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.
Don Sondag’s paintings invite viewers to pause—to really see the world around them. Whether he’s capturing the shimmer of a Florida waterway or the quiet strength in a subject’s expression, Don’s work reflects both mastery and mindfulness.
His portraits are known for their depth and empathy, revealing more than likeness—they reveal connection. His landscapes, in turn, celebrate the natural rhythms and light of Florida, from the subtle glow of dawn to the vibrant hues of sunset.
A fixture in Winter Park’s art community, Don has spent decades teaching and painting here, shaping the city’s creative identity as much as it has shaped him. Through his work, he continues to remind us that art doesn’t just reflect life—it deepens it.
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.
📍 Winter Park History Museum
Presented in conjunction with Echoes of Expression: The History of Arts & Culture in Winter Park.
Artists of Winter Park: Grady Kimsey
We are honored to feature the work of Grady Kimsey at our pop-up exhibit this week. A beloved teacher, sculptor and creative force, Grady passed away in July — but his artistic spirit continues to inspire. His work will be represented by Kim Sumner of Fine Arts 807.
Founder of the Fine Arts Gallery at Seminole Community College (now Seminole State College) and an art professor there for two decades, Grady was known throughout Central Florida and beyond for his mystical sculptures, paintings, ceramics and collages.
His mixed-media sculpture “Seekers and Keepers” is part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection, and his work lives on in universities, public spaces across the South and private collections. In 2016, Crealdé School of Art recognized him as an Art Legend of Orange County — a title well deserved.
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.
📍 Winter Park History Museum
Presented in conjunction with Echoes of Expression: The History of Arts & Culture in Winter Park.
Artists of Winter Park: John & Lynn Whipple
We’re grateful to have so many remarkable artistic talents right here in our community!
Winter Park residents John and Lynn Whipple are among Central Florida’s most admired artistic couples. Both have been an integral part of the McRae Street Art Studios community since its inception and are veterans of the outdoor art show circuit — getting inspired from their beautiful lakefront home on Lake Killarney.
Lynn Whipple is a contemporary artist and author whose vibrant works include acrylics, oils, drawings and mixed media with pencil and pastel and collage — to create joyful, expressive compositions.
John Whipple, a master of mixed media, moves fluidly between collage and sculpture. His whimsical yet thought-provoking style invites each viewer to discover their own interpretation. John says, “My paintings have always found inspiration in the combinations of the things I enjoy — whether it is the materials I choose to paint on or the subject matter I depict.”
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.
📍 Winter Park History Museum
Presented in conjunction with Echoes of Expression: The History of Arts & Culture in Winter Park.
Yesterday, we were honored to attend the Wild About Welbourne luncheon! Our Executive Director, Christy, proudly serves as Vice President on the Welbourne Nursery & Preschool Board of Directors.
While the Winter Park History Museum is dedicated to preserving the past, we also believe in investing in the future of our community. It was inspiring to see so many come together to support Welbourne’s important work and to hear heartfelt stories from alumni, parents and caregivers.
This November, we’re sharing what we’re especially thankful for — today, it’s our incredible community.
Meet Our Newest Board Member: Karim Arja
We’re delighted to welcome Karim Arja, Senior Vice President at One Florida Bank, to the Winter Park History Museum Board of Directors.
“I hope to bring my experience in accounting, finance, and fundraising to the organization,” Karim shared. “I also want to learn more about the unique history of the area—the foundation of the city and the special aspects of its story that may not have been told yet. Along the way, I hope to help find new ways to reach residents and visitors to our community.”
A self-described history buff, Karim has lived in and around Winter Park for nearly 30 years. “This community holds special significance for me,” he said. “I’d like to help tell its story to others.”
Happy Halloween from the Winter Park History Museum! Meet Captain Dena, your trusted Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour guide, and Christy the Tourist — complete with big hat, camera and selfie stick!
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!
