Land of the Lost Attractions

Central Florida has long been a tourism hot spot where roadside attractions that have come and gone. Some, such as Cypress Gardens, loom large in Florida’s history, while others have been largely forgotten. Here’s a photographic look back at just a few.

Continue reading article Land of the Lost Attractions

Orange County Heritage Day Returns January 25

The celebration marks 175 years since Orange County traded in its first name: Mosquito. For the second year, the Orange County Regional History Center celebrates Orange County’s official beginnings with free admission and fun activities for the whole family.

Continue reading article Orange County Heritage Day Returns January 25

Mary Ann Carroll: “First Lady” of Highwaymen Leaves Rich Legacy

History Center staff members were saddened to learn of the death on Dec. 4, 2019, of Mary Ann Carroll, who was long a stalwart member of the group of Florida Highwaymen artists who have visited the museum for Meet & Greet events twice a year.

Continue reading article Mary Ann Carroll: “First Lady” of Highwaymen Leaves Rich Legacy

Make a difference in the lives of children

Each year the History Center provides top-quality learning experiences to the children of our community. Through programs such as onsite field trips, school teach-ins, and Adventures in History summer camps, young lives are enlightened, and horizons expand.

Continue reading article Make a difference in the lives of children

Who Was Hiram Calder?

A revelation after an Orlandoan’s death in 1914 shocked the city. Now, new research reveals much more about one of Central Florida’s enduring enigmas.

Continue reading article Who Was Hiram Calder?

Historical Society to honor Fairolyn Livingston

The Historical Society of Central Florida will present its 2019 Donald A. Cheney Award to Fairolyn H. Livingston, chief historian of the Hannibal Square Heritage Center in Winter Park. The presentation is slated for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5, at the Orange County Regional History Center.

Continue reading article Historical Society to honor Fairolyn Livingston

History Center offers Free Admission through Oct. 13

Admission to the Orange County Regional History Center will be free to all through Sunday, October 13, to coincide with Orlando’s Come Out with Pride festival.

Continue reading article History Center offers Free Admission through Oct. 13

Expert to Speak on Latin American Culture

Prof. Luis Martínez-Fernández honors Hispanic Heritage Month on September 15. Prof. Luis Martínez-Fernández rinde honor al Mes de la Herencia Hispana el 15 de septiembre.

Continue reading article Expert to Speak on Latin American Culture

Are We There Yet? Central Florida’s Transportation History

This new fall series offers a more in-depth look at the relationship between the growth of the region and the various means by which people arrived here and then moved around within the region.

Continue reading article Are We There Yet? Central Florida’s Transportation History

Central Florida Community Arts “Presents Twelve Angry Jurors”

Twelve Angry Jurors, by Reginald Rose, will be performed in the historic courtroom of the 1927 courthouse that is home to the Orange County Regional History Center. Central Florida Community Arts exists to build and serve community through the arts.

Continue reading article Central Florida Community Arts “Presents Twelve Angry Jurors”