Orange County Regional History Center: A Great Introduction to Central Florida's History and Culture

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