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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27
Jul
Making Waves at Wet ’n Wild
Read more about Making Waves at Wet ’n WildOrlando said farewell to Wet ’n Wild on New Year’s Eve 2016, just shy of the park’s 40th anniversary. SeaWorld creator George Millay opened it in 1977 and most industry experts name Wet ’n Wild Orlando as the world’s first true water park.
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06
Jul
Gators and Wildcats and Snakes, Oh My!
Read more about Gators and Wildcats and Snakes, Oh My!Augustus Milton Nicholson was the first taxidermist in Orlando. His shop, located somewhere along West Church Street between Orange and Garland avenues, had a large pen in back containing live snakes and other reptiles that Nicholson caught in the Florida wilds.
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29
Jun
Orlozoo: Delmar Nicholson’s Wild Journey to Create the Orlando Municipal Zoo
Read more about Orlozoo: Delmar Nicholson’s Wild Journey to Create the Orlando Municipal ZooBy 1932, there was serious discussion in Orlando about creating a city zoo, which residents believed would attract thousands of families and tourists. Both Sanford and Kissimmee already had successful zoos; why shouldn’t their city have one, too?
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14
Jun
Designing a Flag for Orange County
Read more about Designing a Flag for Orange CountyAdams’ winning design for the new Orange County flag was announced in a ceremony at the new administration building at noon on June 14, 1985, the 100th anniversary of National Flag Day.
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01
Jun
Five Years Since Pulse
Read more about Five Years Since PulseEach summer since 2017, the History Center has created an exhibition for the annual remembrance of the Pulse nightclub shooting. This year’s exhibition has been crafted in effort to memorialize the victims and shine a light on the outpouring of love following the events of June 12, 2016.