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Discover Dania Beach history as the Dania Beach Historical Society uncovers and shares documents, collections and information that has been locked away for years - the historical society education programs will prove that this is no ordinary history lesson.
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Our Mission is to encourage the community’s involvement by providing educational programs through archival research and preserving memories of historical significance of the robust history of the oldest city in Broward County.
Dania Beach history will be uncovered from collections and artifacts that has been locked away for years. The Dania Beach Historical Society has the exciting task of going through and discovering the information in forgotten documents and photographs that highlight the people and events that have shaped our community. From Native American history to the present day, our exhibits offer a glimpse into the past of the city of Dania Beach.
As a member of Dania Beach Historical Society & Museum, Inc. you will have access to exclusive events and discounts, as well as the satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting an important community organization. Join us in preserving our history for future generations.
Upcoming events - Where will the Dania Beach Historical Society be next?
Joanna Granett, President of the Dania Beach Historical Society, has always been captivated by history. Born in England, her fascination began early, inspired by the architecture of historic buildings she encountered in her homeland.
Joanna's dedication to preserving and promoting Dania Beach's rich history started over a decade ago when s
Joanna Granett, President of the Dania Beach Historical Society, has always been captivated by history. Born in England, her fascination began early, inspired by the architecture of historic buildings she encountered in her homeland.
Joanna's dedication to preserving and promoting Dania Beach's rich history started over a decade ago when she became a Dania Beach Ambassador. Since then, her involvement in the community has grown significantly. In addition to her leadership role with the Historical Society, she serves on several city boards, including the Public Arts Advisory Board and the Green Advisory Board. She also is the vice chair on the Planning and Zoning Board and was an alternate on the Charter Review Board. Joanna is a proud member and volunteer with the Dania Beach Lions Club, a participant in the Dania Beach Improvement Committee, and a member of the city’s Program for Public Information Committee.
Her passion for history extends beyond her work. Joanna enjoys exploring antique stores, flea markets, and online auctions in search of treasures that connect to the past. She also devotes time to reading historical books, watching documentaries, and delving into research—particularly uncovering the stories of Dania Beach, Broward County’s first city.
Joanna is deeply committed to sharing the vibrant history of Dania Beach with the community, uncovering new stories, and ensuring that the past continues to inform and inspire the future. She invites you to join her on this journey of discovery, celebrating the rich heritage of the city she proudly serves.
Kathy Kay has been a proud resident of Dania Beach since 1944 and holds a unique connection to the city as the great-granddaughter of its founder, A.C. Frost.
A graduate of Dania Elementary School, Olsen Junior High, and South Broward High School, Kathy pursued higher education at the University of South Florida, earning a Bachelor of Scie
Kathy Kay has been a proud resident of Dania Beach since 1944 and holds a unique connection to the city as the great-granddaughter of its founder, A.C. Frost.
A graduate of Dania Elementary School, Olsen Junior High, and South Broward High School, Kathy pursued higher education at the University of South Florida, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and completed her medical training at the University of Miami Medical Technology School. Her career included roles as a Laboratory Technologist at Jackson Memorial Hospital, a researcher in viral studies at the University of Miami, and a Medical Laboratory Supervisor at the university's Indigent Pediatric Clinic. Later, she transitioned into office management at TLK Construction in Dania Beach before retiring.
Kathy continues to contribute to her community through active involvement in the Dania Improvement Committee and the Dania Friends of the Library. She also serves as Co-Vice President of the Dania Beach Historical Society, where she is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Broward County's first city.
Laura Lombardo is a lifelong resident of Dania Beach with a deep passion for local history. Her connection to the city’s heritage began when her family owned and operated two antique shops in historic properties, sparking her dedication to preserving the area’s unique charm.
As a local realtor, Laura is committed to balancing Dania Beach'
Laura Lombardo is a lifelong resident of Dania Beach with a deep passion for local history. Her connection to the city’s heritage began when her family owned and operated two antique shops in historic properties, sparking her dedication to preserving the area’s unique charm.
As a local realtor, Laura is committed to balancing Dania Beach's exponential growth with the preservation of its historic character. Her community involvement reflects her dedication: she served on the Creative Arts Council Advisory Board for four years, including two years as Chair. She currently chairs the Green Advisory Board and is an active member of the Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Dania Beach Women’s Club.
As Co-Vice President of the Dania Beach Historical Society, Laura brings her passion and expertise to preserving the city’s rich history and advocating for its vibrant future.
Polly Jones Moseley is a dedicated community leader and advocate, bringing her passion for service to every role she undertakes. She is the CEO of Sister’s Helping Neighbors, an organization focused on empowering adults through education, self-care, and promoting active lifestyles. Additionally, Polly serves as Vice President of Wisdom Ge
Polly Jones Moseley is a dedicated community leader and advocate, bringing her passion for service to every role she undertakes. She is the CEO of Sister’s Helping Neighbors, an organization focused on empowering adults through education, self-care, and promoting active lifestyles. Additionally, Polly serves as Vice President of Wisdom Generation Corp, a 501(c)(3) organization in Bibb County, Macon, Georgia, that offers afterschool programs and tutoring for students.
In Dania Beach, Polly serves as the Resident Commissioner for the Dania Beach Housing Authority and is the Secretary of the Dania Beach Historical Society. Her professional mission as a community activist is to foster effective communication, provide clear and confident leadership, and address the needs of her community with attention to detail and care.
Polly considers her greatest accomplishment to be becoming a business owner and following her vision to make a positive impact. Through her work, she remains deeply committed to helping communities thrive.
Born on September 4, 1949, just a block away from what is now City Hall, Jerry has deep roots in Dania Beach. His father, Joseph Austin Adderley Hadley, worked with the Florida East Coast Railroad, laying down tracks, and the family resided in a company-owned section house. At that time, hospitals in Florida were not accessible to Black i
Born on September 4, 1949, just a block away from what is now City Hall, Jerry has deep roots in Dania Beach. His father, Joseph Austin Adderley Hadley, worked with the Florida East Coast Railroad, laying down tracks, and the family resided in a company-owned section house. At that time, hospitals in Florida were not accessible to Black individuals, making his birthplace notably significant.
Jerry began his educational journey at Attucks Elementary School, continued to Collins Elementary School, and then attended Attucks Junior High School before proudly graduating from Attucks High School in 1967. Shortly after graduation, he moved to Queens, NYC, where he pursued higher education at St. John's University, earning a degree in Accounting in 1972.
Following his graduation, he became a Certified Public Accountant, focusing on audits, financial reports, and tax returns. Notably, Jerry was the first certified accountant from Dania to work on Wall Street.
After retiring, Jerry returned to Dania Beach and became actively involved in various community initiatives, including supporting Attucks High School alumni, volunteering as a tax aide with AARP, and conducting exercise classes on the beach. He is deeply committed to the community, dedicating his time and expertise to helping those in need. His dedication is further demonstrated through his participation in the Dania Beach Historical Society and Museum.
As the treasurer, Jerry is excited to collaborate with fellow members in preserving and promoting the rich history of Dania Beach.
Kathy Cerminara is an Emeritus Professor of Law at Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, where she served as a dedicated educator and mentor for over 20 years. Her impactful career in legal education and her ongoing engagement with the academic community exemplify her passion for scholarship and service. For more deta
Kathy Cerminara is an Emeritus Professor of Law at Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, where she served as a dedicated educator and mentor for over 20 years. Her impactful career in legal education and her ongoing engagement with the academic community exemplify her passion for scholarship and service. For more details on her professional achievements, visit her faculty page here.
Kathy has been a resident of central Miramar in Broward County for over two decades, during which she has cultivated a deep connection to the region’s historical and cultural heritage. Before relocating to Broward County, she lived in Coconut Grove, where she volunteered as a docent at the Barnacle Historic State Park, sharing her enthusiasm for history with visitors. Kathy has been an active and longstanding member of HistoryMiami (formerly the Historical Museum of South Florida) and the Barnacle Society, the citizen support organization for the Barnacle.
Beyond her historical interests, Kathy contributes to various academic and community organizations. She serves on the board of the International Society of Therapeutic Jurisprudence and is a proud member of the Circle of Friends of the Alvin Sherman Library at Nova Southeastern University.
Kathy’s lifelong dedication to education, community service, and preserving South Florida’s history reflects her enduring commitment to making a meaningful impact both professionally and personally.
Dr. Joan Mickelson brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her dedication to preserving history. With over 30 years as a museum professional, she has served as an Archivist, Curator, and Director, roles that reflect her passion for safeguarding the stories of the past.
Dr. Mickelson’s academic background includes a Ph.D. and a B.A.
Dr. Joan Mickelson brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her dedication to preserving history. With over 30 years as a museum professional, she has served as an Archivist, Curator, and Director, roles that reflect her passion for safeguarding the stories of the past.
Dr. Mickelson’s academic background includes a Ph.D. and a B.A. from Harvard University and an M.A. from the University of Chicago. A proud South Florida native, she attended South Broward High School, Miss Harris’ Florida School for Girls, Hollywood Central School, and Outdoor Private School in Hollywood.
Her deep connection to historical preservation extends beyond her professional work. Dr. Mickelson has served on multiple boards, including the Hollywood Historical Society (where she held roles as Secretary and Treasurer and created the first budget), the Framingham, MA Historic Village Hall, the Williamstown Art Conservation Center, and the Boston Ballet.
Dr. Mickelson’s contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including:
In addition to her professional and civic accomplishments, Dr. Mickelson is an accomplished author, having written books and articles on the early history of Hollywood, Florida. Her lifelong commitment to historical preservation has left an indelible mark on the community and continues to inspire future generations.
Raline is a proud Dania Beach native with deep roots in the community. Her story begins with her parents, who met while her mother served as a nurse in the Army. After World War II, in 1947, her parents built the family home on SE 15th Street, where Raline grew up.
Split between summers in Minnesota and winters in Dania Beach, Raline devel
Raline is a proud Dania Beach native with deep roots in the community. Her story begins with her parents, who met while her mother served as a nurse in the Army. After World War II, in 1947, her parents built the family home on SE 15th Street, where Raline grew up.
Split between summers in Minnesota and winters in Dania Beach, Raline developed a lifelong connection to her hometown, where she has been a homeowner for many years. Her father was a local business owner, operating the Dania Shoe Store at 35 N Federal Highway. Later, after her brother completed his service in the Marines, her father and brother transformed the location into H & S Auto Parts, continuing the family’s entrepreneurial legacy.
Raline has been actively involved in volunteer work since her teenage years. She has served on numerous committees and boards, holding various leadership roles, and remains dedicated to giving back to her community through her service and commitment.
Andrea Davenport has been happily married to her husband, Gregory, for 18 years, and together they are raising their three children in Hollywood, Florida, where they have made their home since 2010.
With busy schedules filled with school, soccer, piano, and various activities, Andrea places a strong emphasis on family time. The Davenport f
Andrea Davenport has been happily married to her husband, Gregory, for 18 years, and together they are raising their three children in Hollywood, Florida, where they have made their home since 2010.
With busy schedules filled with school, soccer, piano, and various activities, Andrea places a strong emphasis on family time. The Davenport family prioritizes gathering around the dinner table as often as possible, instilling values of hard work, service, and community in their children.
A native of South Florida, Andrea was born at Broward General Hospital and grew up in the Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, and Plantation areas of South Broward County. She graduated from South Plantation High School and pursued her studies in business hospitality at Broward College, previously known as Broward Community College. Raised by her dedicated single father alongside three younger brothers, Andrea treasures the close-knit bond with her family. Today, all her brothers have achieved success in their fields, and their children share a strong connection as cousins.
With over 25 years of experience in retail management and operations, Andrea is a dynamic and accomplished professional. For the past nine years, she has proudly served as the Retail Market Trainer and General Manager at Ulta Beauty, where she leads a team of 30 associates and mentors four members of the leadership team. Her dedication to community connection has established her as a prominent figure in the evolving retail landscape of Dania Beach, particularly with her Ulta Beauty location in Dania Pointe, which has flourished since its opening in 2018.
Beyond her professional and family commitments, Andrea's passion for history and preservation is evident in her active support for initiatives that celebrate and preserve the rich heritage of Dania Beach and Broward County. She has been a member of the Dania Beach Lions Club since 2022, further contributing to her community.
In her leisure time, Andrea enjoys cruising South Florida in her family's cherished 1972 Volkswagen bus, a beloved hobby since 2009 that reflects her enthusiasm for adventure and tradition.
The idea for DBHS was born in 2019, when a group of local history enthusiasts came together to discuss the need for a dedicated organization to preserve and share the history of our community.
Thanks to their vision and hard work, DBHS was officially reinstated 2022.
Special thanks goes to:
Former Commissioner of Dania Beach Lauren Odman
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The idea for DBHS was born in 2019, when a group of local history enthusiasts came together to discuss the need for a dedicated organization to preserve and share the history of our community.
Thanks to their vision and hard work, DBHS was officially reinstated 2022.
Special thanks goes to:
Former Commissioner of Dania Beach Lauren Odman
Emmanuel George
Linda Wilson
Joanna Granett
Kathy Kay
Laura Lombardo
Polly Jones-Moseley
Emmanuel Etienne
Joan Mickleson
Kathy Cerminara
Raline Paper
Daniel Ares
Deborah Settles
Special mention
Charles "Mac" McElyea
City of Dania Beach
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission.
Donations will help fund the Dania Beach Historical Society education programs.
Dania Beach history will be preserved with your help.
The President and Directors of the Dania Beach Historical Society & Museum, Inc., sincerely thank you!