History Fort Lauderdale, in celebration of National Historic Preservation Month, presents “Lauderdale Living: The Architecture of Possibilities." The exhibition showcases rarely seen historical photographs from the museum’s collection alongside contemporary works by artists Christina Lihan and Abby Laughlin.

A free public opening reception with the artists will take place on Thursday, May 1, from 6 – 8 p.m., at the New River Inn Museum of History building on History Fort Lauderdale’s campus (231 Southwest Second Avenue). 

Florida-based artist Christina Lihan transforms delicate paper into intricate sculptural landscapes, hand-cutting, folding, scoring and carving architectural forms that play with light and shadow. With a background in architecture from the University of Virginia and Columbia University, her work reflects a deep understanding of composition, technique, and design. Her meditative, labor-intensive process creates immersive environments that evoke a sense of place, often raising subtle questions of environmental justice. Her pieces have been exhibited internationally, from Shanghai to Tel Aviv, and she was recently commissioned to create eight large-scale sculptures for a new hotel in central London.

Fort Lauderdale artist and activist Abby Laughlin documents the beauty and history of mid-century modern architecture through photography and curated exhibitions. A former real estate professional with expertise in adaptive rehab, she brings a passionate, hands-on perspective to the importance of historic properties in shaping community identity. Laughlin serves on the boards of the Fort Lauderdale History Center and Docomomo US Florida, and is currently developing three major projects, including a fine arts book and a photography exhibit on mid-century landmarks. Her work captures both the nostalgia and urgency of preserving South Florida’s architectural heritage.

History Fort Lauderdale, proud steward of our community’s past by making our heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors, hosts a variety of engaging multicultural experiences, year-round. It seeks to bring awareness to the community through both traveling exhibits and multiple permanent exhibits including “Women Trailblazers,” “Fort Lauderdale – the Early Years,” “Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward,” “Fashion & Musical Theatre,” “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,” and “Take PRIDE, a retrospective on LGBTQ life in South Florida.”

History Fort Lauderdale’s “Lauderdale Living: The Architecture of Possibilities” is sponsored 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.

Beginning May 1, History Fort Lauderdale will be open five days a week from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. with docent guided tours, daily, at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. (closed Tuesday and Wednesday). 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.