This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing Mission, and Central Florida is celebrating all week long!
If you want to take part in the fun, here is a list of events scheduled for the 50th anniversary remembrance:
Orange County Regional History Center
Orange County Regional History Center Announces Lower Prices for Visitors
Effective September 5, 2015, the Orange County Regional History Center will reduce admission prices to the lowest in the museum’s history.
Also as of September 5, the museum will offer free admission for all Florida teachers and Orange County employees, with valid IDs
The new prices are as follows:
Orange County Regional History Center Hosts Straight Talk: All Lives Matter May 2, 2015
On Saturday, May 2, the Orange County Regional History Center will host Straight Talk: All Lives Matter, in conjunction with its popular And Still We Rise story quilt exhibition.
Straight Talk will be a panel discussion addressing the cultural tensions surrounding community members, law enforcement and the media.
It will be moderated by Monica May (STAR 94.5 FM), and feature panelists Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings, Julian Chambliss (Rollins College), Darryl E. Owens, (Orlando Sentinel), Maylen Dominguez (Full Sail University), and Mitchell Bloomer (Holocaust Resource and Education Center).
‘Gone With The Wind: Reel to Real’ Opens at Orange County Regional History Center August 16, 2014
Celebrate the 75th anniversary of Gone with the Wind with the opening of the new “Gone With The Wind: Reel to Real” exhibition at the Orange County Regional History Center (OCRHC) on August 16.
The popular exhibition relives the magic of the iconic novel and film through artifacts and memorabilia. The exhibition features original gowns, costumes and artifacts of the film and is derived entirely from one collector, James L. Tumblin, who has the largest privately-held collection of memorabilia from the film.
Special events will also take place during the run of the exhibition, which ends November 30, 2014, including:
- Aug 16 – Public Opening 10am-5pm, featuring a talk with curator/owner James L. Tumblin at 12:30 p.m. Rates below include admission into the museum.
- Aug 17 – Sunday at the Museum features a behind-the-scenes look at the exhibit. Rates below include admission into the museum.
- Sept 13 – Straight Talk – A Reel to Real Discussion about Gone With the Wind and Its Influence on Pop Culture from 1-3pm. Admission rates below include entrance into the museum and access to the special event. Call 407-836-7010 to register.
- Oct 15 – Windy Wednesday Date Night – Movie Screening of The Making of a Legend: Gone With the Wind from 7-9pm. Call 407-836-7010 to register. The exhibit will be closed during this time.
For more information on the special events, or the exhibit itself, visit thehistorycenter.org. Admission to the museum is $15 for adults; seniors (60+), students, and military with I.D. $13; and children ages 5-12 $12. Members and children ages 4 and under are free. The OCRHC is located in downtown Orlando.
Orange County Regional History Center Hosts Special Events During The Art of Warner Bros Cartoons
Visiting the new The Art of Warner Bros. Cartoons exhibit at the Orange County Regional History Center is a fascinating look at the cartoons we all grew up with.
But if you want to make your visit a little more special, the History Center is hosting several events during the run of the exhibit that bring a little extra to the experience.
Saturday Morning Cartoons events will take place Feb 1 and March 1 mornings (9-11am) and will feature cartoons with breakfast. Cost is $14 children 5-12, $18 for adults, and $36 for a family (2 adults and 4 children under 18). Discounts are available for members.
Warner Bros. Valentine’s Day Date Night takes place February 15, and will feature romantic Warner Bros cartoons, along with popcorn, wine, champagne, and chocolate. This event is free for members and $15 for non-members.
February 19 is Home School Day: Outlaws, Mayhem, and Mischief!, where kids can learn about the judicial system, the workings of law enforcement, and what it takes to become a lawyer. Cost is $10 students and $6 adults ($6 students and $3 adults for members).
Out and About: The Art of Warner Bros Cartoons at the Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando
Friday afternoon, we got a sneak peek of The Art of Warner Bros Cartoons, a new exhibit that starts this weekend at the Orange County Regional History Center.
First thing we noticed was the trail of bunny footprints leading into the exhibit. The walls throughout the journey are lined with stills, and pencil drawings, showing the process of creating the cartoons.
Interspersed with the artwork are signs with information ranging from the history of Warner Bros. cartoons to how the animation is brought to life on screen. For instance, did you know that Porky Pig made his cartoon debut in 1935? Looney Tunes icon Bugs Bunny didn’t make his debut until 5 years later, with Elmer Fudd. Also, the man behind Bug’s voice, Mel Blanc, created distinctive voices for more than 90% of the Warner Bros. characters. What’s up Doc, indeed.
Orange County Regional History Center Hosts The Art of Warner Bros. Cartoons in January
Kids of all ages will love The Art of Warner Bros. Cartoons exhibit, which run January 25 through March 23, 2014, at the Orange County Regional History Center in downtown Orlando.
Learn about the creative process that gave birth to Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Wile E. Coyote, and their comrades, and turned these entertaining animatedshort films into a cultural phenomenon.
The exhibition focuses on each step of the animation process and how it contributed to the overall success of the cartoon. From camera movements and musical cues, to witty dialogue and expressive drawings, each step of the process was perfected to convey the attitudes and charm of the characters.
Admision is $15 for adults; $13 for seniors (60+), students, and military; and $12 for children ages 5-12. Historical Society Members and children ages 4 and under are free.
For more information, visit thehistorycenter.org.
Watch Heritage Square Park Light Up for Holidays in Downtown Orlando on December 3, 2013
The History Center Holiday at Heritage Square takes place on Tuesday, December 3, in downtown Orlando.
This free annual event will feature holiday music, a visit by Santa Claus, a holiday crafts station, and milk and cookies. All ages are welcome.
Mayor Teresa Jacobs flips the switch to light Heritage Square in front of the Orange County Regional History Center (65 E. Central Blvd) at 6:15pm, and the event runs until 8pm.
For more information, visit thehistorycenter.org or call 407-836-7010.
Orange County Regional History Center Presents Trick or Treat Safe Zone For the Kids on October 26, 2013
Celebrate Halloween at the Orange County Regional History Center at their fifth annual Trick or Treat Safe Zone on Saturday, October 26, from 11am to 4pm.
Young ghouls and goblins can enjoy four floors of trick or treating and pumpkin decorating in the pumpkin patch along with creepy crafts, games, ghost hunting, haunted maze, and scavenger hunt.
Florida Dairy Farmers is joining the fun as well to promote chocolate milk as the official drink of Halloween, providing chocolate milk mustaches for a special photo opportunity. Guests will also be able to meet memorable characters from Central Florida history as they spontaneously come alive throughout the museum.
Kids ages 12 and under welcome to participate in this free event, but must be accompanied by an adult. Halloween costumes are encouraged for children and parents alike.
The Orange County Regional History Center is located at 65 E. Central Blvd., in downtown Orlando. For more information, call (407) 836-7010 or visit thehistorycenter.org.
Orange County Regional History Center to Host Food Historian Francine Segan in a Talk About Desserts on April 6, 2013
Who doesn’t love dessert? Then you’ll want to check out an event called “America’s Sweet Tooth” that will take place at the Orange County Regional History Center on April 6.
Food historian and TV personality Francine Segan will host the 2-hour event, where she will trace the history of America’s love of desserts and sweet confections.
Learn – and taste – some of the country’s most loved desserts, including Martha Washington’s Currant Cake, Boston Cream Pie, Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Chocolate chip cookies, and the 1930’s classic “Mystery Cake.”
The event begins at 11am, followed by a book signing by Ms. Segan.
Admission to the event is $8 for adults/$4 for children under 12, for members; non-members are $10 and $6, respectively.
For more information, call 407-836-7010 to RSVP, or visit, thehistorycenter.org.
History Center Says Show Your School Spirit During Orlando Retro Game Night June 3
It’s time for another Retro Game Night at the Orange County Regional History Center and the theme is “College Spirit Night.”
It takes place on June 3, 2011, from 7pm to midnight.
This 21 and over event will have classic board and video games to play throughout the museum. There will be competitions on NCAA Football 11, Pong Toss Pro and Cornhole Toss, with the winners of each winning a $25 or $50 drink voucher to Wall Street Plaza nearby.
There will also be free samples from Monster Energy Drinks and Honest Tea, as well as other food and drink for purchase. 105.9 Sunny FM will also be on hand providing the tunes.
Admission is free for OCRHC members, $3 for non-members wearing their school logo, and $5 for those without a school logo on. Those attending also get a wristband good for free admission after to Wall Street Plaza’s Friday Block Party.
For more information, contact the OCRHC at 407-836-8500 or toll-free at 800-965-2030. It is located downtown at 65 E. Central Blvd.
[Image courtesy OCRHC]
Orange County Regional History Center Offers Free Admission for Military Summer 2011
As tomorrow is Memorial Day, I thought I’d post about a local deal for active military.
From Memorial Day (May 30) to Labor Day (September 5), the Orange County Regional History Center will offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families.
This offer is available to active duty military and their immediate family members (military I.D. holder and five immediate family members), including active duty Reserve and active duty National Guard.
This offer is part of Blue Star Museums, a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and more than 1,300 museums across America.
For more information, contact the OCRHC at 407-836-8500 or toll-free at 800-965-2030. It is located downtown at 65 E. Central Blvd.
Meet Holocust Survivor Fanny Aizenberg at the Orange County Regional History Center on May 26
On May 26, the Orange County Regional History Center in downtown Orlando will host a special event with Holocust survivor Fanny Aizenberg.
Born in Poland, Aizenberg was part of the Belgian Resistance movement during WWII, hiding refugees in her attic, and was eventually deported to the concentration camp at Auschwitz.
During the event, she will talk about the horrors she faced and how the hope of being reunited with her daughter helped her to survive this period of her life.
Admission to hear Aizenberg speak is $10 for OCRHC members and $20 for non-members. Start time is 6:30pm.
The Orange County Regional History Center is located at 65 E. Central Blvd and you can reach them by phone for more information at 407-836-7010.
Orlando Weekend Round-Up for Sept 17-19, 2010
Here’s a quick round-up of some events that you might want to check out this weekend.
September 17:
- Bill Bellamy at the Orlando Improv – This actor/comedian has appeared on TV as a MTV-VJ, as well as in movies like Love Jones, The Brothers and Any Given Sunday. He’s currently the host of TV One’s “Who’s Got Jokes?” Showtimes are at 8pm and 10:30pm. Tickets are $22.
- Sara Evans with Craig Campbell and Tin Cup at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee – Evans has sold over 5 million records, had four number one country singles (including “Born to Fly”) and was named the 2006 Academy of Country Music’s Female Vocalist of the Year. Show starts at 8pm and ticket prices are $35, $49.50 and $65.
- Retro Game Night at the Orange County Regional History Center – Enjoy classic games such as Parcheesi, Chinese Checkers, Clue, Battleship, Scrabble and more. Games begin at 7pm, with free nostalgic snacks, cash bar and tunes from Sunny 105.9. Free for members and $5 for non-members. Ages 18 and up; Retro attire encouraged.
September 18:
- Free Community Day at the Orange County Regional History Center – Enjoy free admission from 10am to 5pm courtesy of Cross, Fernandez & Riley, LLP.
- Taste of Mills 50 – Businesses at and around the intersection of Mills and Hwy 50 (E. Colonial) are throwing a street fair of sorts featuring food and entertainment. Tickets are $10.
- RumFest at Wall St Plaza – Enjoy an afternoon of all-you-can-drink rum concoctions and music from Reggae band Inner Circle. This event runs from 5pm to 8pm and $20 gets you in
- 30th Anniversary of Whole Foods Marke – It’s been 30 years since the first Whole Foods opened in Austin. The Dr Phillips store will be celebrating with samples and specials from 11am to 3pm.
- Orchid Auction at Harry P. Leu Gardens – Pick up new plants for your garden, or just enjoy being around the flowers. Admission is free to the event which runs 9am to 3pm.
- Bill Bellamy at the Orlando Improv – This actor/comedian has appeared on TV as a MTV-VJ, as well as in movies like Love Jones, The Brothers and Any Given Sunday. He’s currently the host of TV One’s “Who’s Got Jokes?” Showtimes are at 7:30pm and 10:15pm. Tickets are $22.
September 19:
- “1905 Day” at Columbia Restaurant in Celebration – Enjoy a special menu of Spanish cuisine at 1905 prices, as Columbia celebrates its 105th anniversary.
- Marc Anthony at the Amway Arena – Multi-platinum, Grammy® Award winning, and internationally-acclaimed artist Marc Anthony returns to Orlando to promote his latest CD, “Iconos,” of all-Spanish ballads.
- Bill Bellamy at the Orlando Improv – This actor/comedian has appeared on TV as a MTV-VJ, as well as in movies like Love Jones, The Brothers and Any Given Sunday. He’s currently the host of TV One’s “Who’s Got Jokes?” Showtime is at 7:30pm and tickets are $22.
- 30th Anniversary of Whole Foods Market – It’s been 30 years since the first Whole Foods opened in Austin. The Winter park store will be celebrating with samples and specials from 1pm to 4pm.