Orlando isn’t known for its history; we’re the town that Disney built. But the truth is that our past is more Frontierland than Fantasyland. The Orlando area has a colorful and often turbulent history, and the Orange County Regional History Center is the best place to dig into it.
You can find the museum in the old courthouse building at 65 E. Central Blvd. Its mission is to preserve and share Central Florida’s rich history.
If you’ve never been to the History Center before, you’re missing out! It’s fun even if you’re not a history buff like me. Keep reading to find out what to expect on your visit.
What is there to see at the Orange County Regional History Center?
The exhibits are located on floors 2 to 4. The museum map suggests starting on the 4th floor and working your way down.
4th Floor
The 4th floor covers the earliest days of Florida. You can learn about the tools used by Florida’s early natives. You can also discover how contact with Europeans destroyed the native Timucuan population.
There’s also an exhibit on the natural environment in Florida. This exhibit includes a photo timeline of the 1981 Winter Park sinkhole that swallowed a woman’s house, five cars, and a community pool. (Because Florida’s gonna Florida.)
On the other side of the fourth floor, you’ll find exhibits showcasing Seminole culture and Florida’s early settlers. The exhibit highlights the resilience of both populations as they relied on their wits and the wilderness to survive.
You’ll also find exhibits on the cattle and citrus industries in Central Florida.
3rd Floor
The 3rd floor moves into the 20th century with a focus on transportation, tourism, and technology.
The steamboat and the automobile turned Florida into a tourist destination. Soon, motels and tourist attractions sprang up throughout the region. And then Disney arrived and changed everything.
This floor has some of the most fun displays. Step inside a giant teepee and a replica vintage automobile. Or press buttons to light up a miniature version of Orlando.
On this floor, you can also learn about the impact of World War II and aerospace on Central Florida. And you’ll get the chance to step into one of the old courtrooms. It’s well preserved and played a role in some notable Orlando trials.
2nd Floor
On the 2nd floor, you’ll find an exhibit about local African-American history. This sobering display looks at the early communities that grew in pockets of Orlando, threats posed by the Klan, the struggles of segregation, and how Orlando’s Black community persevered through it all. One of the most interesting parts of this exhibit is learning about the vital role of Black schools in the community.
The second floor also houses temporary exhibits.
TIP: Visit the Orange County Regional History Center website before your visit to see what’s on display.
When is the History Center open?
The Orange County Regional History Center is open during the following hours:
- 10am-5pm on Monday-Saturday
- 12pm-5pm on Sunday
The museum is closed on major holidays.
How much does it cost to visit the History Center?
Admission is $10 for adults. Seniors, students, military, and other groups can get discounts.
If you’re looking for free admission, here are a few options:
- On the third Thursday of the month, the museum is free from 5pm-9pm.
- If you’re a Bank of America or Merrill Lynch cardholder, you can enjoy free admission on the first weekend of the month through the Museums on Us program. Just bring your card and a photo ID.
- If you’re an Orange County Library System cardholder, you can reserve a free ticket as part of the Local Wanderer Program.
How much time does it take to visit the History Center?
It depends on how much time you want to spend at each exhibit, but I suggest budgeting 2 to 4 hours. I visited every exhibit and got through the museum in about 3.5 hours.
Where can I park?
The nearest garage is the Library Garage at 112 E. Central Blvd., across from the Orange County Public Library. The museum provides validation for 2 hours of parking with paid admission.
Is the History Center appropriate for kids?
I’m not a mom, so my best guess is “it depends on the child.”
Some of the exhibits have interactive elements, such as buttons and lights, that little kids may enjoy. But there are also exhibits with more serious topics that might be more suitable for older kids. Use your best judgment.
That said, the Orange County Regional History Center has kid-friendly programs and events, such as summer camps and group tours. The museum also hosts Sensory Sundays, which offer a modified museum experience for guests with autism and sensory processing sensitivity. Visit the museum’s Events page to see what’s coming up.
What’s near the History Center?
If you’re craving a little more culture, check out the following places nearby:
- Orange County Public Library (101 E. Central Boulevard) – Located on the next block, this stark gray building is harsh on the outside but a treasure trove for book lovers on the inside.
- Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture (511 W. South Street) – This museum looks at the African American experience in Orlando. You can buy a discounted combo ticket for the Orange County Regional History Center and the Wells’Built Museum at either location.
- CityArts (39 S. Magnolia Avenue) – Located in a historic building, this space has seven art galleries displaying works from local and global artists.
Conclusion: Ultimate Guide to the Orange County Regional History Center
Whether you love history or you just want a relaxing afternoon, the Orange County Regional History Center is a must-do in Orlando. It’s an enjoyable and affordable way to learn more about the City Beautiful.