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.
Do you remember ringing in the new millennium at The Langford Resort Hotel?
As the countdown to the year 2000 captured everyone’s imagination, Winter Park welcomed the new century at one of its most legendary landmarks. This print ad promoted the final New Year’s Eve party held at the Langford, which closed its doors on May 30, 2000. Today, its story lives on at the site of The Alfond Inn.
First opened on January 12, 1956, the Langford was the vision of its founder, who — having been raised in the hotel business — recognized that air conditioning and air travel were transforming Central Florida into a year-round destination. At the time, Winter Park was “hotel room short,” and Mayor-Commissioner Raymond Greene officially welcomed the Langford as a hotel that would meet the needs of families for years to come.
And it did. Known for its lively bars, unforgettable shows and extravagantly themed rooms — like the iconic Jungle Room — the Langford became the place to celebrate. Everyone who talks about it seems to remember the parties, the glamour and the good times.
As we welcome a new year, we’re looking back with fond memories and wishing our community a Happy New Year filled with history, celebration and a little Langford-style sparkle.
Happy New Year from all of us at the Winter Park History Museum!
The Museum will be closed tomorrow as we ring in the new year. We can’t wait to welcome you back for a wonderful and history-filled 2026.
Meet our Board Member of the Month, Olivia Demarco! Olivia joined the Winter Park History Museum Board of Directors in late summer of 2025 and may call herself “a newbie,” but she’s already making a big impact.
From planning and booking live entertainment for the opening reception of our current exhibit to helping shape arts-themed events celebrating Winter Park’s vibrant arts scene, Olivia jumps in wherever she’s needed. With a background in performing arts, event management, strategic marketing and nonprofit administration, she brings creativity, energy and thoughtful leadership to everything she does.
Beyond the Museum, Olivia serves as Executive Director of Alumni Engagement at Rollins College—a role that perfectly complements her passion for strengthening connections between Rollins alumni, the city and the community.
A double Rollins alumna, Orlando native and longtime Winter Park resident, Olivia’s connection to Winter Park runs deep. Growing up with a strong appreciation for Central Florida’s history, she joined the Winter Park History Museum Board of Directors as a way to give back in a meaningful way—honoring the past while helping build lasting relationships for the future.
We’re so grateful to have Olivia on our board and can’t wait to see what she helps bring to life next!
We wish you a Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
Please note: the Museum will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We’ll be open again on December 26 from 10 AM–4 PM and Saturday from 10 AM–2 PM. We look forward to welcoming you!
After 18 remarkable years of service, we are celebrating our archivist, Linda Kulmann, as she enters her well-deserved retirement.
While her official title was Archivist for the Winter Park History Museum, Linda wore many hats during her nearly two decades with us. Long before stepping into the archives, she served as President of the WPHM Board, and throughout the years she has been a writer, editor, advisor and steady guiding force for the Museum. She generously shared her many talents in service of our mission — always with care, creativity and purpose.
“Working alongside Linda has been a true privilege,” says Christy Knobloch, Executive Director at the WPHM. “Her knowledge, perspective and humor made every challenge easier, and the WPHM is unquestionably stronger because of her. I wish my dear friend a joyful, well-deserved retirement!”
Linda is witty, deeply dedicated and incredibly funny. She completed our small but mighty team and played an essential role in helping us collect, preserve and exhibit the stories that define Winter Park. More than that, Linda is a true pillar of the Winter Park community.
Linda, you will be dearly missed, but you will always be part of the Winter Park History Museum, and we look forward to welcoming you back for exhibits, events and festive occasions at the Museum.
Please join us in celebrating and thanking Linda for her tremendous contributions to the Winter Park History Museum and for 18 unforgettable years of service.
Merch Alert at the Winter Park History Museum!
Still searching for unique Christmas gifts or stocking stuffers? We’ve got you covered! From magnets and postcards to tote bags, books, ornaments and more—every item celebrates the history and charm of Winter Park.
Stop by the Museum to browse our festive selection and find something special for everyone on your list.
Museum Hours: Tue-Fri 10–4 | Sat 10–2
Location: 200 W New England Ave
What a joyful evening! Our holiday party was a wonderful opportunity to come together, celebrate this year’s accomplishments, and share our heartfelt gratitude with our supporters, volunteers, docents and board members who make our work possible. Our hearts are full!
We are deeply grateful for every visitor, every story shared and every moment spent celebrating Winter Park’s past. Here’s to an incredible year and an even brighter 2026.
Community support is essential to collecting town artifacts, preserving our shared heritage and operating a museum that brings this history to life. We invite you to support our work by joining us for exhibition openings, special tours, speaker programs and evening events.
Your contribution today helps sustain the Museum’s essential operations in the year ahead. To make a donation, please visit the link in our bio.
Our board members, docents, volunteers and their families joined Christy and Dena on Saturday for the 73rd Annual Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade. We were honored to walk alongside so many Winter Park organizations, departments and local dignitaries as we celebrated the holiday season with our community.
Christy, Dena and our board member @ricklebee hit the road for a little field research! Their destination: the Lakeland History & Culture Center at the @lakelandpubliclibrary, where they explored the exhibit “From the Groves… Lakeland’s Citrus Story.”
Our three explorers toured the gallery, dug into the archives and gathered inspiration for one of our major upcoming exhibits.
Get excited and stay tuned! “Golden Roots: The History of Citrus in Winter Park” arrives next summer — and we can’t wait to share more soon.
Three things we’re grateful for – Christy Edition
This November, Christy’s thankful for our close-knit Winter Park community, the charm of our city’s trains (most of the time), and the person who finishes her sentences.
Today, our hearts are filled with gratitude as we reflect on all of our blessings. We’re so thankful for all of our supporters who help us collect, preserve and exhibit Winter Park’s rich history. Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving week!
We’ll be closed on Thanksgiving, but we’re open Friday (10–4) and Saturday (10–2) — perfect if you still have family in town and are looking for something fun to do!
Three things we’re grateful for – Dena Edition
This November, we’re reflecting on the things we love and cherish about Winter Park and our amazing community. What’s on your list?
Thank you to everyone who joined us last weekend for Echoes | 4 Artists of Winter Park! About 100 friends, supporters, and art lovers came together to celebrate the work of Don Sondag, Lynn Whipple, John Whipple, and the late Grady Kimsey. Thank you to our artists and representatives for sharing their talent and helping us honor Winter Park’s rich artistic story.
