(407) 836-8500
65 East Central Blvd
Orlando,
FL
32801
28.5422
-81.3778
Neighborhoods: Northeast, Central Business District
Reviews & Ratings for Orange County Regional History Center
2 reviews
What users are saying:
This thickly decorated complex uses plenty of interactivity and state-of-the-art technology to bring Central Florida's history to life.
by Contributor
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.
06/06/03
What do you know about your hometown?
by bluboi76
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!!
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