Founded in 1962 by a group of pioneer families, the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society (dba History Fort Lauderdale) today operates three museums and a research library in Fort Lauderdale’s downtown Arts & Entertainment District. The Museum of History is housed in the 1905 New River Inn, with a rotating visual arts exhibit in its first-floor galleries and four general history galleries on its second floor. The 1907 Pioneer House Museum is complete with period furniture from local pioneer families and set as if the family will return at any minute for Sunday supper. The 1899 Replica School House Museum is furnished with 1899 wooden desks and McGuffey readers. The Society manages the Hoch Heritage Research Center, a public research library housing archives of the history of Greater Fort Lauderdale.