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.
Thanks to @winterparkfla and @parksandrecwp for keeping our historic ACL planters always looking beautiful! 😍 🌺
A Stage for the Ages: The Annie Russell Theatre
Built in 1932 on the Rollins College campus, the @annierusselltheatre is Florida’s oldest continuously operating theater—and a jewel of Winter Park’s cultural legacy.
Rollins, founded in 1885, became a magnet for artists, creatives and educators who helped shape early Winter Park into a thriving hub for the arts. “The Annie” was a gift from philanthropist Mary Curtis Bok Zimbalist to honor her friend—internationally renowned actress Annie Russell. After retiring from the stage, Russell taught and directed at Rollins, leaving a legacy that still echoes today.
Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the theater has hosted nearly 100 seasons of student, faculty and guest productions. It`s not just a training ground—it’s a cornerstone of Winter Park’s artistic identity.
Rumor has it, the ghost of Annie Russell still attends performances from her favorite balcony seat.
Want more stories like this? Come explore Echoes of Expression: The History of Arts & Culture in Winter Park—opening June 19 at the Winter Park History Museum!
Museum Hours: Tuesday-Fri 10–4 | Sat 10–2
Location: 200 W New England Ave
#WinterPark #WinterParkArts #WinterParkHistory #AnnieRussellTheatre #BeInspired
It’s up! Our new banner for “Echoes of Expression: The History of Arts & Culture in Winter Park” is officially installed — just in time for the grand opening! Huge thanks to @mythosfl for the beautiful installation.
Join us for the Grand Opening Celebration on June 18! Link in bio to RSVP. The exhibit opens to the public on June 19.
Museum Hours
Tues-Fri 10–4 | Sat 10–2
Location
200 W New England Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
#WinterPark #WinterParkHistoryMuseum #BeInspired
Mark your calendar for June 19!
We’re excited to unveil our newest exhibit, Echoes of Expression—a vibrant journey through the rich history of arts and culture in Winter Park. From early artistic movements to today’s thriving creative scene, discover the people, places and moments that shaped the cultural soul of our city.
A heartfelt thank you to the incredibly talented @will.setzer of Circle7Studios for bringing this vision to life. His stunning design work turns the whole exhibit into a piece of art itself.
Come see the stories, feel the inspiration, and celebrate the creativity that continues to define Winter Park.
Museum Hours
Fri 10–4 | Sat 10–2
Location
200 W New England Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
#WinterPark #EchoesOfExpression #WinterParkArts #WinterParkHistoryMuseum
Board Member of the Month
We’re excited to shine a spotlight on Rick Kilby, Vice President of the Winter Park History Museum Board of Directors. Since joining in 2024, Rick has brought his 25 years of museum experience—and his love of local history—to everything he does.
“My wife’s family has a great Winter Park story—her father managed the Colony Theater and met my future mother-in-law while making bank deposits where she worked on Park Avenue. I’m fascinated with Winter Park’s history, from Chapman and Chase to Hannibal Square, and I love learning more every day.”
A self-described museum geek, Rick is enthusiastic about what’s ahead: “The future of our museum is rich with potential. Come check out our new exhibit this month!”
Favorite Five Friday: Pinehurst Cottage, Rollins College
Built in March 1886, Pinehurst Cottage was the second building completed at Rollins College—just ten days after Knowles Hall. Originally called the Ladies Cottage, it was designed to serve as a home where students lived in close proximity to a matron—fostering a warm, personal college experience. The structure followed the typical cottage style of New England architecture, complete with wide front porches and a communal layout. Inside, it featured 27 dorm rooms spread across three stories.
The name “Pinehurst” came later, inspired by the stand of pine trees surrounding it. Over the years, the building’s role has evolved as much as the campus around it. It has been a men’s dorm, a co-ed dorm, a chemistry lab, an infirmary, a classroom, a library, and even the home of President Ward. Through all these changes, Pinehurst remained central to student life.
In 1909, a devastating fire destroyed Knowles Hall next door and badly scorched Pinehurst’s exterior. But the sturdy cottage survived—and became a resilient link to the College’s founding days.
In 1985, Pinehurst Cottage was designated a historic landmark by the Historic Preservation Commission of Winter Park. Today, the oldest building on the Rollins College campus still serves as a co-ed residence hall, and its weathered wood and welcoming porches continue to tell the story of Rollins’ earliest years.
In honor of Historic Preservation Month, we featured a significant Winter Park historic building every Friday in May. Thank you for following along!
#Favorite5 #WinterParkFL #NationalRegisterOfHistoricPlaces #CentralFloridaCulturalHeritage #AIAOrlandoHRC #OrlandoFoundationforArchitecture #BeInspired #HistoricPreservationMonth
Favorite Five Friday: Winter Park Country Club
This week, we’re teeing up another Winter Park treasure! Standing proudly since 1914, the modest, Craftsman-style clubhouse at the Winter Park Country Club is the oldest civic building in town. In 1999, both the clubhouse and its golf course became the first in Florida to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Just steps from Park Avenue, the adjacent golf course has long been known for its walkable layout and scenic oak-lined fairways. Originally designed as a winter retreat for visiting golfers, it continues to draw both locals and visitors with its charm and history-rich setting. The clubhouse has hosted social gatherings and community events for over a century. With its original oak floors and working fireplace, it remains a testament to timeless design and enduring community spirit.
During World War I, stray cows occasionally interrupted golfers—prompting the installation of fences—but sheep and goats were welcomed to “mow” the grass and later helped ease local meat shortages.
Although the course closed in 1926, the clubhouse endured. In 1937, the Winter Park Country Club was revived with a new 9-hole layout—the same one still enjoyed by golfers today. The beloved clubhouse continues to serve as both a social hub and a lasting link to Winter Park’s rich history.
May is Historic Preservation Month, and we will spotlight a significant Winter Park historic building every Friday. Stay tuned for next week’s feature!
#Favorite5 #WinterParkFL #NationalRegisterOfHistoricPlaces #CentralFloridaCulturalHeritage #AIAOrlandoHRC #OrlandoFoundationforArchitecture #BeInspired #HistoricPreservationMonth
Join us for the Grand Opening Reception of our newest exhibit: Echoes of Expression – The History of Arts & Culture in Winter Park
Be among the first to experience this vibrant exhibit celebrating Winter Park’s rich artistic legacy. Discover how the arts have shaped the community since the 1880s—and why it’s known today as “The City of Arts and Culture.”
Wednesday, June 18
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Light bites, refreshments & fun activities for all ages!
Link in bio to RSVP!
Favorite Five Friday: Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church
Today, we honor the legacy of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church — a cornerstone of Winter Park’s African American community and a lasting symbol of resilience, faith and unity.
Founded in 1886, Mount Moriah was the first Black Baptist church in Winter Park, originally gathering in the home of Reverend Charles and Mrs. Missouri Ambrosein on Pennsylvania Avenue in the Westside of Winter Park. From the start, the church served as a safe haven for worship, fellowship and community.
As the congregation grew, so did the dream for a dedicated sanctuary. In 1935, construction started on a new church building. With regular Sunday services beginning in 1941, the church blossomed — launching programs like the Young Adult Choir in 1959 and the Junior Women Missionary Society in 1971.
Located on the corner of West Lyman and Pennsylvania Avenues, “The Mount” continues to stand as a proud testament to strength, faith and heritage.
May is Historic Preservation Month, and we will spotlight a significant Winter Park historic building every Friday. Stay tuned for next week’s feature!
#Favorite5 #WinterParkFL #NationalRegisterOfHistoricPlaces #CentralFloridaCulturalHeritage #AIAOrlandoHRC #OrlandoFoundationforArchitecture #BeInspired #HistoricPreservationMonth
Board Member of the Month
We’re proud to spotlight John Miller, President of the Winter Park History Museum Board of Directors and a dedicated member since 2020.
“I joined the board because I am a huge fan of Winter Park. I first moved to Winter Park in 1969 and never left. In addition to my love for this charming city, I have a deep interest in history, especially the stories of the past and how they shaped the unique character of Winter Park. The role of our board members is to guide the Winter Park History Museum in its mission to Collect, Preserve and Exhibit the rich history of Winter Park. We serve as stewards of the museum`s purpose, ensuring transparency and accountability.”
Thank you, John, for your leadership, passion and dedication to preserving the stories that shape our community.
Favorite Five Friday: The Alabama
With stunning views of Lake Maitland, the Alabama Hotel opened its elegant doors in 1922 and quickly became one of Winter Park’s most luxurious landmarks! The 80-room resort hotel was a true winter retreat for snowbirds in search of sunshine. Guests enjoyed top-tier amenities for the time: “Every room with bath, telephone, steam heat, overlooks spacious private park or lake. Large lobby, recreation rooms, elevator, private garage, gift shop, beauty salon, dock and boats. Orchestra and other amusements.”
From 1935 to 1960, the Alabama thrived under the ownership of E.J. LaChance, Harry Schenck, and later Noella LaChance Schenck, earning a reputation for high-end hospitality and excellent cuisine. Its guest list included literary greats Margaret Mitchell and Thornton Wilder, and conductor Leopold Stokowski.
Fun Fact: During the Great Depression, the Alabama opened a night club to bring levity and enjoyment during dark days.
Although the Alabama eventually closed its doors as a hotel, its historic charm lives on today. From 1980-1981, the building was converted into a 19–unit luxury condominium development.
May is Historic Preservation Month, and we will spotlight a significant Winter Park historic building every Friday. Stay tuned for next week’s feature!
#Favorite5 #WinterParkFL #NationalRegisterOfHistoricPlaces #CentralFloridaCulturalHeritage #AIAOrlandoHRC #OrlandoFoundationforArchitecture #BeInspired #HistoricPreservationMonth
Everywhere you look… there’s history! Meet the mighty team behind the Winter Park History Museum – making the past a blast!
#90sSitcom #FullHouse #WinterParkHistory
Favorite Five Friday: Winter Park Farmers’ Market Building
Built in 1927, this charming brick building started out as a freight depot for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, reinforcing Winter Park as a central shipping point for citrus.
In 1978, it almost became a parking lot—until the community rallied to turn it into a vibrant farmers’ market. The market officially opened in 1979 and—on its first day—drew 10,000 visitors who came to buy produce and plants from 12 vendors! The farmers’ market quickly became part of the community’s routine and turned into a weekly social function for many residents. Did you know that you can still find the original scale for weighing produce in the building today?
With its original wood sliding doors and its rustic brick walls, the Farmers’ Market building has become a staple in the Winter Park community. Today, it serves as a popular event venue, and it has been home to the Winter Park History Museum’s exhibits since 1995. Join us in celebrating this local gem and the power of historic preservation!
May is Historic Preservation Month, and we will spotlight a significant Winter Park historic building every Friday. Stay tuned for next week’s feature!
#Favorite5 #WinterParkFL #NationalRegisterOfHistoricPlaces #CentralFloridaCulturalHeritage #AIAOrlandoHRC #OrlandoFoundationforArchitecture #BeInspired #HistoricPreservationMonth
Greetings from Winter Park! Our “Hello Sunshine – Selling Florida through the Art of Postcards” exhibit is still open through Saturday, April 26!
Explore hundreds of vintage postcards that bring Winter Park’s past to life and tell the story of how Florida became a popular vacation destination. From detailed scenes of early Winter Park to captivating designs that marketed the sunshine dream, this exhibit is a nostalgic journey through time. Stunning wall murals and immersive projected images weave history together—one postcard at a time.
We look forward to seeing you!
Museum Hours
Fri 10–4 | Sat 10–2
Location
200 W New England Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
#WinterParkFlorida #WinterPark #WinterParkHistory #FloridaHistory #BeInspired
In honor of National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating the heart of the Winter Park History Museum — our incredible docents! These dedicated volunteers bring our exhibits to life, sharing their passion for history and ensuring every visitor has an unforgettable experience. Swing by our current exhibit and say hello to one of our wonderful docents!
Would you like to join our docent team? We’re currently welcoming new volunteers! If you love history and can give just 3 hours a week, we’d love to hear from you. Call or email us for more details at 407-647-2330 or museum@wphistory.org.
