Orange County History Center

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The Orange County Regional History Center opened in 2000 as part of the revitalization of Downtown Orlando. The museum is dedicated to preserving the varied and interesting history of Orlando and the surrounding Central Florida Region. Although the museum touches on the theme parks and Orlando’s shift to a tourism based economy, most of the exhibits document the oft-forgotten pre-tourism history of the region.

The History Center’s permanent collections document 12,000 years of Orlando area history. Artifacts that have been excavated from a number of Central Florida sites can be found here. The three floors of exhibits trace the existence of man in this region throughout the ages, touching on such major events as the Seminole War, the Big Freeze of the 1890s that decimated the citrus industry and the World War II war years.

Most of the permanent exhibits at the History Center are hands-on and interactive, bringing color and life to the facts and figures. Special touches abound, making the History Center feel like a living, breathing facility rather than a traditional dusty museum.

The History Center also plays host to a wide variety of traveling exhibits. As a Smithsonian affiliate, the History Center becomes home to many short term exhibits that are loaned by the Smithsonian as well.

The History Center is housed in the former county courthouse, built in 1927. One of the original courtrooms is kept intact for guest viewing. As a point of interest, this courtroom was the location of the famous trial and sentencing of serial killer Ted Bundy. Bundy carved his name in the defendant’s table, which is still visible today. This courtroom is allegedly haunted and is available for exploration nightly as part of the Orlando Ghost Tour. The Ghost Tour visits a number of haunted properties before ending the expedition inside the courtroom, where guests are invited to use ghost hunting equipment and document their experiences.

The History Center also maintains a quite extensive research library. You are welcome to visit the research archives between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm Monday through Saturday, although appointments are strongly preferred. In addition to over 2,500 rare and out of print books, the archives include a wide range of documents. Examples include personal correspondence to and from notable individuals; building permits; maps; early tourism pamphlets and much more. The knowledgeable archive staff will be happy to assist you in your research.

Connected to the Orlando History Center is Heritage Square. This park plays host to a wide variety of music festivals, theatrical performances and other fairs and event. There is also display space for art of every description, including permanent sculptures and a 15 foot postcard dedicated to Orlando’s past.

The History Center’s holdings include many more artifacts than there is room to display at any one time. This ensures that exhibits are periodically rotated, keeping the History Center always fresh and exciting. The History Center also actively solicits donations, both cash and artifacts.

What began as a small museum that was a part of the larger revitalization of Downtown Orlando has grown into a major contender in the world of museums. In addition to its recognition as a Smithsonian affiliate, the History Center was accredited in 2006 by the American Association of Museums. This highest honor recognizes the History Center’s dedication to standards of quality and excellence.

A visit to the Orange County Regional History Center could easily consume an entire day. Extensive displays with detailed signage, combined with the History Center’s dedication to hands-on interactive displays ensure that your time will be well-spent. However, if you have less time, an overview of the museum can easily be undertaken in just half a day or even a couple of hours.

If you have more time, you might want to look into the History Center’s special programs and events. Museum tours, nighttime programming, festival weekends…who knows what might happening at the time of your visit? Check the History Center’s website at www.thehistorycenter.org for information.

If you have children you might want to explore the History Center’s educational programs. Arrange a themed birthday party for up to 16 guests at a surprisingly low flat rate or up to 30 guests for a small additional charge. From pirates to knights, the theme possibility are nearly endless with two weeks advance notice.

The History Center also supports the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, offering customizable Guided Tours to meet badge requirements. Badge workshops are also available, both at the museum and on location at your site.

The History Center offers a variety of themed one day programs and day camps throughout the year. Especially popular right now are the week-long Pirates I and II programs that will teach your child to talk like a pirate and build a pirate ship, while learning to separate fact from lore.

You can arrange any of these events or enroll in camp programs online. Reservations are necessary for any special programs and, of course additional fees will apply.

The Orange County History Center has evolved from a small local museum to the recipient of prestigious awards. When you have a spare day to spend outside of the theme parks, consider paying a visit. The History Center does an excellent job of bringing Central Florida’s dynamic history to life.

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