History We Call Home

Miami Springs: The untold story of the pioneering aviator who founded three cities

Founded by aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss, Miami Springs grew out of ambition, speed, and real estate speculation. This episode looks at the man behind the city — and the boom-era vision that helped shape South Florida.From Palm Beach County to Miami-Dade, 11 cities are celebrating their centennials in 2025 and 2026. WLRN News' series "History We Call Home" spotlights the moments, ideas and people that made these cities part of our community's fabric over the past century.

Hollywood: A historic hotel in limbo, and a history of segregation

When Hollywood was founded in 1925, its developer imagined a glamorous resort city. In part one, we revisit the Hollywood Beach Resort Hotel — and how it shaped the early identity of Hollywood.Also in this episode: Before Hollywood existed, a segregated Black neighborhood called Liberia was already there. We explore how Jim Crow laws shaped life in Hollywood — and how Liberia’s legacy is remembered today.From Palm Beach County to Miami-Dade, 11 cities are celebrating their centennials in 2025 and 2026. WLRN News' series "History We Call Home" spotlights the moments, ideas and people that made these cities part of our community's fabric over the past century.

Davie: The century-old school from before the horses and rodeos

Long before the Town of Davie became known for its horses and rodeos, it was miles of wild, untamed Everglades. In the early 1900s, after the wetlands were drained, settlers came looking for new opportunities… to farm, to build, to start fresh. Those early pioneers learned to work the land and build a community from the ground up. At the center of it all was the Davie School, now known as the Old Davie School Museum.From Palm Beach County to Miami-Dade, 11 cities are celebrating their centennials in 2025 and 2026. WLRN News' series "History We Call Home" spotlights the moments, ideas and people that made these cities part of our community's fabric over the past century.

Hialeah: Flamingoes, racing, and Black descendants who refuse to be forgotten

In the 1920s, the Hialeah Racetrack helped put the city on the map. As Hialeah turns 100, we trace how the racetrack shaped the city — and the labor of Black migrants who helped build it.Also in this episode: Before Hialeah was officially incorporated, Black migrant workers had already established a community called Seminola. This episode explores that neighborhood’s origins — and the fight by descendants to have their history recognized as the city marks its centennial.From Palm Beach County to Miami-Dade, 11 cities are celebrating their centennials in 2025 and 2026. WLRN News' series "History We Call Home" spotlights the moments, ideas and people that made these cities part of our community's fabric over the past century.

The Freedom Tower: Miami's Statue of Liberty

For Cuban exiles fleeing the 1959 revolution, Freedom Tower was a first stop — and a symbol of hope.The tower celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2025, marking 100 years as a symbol of resilience in its various functions for the people of Miami. In this episode, we revisit the Freedom Tower’s history and how it went from newspaper headquarters to refugee processing center — and what it represents to South Floridians today.From Palm Beach County to Miami-Dade, 11 cities are celebrating their centennials in 2025 and 2026. WLRN News' series "History We Call Home" spotlights the moments, ideas and people that made these cities part of our community's fabric over the past century.