Week 1: Introduction, Background, and Focus


Hello Reader!

My name is Maria Formoso, and I am in my final semester at UCF as an undergraduate student. I am currently majoring in History with a minor in Education. This fall, I am beginning my Master of Arts in Teaching with the UCF Education program. With a focus on social studies education, I am excited to implement the research skills and historical background I have developed through the UCF History program.

*Bonnet the Cat*
I will complete my History internship with The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I chose the Bonnet House because of my connection to South Florida- specifically, my hometown of Fort Lauderdale. I grew up visiting house museums in the area, like the Stranahan House and Vizcaya. I have always wanted to visit the Bonnet House because of its rich history and focus on the arts and flora (plus, my cat is named Bonnet)!

Although I have an appreciation for South Florida history, my focus has always been on the Civil War South. I have taken three classes at UCF focusing on the late 19th century, two of which I had the pleasure of taking with Dr. Casanello. Even though this has been the usual focus of my studies, I am excited to delve into the rich history of Fort Lauderdale and expand my horizons as an academic.

As I discussed with Dr. French before the semester began, I won’t be able to start my internship until the week of May 26th. To make up for this, I will dedicate my Week 2 blog post to the historical context of the Bonnet House and a brief discussion of house museums in the South, specifically plantation houses. I believe this will connect my interest in the 19th century with the work I am doing at the museum.

I am excited for this internship to connect with my family’s history in Fort Lauderdale, broaden my knowledge of historic Florida, and better prepare me to teach in Broward County after I finish my graduate degree.

See you next week!
Maria Formoso

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