The Orange County Regional History Center holds the special collections of the Historical Society of Central Florida, an archive about Central Florida’s past that began in 1942. The Joseph L. Brechner Research Center on the museum’s fifth floor is the History Center’s reference library, archive, and research space.

Explore the Collection

The History Center is home to the Historical Society of Central Florida’s collection of more than 35,000 artifacts, photographs, and archival materials documenting the rich heritage of our region.

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Online Research

Click on the box below to search our online collections database, a selection of the Historical Society’s extensive holdings. See “Tips for Searching” for the best results.

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Reflections Magazine

Reflections from Central Florida, the magazine of the Historical Society of Central Florida, features articles and photos illuminating the area’s past.
TEMPERATURES ARE USUALLY COOL IN THE BRECHNER RESEARCH CENTER. A LIGHT JACKET OR SWEATER IS RECOMMENDED.

Inside Our Collections

Oral Histories
Oral Histories
In the 1970s, the Historical Society of Central Florida began collecting and preserving interviews with Central Floridians, capturing their lived experiences in their own words.

Learn more about Oral Histories

Research the Collection
Research the Collection
The Brechner Research Center is on the fifth floor of the Orange County Regional History Center and is free to the public by appointment only.

Learn more about Research the Collection

Donate to the Collection
Donate to the Collection
We are constantly growing our collection with the help of donations from the public such as artifacts, photographs, archival materials, and oral histories.

Learn more about Donate to the Collection

About the museum

One of Florida’s preeminent cultural institutions, the Orange County Regional History Center advances its mission to serve as the gateway for community engagement, education, and inspiration by preserving and sharing Central Florida’s continually unfolding story. With deep roots in Orange County, the History Center opened in 2000 and is operated by Orange County and the nonprofit Historical Society of Central Florida, Inc. Read more about our story.

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Our Location
65 E. Central Blvd.
Orlando, Florida 32801 (opens in new window)

Local 407-836-8500
Toll Free 800-965-2030

The History Center is located in the restored 1927 courthouse at Magnolia Avenue and Central Boulevard in the heart of downtown Orlando. Parking is available in the Library Parking Garage at 112 E. Central Blvd. across from the Orlando Public Library. Get directions and a map.