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Orange County Regional History Center

It's hard to believe now but Central Florida did have life before Disney. You need only tour the Orange County Regional History Center for proof. Like a time machine, the Center transports visitors as far back as 12,000 years ago. One can experience history-shaping people and events through audio and visual presentations, hands-on exhibits, educational programs, and special events.

While the Center's facility is historical itself-it's the 1927 former Orange County Courthouse, remodeled at a cost of more than $30 million-its four floors of offerings are the draw. Exhibits range from the ancient (prehistoric spear points, a Timucuan Indian canoe) to the nostalgic (a Victorian parlor, a restored 1926 firehouse). Settings incorporate such artifacts as Model-T cars, a World War II bomber, and a vintage railroad car. Other settings include the famed Winter Park sinkhole, a Seminole Indian settlement, a pioneer's home, cattlemen around a campfire, and citrus pickers in an orange grove.

Visitors will learn how a promotional campaign attracted new residents, how NASA astronauts were trained, and-yes-how Disney and other tourist destinations impacted Central Florida life. Events at the Center include themed sleepovers and summer camps for kids, and exhibits on subjects as diverse as the Boy Scouts, American art, and pirate treasure. To take a piece of the past home with you, check out the Historium gift store with its local-flavored mementos, from stuffed armadillos and Seminole Indian dolls to pioneer candles and history books.

Location
Located at 65 East Central Boulevard in downtown Orlando, the Orange County Regional History Center is at corner of Magnolia and Central, behind Heritage Square. A map and driving directions are available at the History Center Web site.

Hours of operation
The center is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday; and noon-5 p.m. on Sunday. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.

Admission

Adults	$7.00
Senior citizens (ages 60+)	$6.50
Students	$6.50
Children (ages 3-12)	$3.50
Children (ages 2 and under)	Free
Historical Society members	Free

For groups of 15 or more, admission is $5.50 per person. Parking at the nearby garage (across from the Orlando Library) is free for two hours with validation.

Contact information and reservations

• Call (407) 836-8500 or toll-free (800) 965-2030 for general information
• For children's programs, call (407) 836-8580
• For group reservations, call (407) 836-7035.
• E-mail at administration@ocfl.net

Disable Access The museum is disabled accessible.

Additional information

• Give yourself one to two hours to tour the center.
• Concerts and festivals periodically take place at Heritage Square, the center's front-porch park.
• Visit the Orange County Regional History Center Web site.

Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.