The Winter Park History Museum seeks to research and preserve the abundant, history of Winter Park and its surrounding area, and tell our town's story through free educational exhibits, lecture series and outreach programs.
Greetings from St. Augustine! Christy and Dena took a field trip to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum Collections and Conservation to meet with Andrew Thomson, Assistant Archaeological Conservator, and tour the conservation lab. The Museum is dedicated to preserving and researching the region’s rich maritime heritage—from shipwrecks to lighthouse history dating back to the 16th century.
During their visit, Christy and Dena got a behind-the-scenes look at artifact conservation and learned about the meticulous process used to preserve underwater discoveries. This visit will help guide our next steps and potential partnerships in caring for our recent Seminole Hotel finds.
Special thanks to the incredible staff at the @stauglighthouse for a fascinating and inspiring afternoon!
Happy (almost) Halloween! Christy & Dena are on the hunt for the perfect couples costume this year. Stay tuned for the big reveal on Friday!
Celebrate local art with us—and take home a piece of Winter Park’s creative legacy!
Join us for Echoes | 4 Artists of Winter Park, a special pop-up exhibit featuring works by Don Sondag, Lynn Whipple, John Whipple, and the late Grady Kimsey.
🗓 Opening Reception: Friday, Nov. 14 | 5–8 p.m. (beer, wine & light bites)
🖼 Artwork on Display: Saturday, Nov. 15 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The pop-up exhibit is presented in conjunction with our current exhibit, Echoes of Expression: The History of Arts & Culture in Winter Park.
📍Winter Park History Museum
7 poetic films, 7 artistic responses — all inspired by Walt Whitman!
Celebrate freedom, inclusion, and democracy with this short film and live performance, bringing Whitman to the present day. Selected as the Florida location, Rollins College will feature local artists who "talk back to Whitman," responding to films produced by NYC-based theatre company @compagniadecolombari.
November 8 | 4-8 p.m.
Olin Library & Mills Lawn at @rollinscollege
Free event & open to the public
Sponsored by: @olinlibrary
We had the honor of joining @meadgarden’s Life Explorers Speaker Series to present “Ashes to Artifacts: Tracing the Seminole Hotel Through Time.”
Together with a wonderful audience, we explored the story of the Seminole Hotel—built in 1886 along the shores of Lake Osceola—and its lasting impact on the early days of Winter Park. Through historic photographs, records, and fascinating archaeological discoveries made at the hotel’s original site, Christy and Dena shared how this grand landmark continues to connect us to the city’s vibrant past.
A heartfelt thank-you to the incredible team at Mead Botanical Garden for hosting us and to everyone who joined in for an engaging discussion. We can’t wait to return soon for another inspiring morning in the Life Explorers Speaker Series!
At this year’s Peacock Ball, we had the honor of celebrating Rick Baldwin — a true pillar of the Winter Park community and an invaluable member of the Winter Park History Museum board. We’re so grateful for his leadership, passion and heart. But don’t just take our word for it — hear what his friends and family have to say!
Last chance! The Peacock Ball Fire Sale ends TONIGHT at 8 PM! Bid on amazing deals, including tech gadgets, fun Winter Park experiences, and unique fashion finds — all while supporting the Winter Park History Museum. Don’t miss your chance to shop and make a difference!
Bid now: Link in bio!
What a night to remember!
Thank you to our incredible sponsors and everyone who joined us for the 2025 Peacock Ball — your support made this year’s event truly spectacular.
It was an unforgettable evening filled with fellowship, delicious food, lively bidding during our auction, and a shared love for the history and community of Winter Park. Together, we celebrated the mission of the Winter Park History Museum and the people who help preserve our city’s vibrant story.
Swipe through the photos to relive the highlights from this memorable night!
The Peacock Ball was a night to remember — but luckily it’s not quite over!
Bid on the remaining 13 auction items in our Fire Sale (starting bids reduced by 50% or more). The auction will close Friday at 8 p.m. Link in bio to start bidding!
📸 Stay tuned tomorrow for photos from this unforgettable evening!
Once the crown jewel of Winter Park, the Seminole Hotel stood tall on Lake Osceola — until it vanished in smoke and ash in 1902.
Now, more than a century later, artifacts from the site are telling its story again.
Join us for “Ashes to Artifacts: Tracing the Seminole Hotel Through Time” — a free talk uncovering the hotel’s history, legacy, and new archaeological discoveries.
📅 October 16
⏰ 10–11:30 A.M.
📍 Azalea Lodge, Mead Botanical Garden
☕ Free event with coffee & conversation
Presented by Christy Knobloch, Executive Director at the Winter Park History Museum. Link in bio to register!
Tomorrow is the Peacock Ball!
Each year, this cherished Winter Park tradition celebrates an honoree whose impact has helped shape and strengthen our community. Past honorees have included Thaddeus & Polly Seymour, Eleanor Fisher, Hugh & Jeanette McKean, James Gamble Rogers II, Randy Noles, Joy Wallace Dickinson and Jack Lane—each leaving a legacy of dedication and vision.
This year, we are proud to honor Rick Baldwin, a true pillar of our community. In Rick’s honor, you can make a gift to support the Winter Park History Museum and ensure our community’s stories continue to be shared for generations to come. Click the link in our bio to donate.
We would also like to thank AdventHealth, Anderson-Devitt Foundation and Winter Park Magazine for supporting this year’s event.
We can’t wait to see you tomorrow!
The 2025 Peacock Ball Auction is LIVE!
From luxury experiences, golf outings and unique Winter Park treasures — this year’s lineup has something for everyone.
Can’t make it to the Peacock Ball? You can still bid on every item online! Every bid supports the Winter Park History Museum, so treat yourself and give back to history!
Start bidding now: https://wphm.betterworld.org/auctions/2025-peacock-ball
Board Member of the Month: Gibby Folk
On our board since 2020, Gibby brings energy, creativity, and a true love for Winter Park’s story. As the 2025 Peacock Ball Event Chair, she’s helping us revive one of the Museum’s most beloved traditions.
“I got involved because the Museum makes history come alive in such a fun way, and I knew I wanted to be part of that energy! Being on the board has given me the chance to connect with people while mixing community, culture, and creativity all in one place. I also love being involved in producing the Museum’s events — especially since my family’s restaurant, Orchid Thai, has deep roots in this community. It feels extra special to give back and celebrate Winter Park’s story.”
Thank you, Gibby, for your passion and leadership — we’re lucky to have you on our team!
The countdown is ON — the Peacock Ball is just ONE WEEK away!
Even if you can’t join us in person, you can still be part of the fun and support the Winter Park History Museum:
💚 Make a donation in honor of Rick Baldwin: https://tinyurl.com/3srn3n3n
💙 Donate Winter Park–focused auction items
💚 Bid in our online auction (It goes live next week!)
Every dollar raised goes directly toward preserving and sharing the history that makes Winter Park so special.
Special thanks to James T Barnes, Ralph V. Hadley III & Allan E. Keen; Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation; Joe and Sarah Galloway Foundation; and Miller Grant for supporting this year’s event!
The Peacock Ball is Back!
Winter Park’s favorite gala is making its grand return this October — and we can’t wait to celebrate with you.
The Peacock Ball first took flight in 2007, when the Winter Park History Museum hosted an evening honoring Rollins College President Thaddeus Seymour and his wife Polly, beloved champions of education and community. That inaugural event set the tone for what has become the Museum’s signature fundraising gala — a night of dinner, dancing, spirited auctions, and heartfelt recognition of people who have shaped Winter Park’s story.
Over the years, the Peacock Ball has celebrated everyone from cultural visionaries like Hugh and Jeannette McKean (founders of the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art) to entire generations, like our World War II veterans. Each event has not only raised vital funds for the Museum’s exhibits and programs, but also brought together neighbors, friends, and history lovers to honor the spirit of Winter Park.
After a short hiatus, we’re thrilled to celebrate the 15th Annual Peacock Ball on October 4, 2025 at the Rice Family Pavilion at Rollins College. This year’s honoree is Rick Baldwin, whose passion for preserving Winter Park’s unique character makes him a perfect choice for this milestone celebration.
Do you have a favorite Peacock Ball memory? Make sure to share them in the comments!
Special thanks to Lou & Lee Nimkoff; Commerce Bank & Trust; Waste Pro; Winderweedle, Hains, Ward, & Woodman; Rollins College; Elizabeth & Phil Eschbach; and UCF College of Business for supporting this year’s event!
#PeacockBall2025 #WinterPark #WinterParkFL #WinterParkHistory #WinterParkHistoryMuseum #WPHM
