Beyond the Guidebook: The Orange County Regional History Center

On average, tourists contribute $333 million dollars to the Florida economy per day. This is presumably due to the snowbirds hounding our beautiful beaches or to Florida’s theme parks and the pervasive influence of The Mouse.

But what of the local? And what of folks who want to take their vacations to learn something? How do Florida’s lesser-known tourist spots measure up? 

In this new blog series, Beyond The Guidebook, I will be evaluating heritage tourism in East Central Florida. On these excursions, I will investigate how they serve as destinations for tourists and locals alike. 

According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, heritage tourism is “traveling to experience the places, artifacts, and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present.”  “Authentically” is a slippery word here, but I hope to seek out places that are making an informed and competent effort to represent Florida’s diverse history.

The History Center's sign in downtown Orlando

For having a rather dry name, the Orange County Regional History Center houses a vibrant collection of family-friendly and informative exhibits. This private non-profit museum is located in downtown Orlando, in what was once the historic Orange County Courthouse. I visited on a warm Sunday in June and spent just over 2 hours wandering between the floors of the museum. There was parking in nearby garages for $10. I came in the late afternoon and the museum was nearly empty.

One of the iconic gator statues at the entrance to the museum

Normal admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children, but they offer a variety of discounts and I was able to get in for free. I began on the 4th floor and worked my way down.

Ticket prices as of June 2024

Walking in, you’re greeted with signage in both English and Spanish declaring that the History Center is “invested in change.” It outlines 3 pillars for updating and expanding the exhibits: 

- More artifacts and history that reflect our entire community

- Transitioning to accurate and appropriate language

- Increased bilingual text panels

Bilingual signage makes the History Central accessible to Orlando's many Spanish speakers

This represents a positive shift happening at museums across the country. Museums are one of the most common ways the public interacts with the past and are thus its stewards. The choices a museum makes, what stories to tell and how, shapes how the public sees the past. This sign demonstrates the History Center’s investment in telling a more accurate and complete story about Florida’s history that is more accessible to the community.

While the History Center has not fully transitioned to bilingual text panels, it offers an array of diverse exhibits with dynamic visual displays.

Entrance to exhibit on Florida's natural history (Left) and an exhibit on old-timey tourism (Right)

The exhibits cover Timucuan and Florida’s natural history, first contact with Europeans, pioneer history, and the history of Central Florida’s biggest industries including, cattle, citrus, aviation, early tourism, and Disney, as well as an exhibit on local Black history.

Additionally, when I visited they were displaying an exhibit on the record label Figurehead and Orlando’s DIY and underground music scene.

The History Center's exhibit on African American history in Central Florida

A temporary exhibit on Orlando's underground label Figurehead Records

The museum also boasts a tasteful gift shop. I walked away with a vintage Orlando postcard print. Consider the Orange County Regional History Museum highly recommended.

This vintage Orlando postcard was calling my name!

Text and photos by Caroline Amein