Orange County History Ctr

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Joshuaws26

Joined 3 years ago

Great time, except for gift shop staff. Today was my first trip to the history center. It was a very nice exhibit and my family enjoyed the center. I am glad we made it there and I would definitely recommend it. There is not a lot there for young kids which is to be expected.

The only complaint I had was with the gift shop staff. We spent a couple hours in the history center and before we left we stopped in the shop, to purchase something for our 5 year old son. They have a lot of stuff there that is kid oriented. However they do not allow the children to touch anything. My son picked up 2 HAND puppets and tried them on. As he tried them out to see which he wanted a lady that worked behind the counter across the store yelled, "lets look with our eyes not with our hands." I wasn't sure if she was talking to him or not so I had him put the puppets back on the display. He then went over and picked up a little 6 inch plush toy to show it to me and the lady again said in a rude voice, "look with your eyes not with your hands, ok?"

I thought this was very unprofessional of her to speak to a customer in the tone that she used. I said to her you have to be kidding, a 5 year old wants to buy something from your gift shop, a hand puppet none the less, and he gets yelled at for putting it on his hand.

I do not care that this was my son, I just thought it was a sad ending to an other wise great afternoon.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

This thickly decorated complex uses plenty of interactivity and state-of-the-art technology to bring Central Florida's history to life.. The Scene
This colorful, family oriented museum makes its home in the historic (and recently renovated) Orange County Courthouse, built in 1927. The remodeling cost in excess of $30 million, and it shows everywhere, from the pristine architecture outside to the layers upon layers of eye-catching exhibits inside.

The History
Guests experience more than 12,000 years of Central Florida History here in a frank and friendly manner. You begin with a kinetic slideshow (shown in an auditorium set to look like a county home's porch--you even sit in rocking chairs) presenting an overview of the museum. Then you climb to the top of the building make your way down. By the time you return to the bottom floor, you've come full circle.

The Exhibits
The exhibits begin with prehistoric geology and work their way through the tourism boom of the 1970s and into the modern day. Each area contains countless tidbits of information--anecdotes, summaries, etc.--and many are explained through interactivity. Push a button, and the history of the word "cracker" is told. Open a cabinet door and a numerous orange grove tools are revealed. The approach should appeal to kids of all ages and should make for an enjoyable and informative afternoon of local culture.

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bluboi76

Joined 10 years ago

What do you know about your hometown?. Many of us can go on about the history of Altoona, PA., Napier, IL. or Poughkeepsie, NY. ... well not everybody, but some. But how many people in Orlando, or Central Florida know anything about their hometown??? Chances are VERY VERY few know anything other than what happened in Southwest Orange/Northwest Osceola counties. Yes there was a history in B.D. (before Disney), a rather dynamic one at that. Every newcomer and "pure Floridian" should visit the History Center at least once and get to know your region! How can we shape Central Florida's future if we don't know its past!!