Orange County Regional History Center

From cattle ranches to sprawling citrus groves, Florida’s communities were shaped by resilience, creativity, and hard work. Explore the traditions, tools, and trades that helped build Florida into the vibrant state it is today. Discover how families lived and the skills that kept communities thriving across generations. Activities include:
Cracker Trail Board Game – Journey alongside Florida’s iconic cow hunters as you navigate challenges, care for your herd, and learn how cattle ranching became one of the state’s foundational industries.
Pioneer Buttermaking – Try your hand at shaping butter using pioneer-style molds and learn how early Floridians made dairy staples. It’s hands-on, historic, and deliciously fun.
Citrus Packing House Challenge – Step into the Dr. Phillips Packing House and discover the art of Florida citrus. Learn how citrus growers graded, packed, and shipped the oranges that made Florida famous.
Guided museum tours – 10:30 a.m., Noon, 1:45 p.m., 3:30 p.m.

Local Event: History Alive: Florida Lifestyle

Orange County

Orlando

Florida

History Alive: Florida Lifestyle

From cattle ranches to sprawling citrus groves, Florida’s communities were shaped by resilience, creativity, and hard work....

Orlando officially incorporated as a town in 1875 and as a city in 1885. Using two bird’s-eye view maps from 1884 and 1890, we can see how the city’s foundational history shaped what Orlando is today. Join historian, Rachel Williams, as she describes key figures and places in early Orlando. About Our Speaker Rachel Williams holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in history and public history from the University of Central Florida. She is currently the historian at the History Center, where she works on various projects such as editing the museum’s magazine, Reflections from Central Florida, and assisting the public with research projects.
Participate online or in-person. Closed caption available online.
History Center Members: Free General Public: $5 History Center Members with lunch: $12 General Public with lunch: $17
Lunch must be ordered by 9 a.m. on Thursday, August 6. Call 407-836-8580 with questions.

Local Event: Lunch & Learn: Orlando in the Late 1800s

Lunch & Learn: Orlando in the Late 1800s

Orlando officially incorporated as a town in 1875 and as a city in 1885. Using two bird’s-eye view maps from 1884 and 1890, we...

Fairies are best known for being mischievous, tiny, and glittery! This month we celebrate the return of Fairy Doors at Orlando’s Leu Gardens, a event full of whimsy and magic. Step into a magical world at the History Center with family-friendly magical activities the whole crew can enjoy!
<h3>About Sensory Sunday</h3>
During Sensory Sunday we aim to provide a welcoming and comfortable experience for guests with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing sensitivity. To do this, we have adopted some basic accommodations, including access to a social narrative to help plan your visit, lowered or muted audio in exhibits, and limited use of flashing or moving lights. We also provide access to noise-reducing earmuffs, fidget/sensory toys, and a quiet space to utilize during your visit. Additionally, the History Center has created a variety of sensory-friendly activities available throughout the museum to engage a wide variety of guests with hands-on history learning.
Admission to Sensory Sunday is free thanks to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

Local Event: Sensory Sunday: Enchanted Fairytales

Sensory Sunday: Enchanted Fairytales

Fairies are best known for being mischievous, tiny, and glittery! This month we celebrate the return of Fairy Doors at...

Florida has long-inspired stories of mysterious creatures and unexplained encounters. From alligators – living links to a distant prehistoric past – to the iconic Creature from the Black Lagoon movies, filmed at Florida’s springs, and the elusive Skunk Ape, tales of extraordinary beings have become part of the state’s folklore. Are these legends rooted in reality, mistaken identity, or pure imagination? You decide.
Explore the History Center after hours with guided tours, cryptid presentations, interactive games, themed drinks, live music, and our signature courtroom trials in the historic 1927 courthouse. This adults-focused evening offers a chance to experience Florida history from a different perspective.
<h3>EVENING SCHEDULE</h3>
Guided Tours | 5, 6:30, 8 p.m.&nbsp;Explore the History Center with expert guides who’ll share fascinating stories about our 1927 courthouse and permanent exhibits. Tours last about 55 minutes.
Courtroom Reenactments | 6, 7, 8 p.m.&nbsp;Witness history come alive in our historic 1927 courtroom. Take on a role as the judge, defendant, or juror – and help decide the verdict!
Game Room | 5 – 9 p.m.&nbsp;Enjoy video games, board games, and Central Florida history trivia sessions throughout the evening.
Trivia Sessions (Game Room) | 5:40, 6:30, 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;Each session lasts about 20 minutes.
Interactive Experiences | 5 – 9 p.m.&nbsp;Enjoy activities throughout the evening, including:
<ul><li>Photo Booth&nbsp;– Strike a pose and share your photos on social media.</li><li>Meet the Experts&nbsp;– Chat with local historians and learn about Central Florida stories.</li><li>Gallery Explorations&nbsp;– Discover special activities hidden throughout the museum.</li><li>Food and Themed Cocktails&nbsp;– Fuel your evening with food and beverages available for purchase. Enjoy beer, wine, mocktails, and more.</li></ul>
Tickets:&nbsp;Students $10, Members $15, General Admission $20
Members: Sign-in to receive your discount.&nbsp;

Local Event: History After Dark: Swamp Legends

History After Dark: Swamp Legends

Florida has long-inspired stories of mysterious creatures and unexplained encounters. From alligators – living links to a...