Through May 29, 2011
The Working White House: 200 Years of Tradition and Memories
A Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition
Two centuries of stories and customs are preserved in The Working White House: 200 Years of Tradition and Memories, an exhibition developed by the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage and the White House Historical Association. Listen to an audio tour in the workers’ own voices telling their stories as you walk through history with them from presidents William Taft through Barack Obama, ending at an exhibition video with more first-hand accounts of White House history. View souvenirs, housekeeping implements, clothing, letters, menus, photographs, and other objects that help illustrate the full story of the presidential residence. Included in general admission; special exhibition prices apply.
Through June 12, 2011
Florida in the Civil War
An Orange County Regional History Center Special 10th Anniversary Exhibit
Florida in the Civil War acknowledges the state’s often overlooked, important role in the “War between the States.” The state not only sent the largest percentage of troops to fight, but also contributed commodities to soldiers and their families throughout the South. Learn how Florida overcame adversity to ship salt and beef and see an actual doll that helped smuggle medicine and supplies to the South during Union blockades. View items from the sunken Maple Leaf steamship, a Colt revolver, and other rare artifacts. Hear music, listen to letters exchanged between a soldier and his wife during the war, and let children try on uniforms and other clothing. Included in general admission; special exhibition prices apply.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Family Funshop: LEGO® White House
National LEGO Education Academy Certified Trainer James Jones helps parents and children use LEGO bricks to build replicas of the White House. Create a part of history as you build the mansion that has housed every U.S. President since John Adams. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Members: $5 adults; $3 children ages 12 and under. Non-members: $7 adults; $4 children ages 12 and under. Call (407) 836-8580 to register.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Civil War Experience
Step back in time with costumed Civil War reenactors and make personal connections with them in character – men, women, civilian and military, North and South, Black and White. Speak with Union and Confederate soldiers and ask African Americans – free and bonded – about their lives. See what people of the 1860s did for fun and how they dressed, and discover other aspects of life in America as a divided country at war. End the day with desserts popular at the time. 1-4:30 p.m. Included in general admission; special exhibition prices apply.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
6th Annual John Young History Maker Celebration
Join us as the Historical Society of Central Florida honors John Hillenmeyer, retired president and CEO of Orlando Health, at the sixth annual John Young History Maker Celebration. The award, named after Captain John Young, is given each year to a Central Floridian whose lifetime of achievement has made a historic impact on the community. The John Young History Maker Past Award will be given posthumously to Hy Lake, a local developer and generous philanthropist, who passed away in 2010. The recipient of the 2011 John Young History Maker Future Award and scholarship will also be announced. The Ballroom at Church Street, 225 South Garland Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. 5:30 p.m. reception, 6:30 p.m. ceremony and gala dinner. $175 per person to benefit the Historical Society of Central Florida. Call (407) 836-8546 for table prices and reservations. Media sponsor News 13.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
White House Egg Roll in Heritage Square
Celebrating a historic White House tradition when it hosts The Working White House: 200 Years of Tradition and Memories exhibition, the History Center invites families with children ages 12 and under for an egg roll in the park and an egg hunt in the museum, plus other fun activities for everyone including a visit from the Easter Bunny. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Included in general admission; up to 4 children free with paid adult admission.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Brown Bag Lunch & Learn: Florida in the Civil War with Thomas Tart
On January 10, 1861, Florida seceded from the Union and was soon involved in the Civil War. In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of “The War between the States,” military history enthusiast Thomas Tart discusses Florida’s often overlooked contributions and sacrifices in the conflict. Noon-1 p.m. Free. Space is limited. Seating is first come, first served. Bring lunch or for a small charge, pre-order lunch and have it waiting upon arrival. Call (407) 836-7010 to pre-order lunch for a small charge.
Special general admission prices, March 19-May 29, 2011: $12 adults; $9 seniors (60+), military and students with valid I.D.; $7 children ages 5-12; and Historical Society Members and children ages 4 and under are free.
Special hours of operation, March 19-May 29, 2011: Open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Orange County Regional History Center, 65 East Central Blvd., Orlando, FL 32801 www.thehistorycenter.org
