About the Historical Society of Central Florida
From Loch Haven Park to a Restored 1927 Courthouse
The Historical Society of Central Florida was established in 1971 as the Orange County Historical Society, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, though its holdings reach back further — the collection includes historical objects donated to the organization since 1942. The society opened its first museum in Orlando's Loch Haven Park in 1976, giving Central Floridians a dedicated home for the region's artifacts and archives.
In 2000, the museum relocated to a restored 1927 courthouse at Central Boulevard and Magnolia Avenue in the heart of downtown Orlando, where it operates today as the Orange County Regional History Center. Through an operating agreement with the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, the society supports the History Center's mission and programs. The History Center holds accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums and is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate — distinctions shared by only a small fraction of American museums.
The History Center offers four floors of exhibits exploring 14,000 years of Central Florida's rich heritage, along with visiting exhibitions and a wide range of programs for families, children, and adults. The society itself presents a variety of programs and events for History Center annual pass members and guests, continuing its role as the collecting and supporting organization behind one of the region's premier history museums.
Plan Your Visit
The Orange County Regional History Center, home of the Historical Society of Central Florida, is located at 65 E. Central Boulevard in downtown Orlando. For current hours, admission prices, and upcoming exhibitions and programs, visit cflhistory.org or thehistorycenter.org.
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