Selections from the vast and varied collections of the Historical Society of Central Florida illustrate Central Florida’s fascinating past.
Explore our past
As an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the History Center presents limited-run exhibitions of great depth and insight.
On display now
Convenient parking options include the Central Boulevard garage across from the Orlando Public Library, the History Center’s neighbor.
How to find us
Around the Museum Blog
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13
Jan
Windover: Prehistoric Past Revealed at Ancient Pond Cemetery
Read more about Windover: Prehistoric Past Revealed at Ancient Pond CemeteryExplore the discovery and excavation of one of the most important archaeological sites in North America: the 7,000-year-old pond cemetery known as Windover.
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05
Jan
Ben White Raceway: The Training Capital of Harness Racing
Read more about Ben White Raceway: The Training Capital of Harness RacingTrotters Park was once Ben White Raceway, at one time the largest training facility for harness racing in the United States and the winter home of championship harness races and racehorses.
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08
Dec
Give an Experience They Won’t Forget!
Read more about Give an Experience They Won’t Forget!During a holiday season like no other, the History Center offers brand-new opportunities to give one-of-a-kind gifts to family and friends, or even for yourself! From behind-the-scenes tours of our collections to a secret nighttime event at the museum, these gifts are not to be found anywhere else.
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08
Dec
In Orange County, we truly have Christmas all year long
Read more about In Orange County, we truly have Christmas all year longHere’s an often-asked question in the Central Florida each December: How did a crossroads on the palmetto prairie of far-east Orange County — the tiny community of Christmas, Florida — become a kind of far southern branch of North Pole central?
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02
Dec
O Christmas Star, O Christmas Star
Read more about O Christmas Star, O Christmas StarThe holiday season in downtown Orlando is a familiar sight. Perhaps one of Orlando’s most iconic holiday decorations is the yellow Christmas star that illuminates the intersection of Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard each year.