Children's Museums
Pompano Beach Historical Society and Kester Museums
📍 217 NE 4th Ave, Pompano Beach, FL 33060🕐 Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 AM–4 AM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
About Pompano Beach Historical Society and Kester Museums
Depression-era cottages with exhibits. Center offering tours of the Depression-era "Kester cottages" on some Saturdays & by appointment. The Kester Cottages were built in 1937 by Stuart and William L. Kester and called 'pepper crates' - inexpensive wood-frame bungalows measuring 25 by 35 feet that cost under $1,000 to build and could be rented for as little as $29 a month. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30 visitors.
💡 Did You Know?
- The Kester Cottages were built in 1937 by Stuart and William L. Kester and called 'pepper crates' - inexpensive wood-frame bungalows measuring 25 by 35 feet that cost under $1,000 to build and could be rented for as little as $29 a month
- At their peak popularity, there were 150 Kester Cottages built throughout Pompano and Deerfield Beach, with all painted white and featuring playing card suit designs cut out of their shutters
- Pompano Beach is the second oldest city in Broward County and the fifth oldest city in South Florida, incorporated in 1908
- The Historical Society operates a 2-hour historical bus tour visiting multiple significant buildings including the Bailey Hotel (now BaCA Art Center), the Ali Building, Sample McDougald House, and Hillsboro Lighthouse Museum for $15 per person
- The two Kester Cottages owned by the Historical Society feature a 3-D virtual tour available on their website for visitors unable to attend in-person tours
💬 What Visitors Say
- Take the monthly historical bus tour ($15) to see major landmarks like the Bailey Hotel, Ali Building, Sample McDougald House, and Hillsboro Lighthouse Museum with knowledgeable guides—a comprehensive way to understand Pompano Beach's history beyond the museum grounds.
- The two Kester Cottages are typically locked but open during the monthly historical trolley tour (next opening January 12, 9-10 AM). If you can't attend in person, explore the detailed 3-D virtual tour on their website to see the historical artifacts and learn about these iconic 1920s-30s beach homes.
- Become a family member of the Historical Society to attend monthly community events and lectures. Members get access to special programs, networking with local historians, and support the organization's ongoing restoration projects like the McNab House.
- Plan to visit during the Pompano Green Market (Saturday mornings across from City Hall) or attend their annual road show and yard sale—these events connect you with community members and provide deeper context about Pompano's farming heritage.
- Start at Founders Park where the museum building and relocated Kester Cottages are located, then use the historical bus tour to expand your visit to other significant buildings throughout the city for a complete understanding of Pompano Beach's development.
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