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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Third Thursday @ The Museum
October 17, 20245:00 pm - 9:00 pm -
Retro Reels: Labyrinth
October 17, 20245:00 pm - 7:00 pm -
Sensory Sunday: Eerie Eola
October 20, 202412:00 pm - 4:00 pm -
Trick or Treat Safe Zone
October 26, 202410:00 am - 2:00 pm
Around the Museum Blog
- 30 Sep
During Dark War Times, a Pooch Named Pinkey Brought Sunshine to Orlando
Read more about During Dark War Times, a Pooch Named Pinkey Brought Sunshine to OrlandoBy Joy Wallace Dickinson The World War II years meant tough times for Central Florida, as they did across the United States. Residents worried about loved ones in uniform, fighting in Europe or the Pacific, and coped with rationing and food shortages, making do with less. During such times, even
- 06 Sep
“Third Century America” Comes to the Kennedy Space Center
Read more about “Third Century America” Comes to the Kennedy Space CenterBy Travis Puterbaugh A recent acquisition of materials relating to life in Central Florida from the 1970s to the 1990s contained some unexpected gems, including several archival items relating to a significant exhibition at the Kennedy Space Center in 1976. Looking ahead in ’76 That year, as the United States
- 06 Sep
Sir Gus: Orlando’s Kissing Camel
Read more about Sir Gus: Orlando’s Kissing CamelBy Jeremy Hileman Since the formation of the Bahia Shriners, the Central Florida delegation of Shriners International, thousands of the club’s members have made their mark on the community. Their charitable efforts and fun-loving personas have been part of the Orlando-area landscape since 1955, when the group was officially granted
- 04 Sep
The library can get your genealogy research on track
Read more about The library can get your genealogy research on trackHave your ancestors been working on the railroad? If so, the library might be able to help you find family history through railroad records. “Working on the Railroad” is just one of the many genealogy classes Orange County Library System is offering this month. For more info on this and
- 26 Aug
Roaring Twenties Twister: Family Photos Bring a Sorrento Storm to Life
Read more about Roaring Twenties Twister: Family Photos Bring a Sorrento Storm to LifeBy Katie Marra, Orange County Regional History Center Archivist On March 17, 1928, a tornado swept through Sorrento, Florida, a small community in Lake County just east of Mount Dora. The results were damaged homes and property, downed trees, multiple injuries, and one fatality. Throughout the remainder of March 1928,
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