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.
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Around the Museum Blog
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08
Feb
Parramore’s Landmark Churches
Read more about Parramore’s Landmark ChurchesIn Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood, African Americans worshipped outdoors in brush arbors and stables while they saved funds to build proper churches, which served not only as places of worship but also as social centers, gathering places, and schools.
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02
Feb
The Wells’Built: Rich Echoes of the Past on South Street
Read more about The Wells’Built: Rich Echoes of the Past on South StreetNow, the hotel on South Street near Division Avenue – originally called the Wellsbilt – is home to the Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture.
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29
Jan
Becoming Florida: Discovering the People of Our State’s Past
Read more about Becoming Florida: Discovering the People of Our State’s PastThe year 2021 marks 200 years since Florida’s American era began. Join us as we explore the histories of the people who inhabited Florida before it became a United States territory.
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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.