The City of Hollywood Records and Archives Division, part of the Office of the City Clerk, is responsible for acquiring, preserving, and making accessible public and private records documenting the history of Hollywood and Port Everglades. Spanning from Joseph Wesley Young's visionary development of a South Florida wilderness to the established city of today, the Archives' holdings include inactive, permanently valuable government records, and donated records of families and individuals, organizations and businesses; in formats including photographs, maps and plans, publications, correspondence, documents, and memorabilia. These materials record the economic, social, and cultural changes that transformed Hollywood. Click here to Search our Collections

ABOUT OUR COLLECTIONS

Local Government Records:

The Archives' largest holdings preserve Hollywood’s municipal government's history. These materials provide information on the functions and activities of the various city agencies and officials, from Hollywood's incorporation in 1925 to the present day. Records document Mayors, City Managers, Commission and Commissioners, legislation, departmental budgets and activities, recreational and cultural events, personnel, and litigation history.

Property Records:

Building plans, site plans, and permit histories are available from the Archives beginning in 1949 toward the present. These records are useful tools for researching residential and commercial properties, and are often required for new permits; they may show who built the structure and when, architect,  dimensions, elevations, structural, plumbing and electrical information, location of septic tanks, and any alterations. There are also some original plans and information for many of the oldest homes and buildings in Hollywood.

Pictorial Collections:

Beginning in 1921, thousands of images in the photographic and postcard collections document Hollywood's transformation from a wilderness coastline into a vacation resort and year-round community. Hollywood's architectural heritage features in the many photos of hotels, residences, commercial and public buildings from the Land Boom Era of the 1920’s to the present. Photos of people, places, and events trace the history, activities, and culture of the city.

Donated Collections:

A variety of materials have been donated to the Archives from families of Hollywood pioneers, and others active in the city’s development, social, business, cultural, and civic life. Photographs and a variety of different kinds of records have been kept separate in these collections which help document Hollywood’s beginnings and growth.

Printed Materials Collection:

These are publications, reports, pamphlets, serials, and other materials created for distribution, pertaining to the City of Hollywood from the 1920’s to the present. They include government records, community newsletters, other organizations, Broward County and Port Everglades, local newspapers and magazines. This collection is a rich resource for examining Hollywood’s history, government, development, cultural and recreational activities, and tourism.

Maps and Plans:

The Archives maintains a considerable number of maps and architectural plans illustrating the development of Hollywood and Port Everglades. Included are 1920’s maps showing lots, plats, and subdivisions, and the Hunter & Rubush Collection of plans for early Hollywood buildings and homes. Most of the items are originals, except a copy of 1926 Sanborn fire insurance maps obtained to assist research on early Hollywood.

Video :

Various subjects on Hollywood development and government activities were captured on film or video, with films converted to video tape for better access and viewing. Examples include Hollywood Beach ca. 1926 and 1930-1950's; clips of local news broadcasts filmed in Hollywood; and City Commission meetings.

* Please see the Donate section to learn how you can help build the collections and preserve your own part of Hollywood history! *