Orange County Regional History Center: A Great Introduction to
Central Florida's History and Culture
Exploring Orlando "Off the Beaten Path" has been the theme for
our trip and I intend to explore the Central areas of the
Sunshine State, and flush out all those unexpected and
unconventional destinations in and around Orlando. In my
discoveries of Orlando, I have been working closely with the
Orlando Visitor and Convention Bureau, to get the input of local
experts and work out an itinerary for our two weeks in Florida,
without setting foot once into a theme park.
One of the first places they suggested was the Orange County
Regional History Center, home to the varied and extensive
collections of the Historical Society of Central Florida.
Located in the heart of downtown Orlando in the beautifully
restored five-story Orange County Courthouse, The History Center
is continuously distinguished as the area's "Best Museum". When
the History Center was built as a courthouse in 1927, the jail
was on the top floor, with quarters for the jailer and his wife,
an infirmary, and separate cellblocks for white women, white
men, black women and black men.
With an exciting roster of ever-changing exhibits on display and
travelling exhibits on loan to other facilities, The History
Center is one of Central Florida's premier attractions. Members,
educators and visitors alike find a wealth of fascinating
information, delivered in dynamic fashion. From guided tours and
"hands-on history" events to fun-packed summer camps and
interactive children's programs, learning is fun for all ages.
History Center members can take advantage of a number of special
value-added benefits, including discounts and exclusive event
opportunities. The stately facility is also available for event
rentals, ranging from unparalleled conferences to unforgettable
weddings.
The First People exhibit takes visitors back in time to see how
Paleo-Indians lived in the days before European Contact. First
Contact helps visitors imagine Native American's reaction and
the changes in their lifestyles due to the arrival of the
Spanish. A recreated early 19th century Seminole Settlement
provides a look at artifacts of Florida's most famous tribe and
a replica Florida Pioneer cabin lets curious guests test a
Spanish moss-filled mattress and discover the much-discussed
origin of the term "Florida Cracker".
Other permanent exhibits include Cattle and Citrus, Central
Florida's first major industries, Tourism, Transportation, Real
Estate, Aviation, the impact of Walt Disney, and Central
Florida's African American community. From a replica World War
II B-17 bomber and a two-story dome featuring over 150 unique
Central Florida icons to the restored 1927 Courtroom B, and the
outdoor Heritage Square courtyard, a wealth of fascinating
sights and experiences awaits visitors to the History Center.
Our first stop in the museum was the Orientation Theatre. Set as
a Florida back porch, you can relax in a rocker while being
surrounded by the sights and sounds of Central Florida. Right
after our introduction to Central Florida's history we had a
chance to meet Shanon Larimer, spokesperson for the Museum, who
gave us a great overview of this facility.
The exhibits feature many interactive displays and Shanon, our
museum expert, indicated that new exhibits offering even more
interactive features will be coming on stream shortly. We
particularly enjoyed Courtroom B, an authentic courtroom that is
part of this former Orange County Courthouse, with furnishings
and decorations dating back to 1927. One of the benches in the
front has an inscription "Ted Bundy", indicating this infamous
criminal may indeed have been sitting here on this very wooden
bench in the past. Bundy was in fact tried in the former Annex
to the 1927 Orange County Courthouse, but historians still
debate the authenticity of the signature. The seat backs of the
prisoners' benches are all scuffed up with markings of the
handcuffs that tied their hands behind their backs.
Shanon also showed us a very famous friendship doll that was
given to the United States by the Japanese. Every year hundreds
of visitors come from Japan and visit the History Center, with
the specific intention of seeing this friendship doll.
The Historium gift store sells memorabilia, books and souvenirs
while the Educational Program's office offers a wide range of
programs and activities for children of all ages as well as
tours, workshops and lectures for adults. Ongoing special events
include a Third Thursday themed evening event and a Saturday
morning Farmer's Market staged in the lush Heritage Square
courtyard in front of the building.
Fortunately for visitors not just hungry for historical
insights, there are ample dining opportunities right outside the
Museum. Wall Street Plaza, which abuts the History Center,
features eight bars and restaurants lining a brick-paved
pedestrian sidewalk. Restaurants include the Wall Street Cantina
serving Mexican fare, The Globe, a relaxed European-style caf