Kester Cottages & Pompano History Museum
Step back in time at the Kester Cottages & Pompano History Museum, exploring Depression-era bungalows and the rich heritage of Pompano Beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Cottages open for tours
Kester Cottages & Pompano History Museum
Best Time
Cottages open for tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at the Kester Cottages & Pompano History Museum, exploring Depression-era bungalows and the rich heritage of Pompano Beach.
"A beautiful historical spot, worth driving to for a glimpse into Pompano's past!"
📅 Book in Advance
Tours are limited; always check the website or call to book your spot!
🏛️ Explore the Museum
Don't miss the museum's artifacts detailing Pompano's fascinating past.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kester Cottages
Founders Park
Step back in time to the 1930s in these charming "pepper crate" bungalows, a glimpse into early beach tourism.
Pompano History Museum
Founders Park
Discover the rich history of Pompano Beach, from its farming roots to its development as a tourist destination.
Historical Bus Tours
Starts at Kester Cottages
Explore historic buildings across Pompano Beach on a guided bus tour, a comprehensive way to see the city's past.
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Planning Your Visit
Tour Availability & Booking
Location & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📅 Book in Advance
Tours are limited; always check the website or call to book your spot!
🏛️ Explore the Museum
Don't miss the museum's artifacts detailing Pompano's fascinating past.
🚌 Join a Bus Tour
A great way to see multiple historical sites beyond the cottages.
💻 Virtual Tour Option
Can't make it in person? Check out their 3D virtual tour online!
Tips
from all over the internet
📅 Book in Advance
Tours are limited; always check the website or call to book your spot!
🏛️ Explore the Museum
Don't miss the museum's artifacts detailing Pompano's fascinating past.
🚌 Join a Bus Tour
A great way to see multiple historical sites beyond the cottages.
💻 Virtual Tour Option
Can't make it in person? Check out their 3D virtual tour online!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Kester Cottages & Pompano History Museum for offering a valuable glimpse into Pompano Beach's past, particularly appreciating the preserved 'pepper crate' cottages and the informative historical tours. Some note that tours are by appointment or during specific events, requiring advance planning. The dedication of the Historical Society is frequently highlighted.
"The purpose of the Pompano Beach Historical society is to collect and preserve the history of Pompano Beach, the second oldest city in Broward County and the fifth oldest city in South Florida. Pompano Beach was incorporated in 1908. You can find the building for the historical society in Founders Park.
The Historical Society holds many events in the city. I recently took their historical bus tour that began in the Kester Cottages in Founders Park and for two hours visited historical buildings in the city including the Bailey Hotel which now houses the BaCA Art Center in downtown, the Ali Building, the Sample McDougald House, and the Hillsboro Lighthouse Museum. Tours are $15. The Historical Society also runs the Pompano Green Market Saturday mornings across from City Hall. The market hearkens back to Pompano's roots as a farming community. Another event they recently held was their annual road show and yard sale. The historical society also hosts lectures and public programs. They are currently seeking donations to refurbish the McNab House into a restaurant.
The Kester Cottages originated with Stuart and William L. Kester were originally from West Virginia. They came to Pompano to pursue fishing in the 1920's and in 1937 built the wood frame bungalows that they called "pepper crates" in Pompano and Deerfield Beach. Since they were inexpensive to build soon everyone was constructing them for residents and visitors alike. They were constructed of Dade County pine and had indoor plumbing and running water. They measured 25 feet by 35 feet. Some had a beach view and ranged from one to three bedrooms. At their height of popularity there were 150 of them. All of the cottages were white with playing card suites cut of out their shutters. Houses cost under a thousand dollars to build and you could rent one for as little as $29 a month. I wish you could still get beach front property for that amount.
The two Kester cottages owned by the Pompano Beach Historical Society were donated to them by Kester's nephew Stewart. They were moved from their original location to Founders Park behind the Historical Society building. Usually they are locked up but they open them for tours when they do the once a month historical trolley tour. The next time the cottages will be open is on January 12 from 9 to 10 AM. The cottages are filled with historical items from Pompano Beach's history. If you can't tour them they have a wonderful 3-D virtual tour on the website they have have set up for the cottages. One other Kester cottage remains on the grounds of the Butler House in Deerfield Beach.
With so many great events the Historical Society truly offers something for everyone. You can sign up to volunteer, donate money, or see their schedule of events on their website."
Ariel W.
"Very beautiful historical spot. Worth driving to."
Bobby Furedi
"Love belonging to this organization So many interesting people in our community Old and New we have wonderful and interesting events monthly in Pompano and surrounding areas thanks to there Board Members and people like Pat 📸 our photographer & Carolanne who prepare all the food for our meetings are amazing humans . Our family loves having a family membship Diane Mazer-Gruneizen"
Diane Mazer
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kester Cottages and Pompano History Museum are located in Founders Park, behind the Pompano Beach Historical Society building. Parking is generally available in the park area.
Information on specific bus routes to Founders Park can be found on the Broward County Transit website. It's advisable to check routes and schedules in advance.
The Pompano Beach Historical Society offers historical bus tours that start at the Kester Cottages and visit various landmarks, making navigation easy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tours are typically offered on select Saturdays or by appointment. It's essential to check the Pompano Beach Historical Society's website or contact them directly to confirm availability and book your visit.
While specific tour fees can vary, the historical bus tours are priced at $15. It's best to check the Pompano Beach Historical Society's official channels for the most current pricing information.
The museum's hours often align with tour availability and special events. It's recommended to check the Pompano Beach Historical Society's schedule or call ahead for specific opening times.
Generally, the Kester Cottages are locked and only accessible during scheduled tours or by appointment. However, their 3D virtual tour is available online.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Kester Cottages are preserved Depression-era bungalows, offering a glimpse into the 'pepper crate' architectural style and early beach tourism. They are filled with historical items from Pompano Beach's past.
The historical bus tours often visit significant locations such as the Bailey Hotel (now BaCA Art Center), the Ali Building, the Sample-McDougald House, and the Hillsboro Lighthouse Museum.
Yes, the Pompano Beach Historical Society hosts various events, including the Pompano Green Market, lectures, public programs, and an annual road show and yard sale.
The historical nature of the cottages and museum is generally engaging for adults and older children interested in history. Younger children might find the bus tours more interactive.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique architecture of the 'pepper crate' bungalows, their distinctive playing card suite shutters, and the surrounding park setting. The interior, when accessible, offers a glimpse into historical decor.
Photography is generally permitted during the bus tours, allowing you to document the various historical buildings and landmarks visited.
While specific restrictions are not detailed, it's always good practice to be respectful of exhibits and other visitors. Flash photography might be discouraged in certain areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to check the schedule for any family-friendly programming or events the Historical Society might be hosting. The virtual tour is also a great option for a quick, accessible overview that kids can enjoy from home if a full visit isn't feasible. Remember to manage expectations for very young children, as the primary focus is historical preservation and education.
🏛️ History Buffs
Don't miss the opportunity to join one of the historical bus tours, which are expertly curated to showcase a broader spectrum of the city's heritage, including significant buildings and landmarks. Engaging with the Pompano Beach Historical Society directly can also yield fascinating insights and perhaps even opportunities to learn about ongoing preservation efforts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The "Pepper Crate" Architecture
These cottages represented an accessible entry point into beachside living, with construction costs under a thousand dollars and monthly rentals as low as $29. This affordability played a crucial role in the development of Pompano Beach as a tourist destination. The two Kester cottages now owned by the Pompano Beach Historical Society were originally located elsewhere and were moved to Founders Park. They serve as a tangible link to the past, allowing visitors to experience the simplicity and charm of early 20th-century coastal living.
Pompano Beach Historical Society's Role
The society is not only a repository of the past but also a forward-looking organization, actively seeking donations to support preservation projects, such as the refurbishment of the McNab House into a restaurant. They also rely on volunteers and community members to sustain their efforts. Belonging to the organization offers a chance to connect with others passionate about local history and participate in enriching events.
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