Orange County Regional History Center

These Cypress Gardens–branded citrus juices were packed in Winter Haven by Snively Groves, Inc. established by citrus grower John A. Snively. The groves and the family’s Magnolia Mansion sat on land along Lake Eloise shared with Cypress Gardens. #DiscoverYourHome #PolkCountyFL

This is what a band concert at Lake Eola looked like in 1958 🎺✨ 📸: @FLMemory

March 22 is #WorldWaterDay 💧—a reminder that fresh water sustains people, wildlife, and future generations. Central Florida’s De Leon Springs remains a favorite spot for trails, wildlife, and a refreshing swim. #DeLeonSprings #VolusiaCounty

Early Bird Registration for our 2026 Summer Camp ends tomorrow, 3/22. It’s your last chance to take advantage of the 5% discount, so register your camper today! We accept campers from ages 6 to 11. Visit our website to learn more and register today: thehistorycenter.org/camps/

Fred Rogers was born March 20th, 1928. He would have turned 98 today! Happy Birthday Fred! You are missed everyday. #FredRogers #MisterRogers #FredRogersInstitute #Birthday Photos from the Lynn Johnson Collection, Ohio University Libraries.

For Women's History Month, we're spotlighting Ida Annah Ryan & Isabel Roberts, the architects behind the original Lake Eola bandshell built in 1924. Their work helped shape one of DTO's most iconic gathering place!

Fred Rogers was born #OTD in 1928. The beloved creator and host of "Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood" made a profound impact on TV and countless lives. A Rollins College alum, a 7-foot bronze statue now honors him in Winter Park. #DiscoverYourHome #OrangeCountyFL #TDIH #BeMyNeighbor

#DYK that Brevard County was originally part of a larger county called Mosquito County? This county extended from present-day Volusia County south to present-day Miami-Dade county (photo below). Learn about Mosquito County via @FLMemory: bit.ly/4spop2L @America250FL

Our 7th Annual Women’s History Breakfast is Wed, 3/25! In‑person sold out—watch live via Orange TV. Celebrating “Power Players: Women in Central Florida Sports”: honorees Mimi Chan, Cari Coats, Orlando Pride, & Orlando Rebels. Funds HERstory internship & programs. See our site.

1951 Sentinel: “In keeping with its wearin’ o’ the green… this lounge carries out the Irish motif, even to bartender and organist.” The Shamrock Room at Castle’s Summer Set House in Winter Park later became “The Killarney” under Philip Caruso Sr. #StPatricksDay

Today is #BlackPressDay, honoring Freedom’s Journal (1827), the first Black-owned newspaper in the U.S. Central Florida helped shape this legacy through pioneers like Claude A. Barnett and Gus Henderson, founders of some of the region’s earliest Black newspapers.

Cosmic horror creator H. P. Lovecraft once traded New England gloom for Central Florida sunshine. In 1934–35 he spent 2 summers near DeLand, rowing lakes, exploring pinewoods, and printing “The Cats of Ulthar.” The house still stands–an eerie, little-known literary footnote.

Pi Day = pie day! Johnston’s Coffee Shop opened in Daytona Beach in 1939 and was famous for Martha Reynolds’ homemade pies. After WWII, Charles Creighton bought it, dubbing his version “World’s Best Apple Pie.” More: thehistorycenter.org/a-slice-of-flo… #PiDay #FloridaHistory

Happy birthday to Samuel Austin Robinson, born #OnThisDay in 1849. A civil engineer and longtime Orange County surveyor, he helped shape Orlando by laying out downtown streets and surveying Greenwood Cemetery. He served as tax assessor, alderman, school trustee & legislator.

#OTD in 1929, Major Henry O’Neil Segrave became the fastest man in the world with his record-setting land speed of 231.45 miles per hour at Daytona Beach. View these pictures from our collection of Segrave and his cool ride. @FLMemory @American250FL

Some very exciting historical Walt Disney World Resort news! On March 6th, representatives from the Walt Disney World Resort and the Orlando community were gathered to unveil a commutative plaque on the site of the original announcement of the Walt Disney World Resort in 1965.

Did you know the first @Publix was in Winter Haven and was called Publix Food Store? @FLACommerce #America250FL #Americana #Floridiana

In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt designated Pelican Island in Florida as the nation’s first federal bird reservation. That executive order became the foundation of today’s National Wildlife Refuge System. More than a century later, this small island remains a protected piece of America’s conservation story. @America250FL 📸 Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Acme Roto Service, Public Domain

This #WomensHistoryMonth, we honor Winter Park's Mary Lee DePugh. In 1937, she founded the Ideal Woman’s Club in Hannibal Square, helping raise funds for medical care for Black residents. She inspired the Mary Lee DePugh Nursing Home, which served families for nearly 70 years.

In honor of #NationalCeleryMonth, let's talk about celery in Central Florida! After the Great Freeze of 1894-95 devastated citrus, farmers like I. H. Terwilliger pivoted to celery, turning Sanford into "Celery City" and saving the region's agriculture. A true underdog story!