Plan your visit
The Orange County Regional History Center, housed in a historic courthouse in the heart of downtown Orlando, offers four floors of exhibits exploring 12,000 years of Central Florida’s rich heritage. A Smithsonian affiliate, the museum also offers visiting exhibitions and a wide range of programs for families, children, and adults.
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Selections from the vast and varied collections of the Historical Society of Central Florida illustrate Central Florida’s fascinating past.
Explore our pastAs an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the History Center presents limited-run exhibitions of great depth and insight.
On display nowConvenient parking options include the Central Boulevard garage across from the Orlando Public Library, the History Center’s neighbor.
How to find usAn Evolving Community Resource
The Orange County Regional History Center is working to build an even better experience while we continue to recover from the pandemic’s considerable effects on our resources. We’re deep in the exploration stages of fully renovating and updating our current exhibitions and seeking ways to expand the History Center.
Much has changed since the History Center opened more than two decades ago. We are honored by our national awards, Smithsonian Affiliation, and accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, and have spent the past several years researching and growing our collection to better reflect the experience of our entire Central Florida community.
We also continue to offer more diverse programming and special exhibitions on topics we plan to include in our future visitor experience. This work takes thoughtful time and care, and we go forward with dedication to building strong relationships across the community and engaging in meaningful conversations. As always, we welcome your participation and encourage you to share your thoughts through our contact form.
Coming up: Lunch & Learns, Family Days, and more
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Upcoming Events
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History Alive: Navigating Florida’s Tourism History
June 1, 202411:00 am - 2:00 pm -
Lunch & Learn – Lightning (Sometimes) Strikes Twice: Central Florida’s Famous Firebolts
June 7, 202412:00 pm - 1:00 pm -
The Pendulum of Pride: A History of LGBTQ Resilience in Central Florida
June 9, 20242:00 pm - 3:00 pm -
Sally’s Night
June 20, 20245:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Around the Museum Blog
- 30 May
Discover how immigration records can be a rich source for genealogy research
Read more about Discover how immigration records can be a rich source for genealogy researchEach month we are pleased to share the Orange County Library System’s schedule of genealogy events. Classes are held at the West Oaks Branch in Ocoee or online. To learn more about these and the vast resources of the library, visit ocls.info. Mastering Genealogical Proof Study Group Virtual Tuesday, June
- 28 May
Pat O’Hare: Shaping Cocoa Beach Surf History
Read more about Pat O’Hare: Shaping Cocoa Beach Surf HistoryBy Jeremy Hileman, Assistant Curator Positioned at the midpoint of Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Cocoa Beach has long been synonymous with surfing. The city’s reputation has attracted seasoned professionals and novices alike, with the beach’s warm water and mild waves making it an excellent spot to learn the sport. By the
- 22 May
Commodore Rose and the River of Freedom
Read more about Commodore Rose and the River of FreedomBy Rick Kilby from the Spring 2024 Edition of Reflections Magazine Who Was Commodore Rose in Pioneer Florida?” reads a February 1975 headline for Marian Godown’s “Here’s Florida” feature in the Fort Myers News-Press. Godown invited readers to take a quickie quiz: was the Commodore the owner of a steamboat
- 25 Apr
Library’s study group can help you learn about your Native American roots
Read more about Library’s study group can help you learn about your Native American rootsIt’s interesting to consider AI’s role in genealogy research and the Orange County Library System is doing just that during the month of May. This and many other classes are offered by OCLS through their Genealogy Center located at the West Oaks Branch in Ocoee. Learn more about the many
- 26 Mar
What Remains: A Land Called Wewahotee
Read more about What Remains: A Land Called WewahoteeBy Kelly D’Ambrosio, Digital Archivist, Orange County Regional History Center Land changes hands and names as the years pass, extending its story with each transaction. In the case of a lost Central Florida community named Wewahotee – now often spelled Wewahootee – an expansive story has become muddled by time
What our visitors are saying about their experience
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I want to thank the staff at the History Center for my daughter’s experience this summer [at camp]. Every staff member has been kind, talented and prepared – and helped nurture my daughter’s love of invention and creation. She deeply enjoyed the program. Thank you!
Ximena Cordova Palma -
I just have to tell you what a spectacular time our classes had today! The kids talked about it all afternoon, and all of our teachers raved about it! How early is too early to book for next year?
Teacher Judy Lindquist, Andover Elementary School -
The exhibits were interesting and well put together. I particularly enjoyed all the information about Florida’s citrus industry. Exhibits focusing on tourism were a close second favorite. Staff was helpful, and we enjoyed the optional audio tour.
Halee Pearl -
Great local museum! Took our daughter when she was 3 and she loved it. She asked to go back and at 5 she loved it even more! If you live in central Florida, or are visiting, you really need to check it out!
Joanna Bond