photography skills to showcasing South Florida culture. Through film photography, David has captured and shared historical landmarks and cultures not only in South Florida but across the United States on his platforms. His commitment to his community has earned him recognition from CBS Miami, WSVN 7, the Miami Herald, WLRN, and South Florida’s 99 Jamz Radio Station for his outreach and philanthropic initiatives. Through his art, David aims to bring happiness, nostalgia, and unity to the world by continuing to inspire connection and collaboration to the unique places we call home.

“Timeless Tropics: Florida’s Changing Landscape” is part of History Fort Lauderdale’s contribution to America’s 250 activities. On Saturday, July 4th, 2026, our nation commemorated and celebrated the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.

Support for History Fort Lauderdale’s “Timeless Tropics: Florida’s Changing Landscape” exhibit has been provided by the following Funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Jan and Ed Crocker Unrestricted Fund, Leo M. and Alice J. Rutten Fund, and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund. Additional funding is provided, in part, by Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward County Cultural Council and Visit Lauderdale.

History Fort Lauderdale offers a variety of engaging multicultural experiences throughout the year. It seeks to bring awareness to the community through both traveling exhibits and multiple permanent displays including “Women Trailblazers,” “Fort Lauderdale – the Early Years,” “Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward,” “From Dugouts to Dream Yachts: The Story of Boatbuilding Along the New River,” “Seminole Arts & Culture,” “New River Archaeology,” “Viva Fort Lauderdale: Celebrating Hispanic Art & Culture,” “The Growth and History of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office,” and “Take PRIDE, a Retrospective on LGBTQ Life in South Florida.”

History Fort Lauderdale is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with docent guided tours, daily, at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 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 and children ages six and under. Tickets are available online at: https://HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets.

For more information about “Timeless Tropics: Florida’s Changing Landscape” at History Fort Lauderdale, call: (954) 463-4431. Or visit us online at: https://historyfortlauderdale.org.

About History Fort Lauderdale

Since 1962, History Fort Lauderdale has been committed to preserving our collective heritage, promoting historical literacy, and fostering a sense of pride and stewardship for the vibrant tapestry of our region’s history. Through dynamic exhibitions, engaging educational programs, and meaningful community initiatives, it strives to connect individuals of all ages and backgrounds with the stories, artifacts, and experiences that shape our shared past, present, and future. Guests to Fort Lauderdale are invited to explore the city’s rich past that is housed in historic buildings on a lushly landscaped campus - the History Museum of Fort Lauderdale situated in the 1905 New River Inn, the 1907 Pioneer House Museum, the 1899 Ivy Cromartie Schoolhouse Museum and the Hoch Research Library, South Florida’s foremost history center housing print resources and newspapers from 1910 - present plus 400,000 archival photos, 2,500 maps and 5,000 architectural blueprints. History Fort Lauderdale is located at 231 Southwest Second Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. Tickets are available online at: https://HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets. History Fort Lauderdale is a NonProfit Agency supported by memberships, grants and charitable contributions. For more information, call: (954) 463-4431. Or visit: https://historyfortlauderdale.org. Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ftlhistory. on Instagram: @ftlhistory. And on Twitter: @FTLHistory. Subscribe to us on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/user/FTLhistory.