I have always wanted to visit this free history museum, and on a recent trip to Orlando, I finally…read morecaught them while they were open. Located in Kissimmee, the Osceola County Welcome Center & History Museum offers visitors an in depth look at the people, places, industries, and natural environment that have shaped Osceola County. The museum is operated by the Osceola County Historical Society, which was founded on October 29, 1949, when Charles and Twylah Hartley of St. Cloud and Alma Hetherington of Kissimmee chartered the organization. Their goal was to collect local artifacts and publish historical information to ensure that Osceola County's heritage would be preserved. Beginning in the 1960s, the Historical Society displayed artifacts and other historical items in a wing of the Osceola Center for the Arts. In 1987, Ross and Willa Lanier donated their historic family home to the Historical Society. Built in 1889, the house is now known as the Lanier Cracker House. That same year, heirs of the Spence family, Carl and Ruth Yates Spence, donated four acres of land and their family home on North Bass Road in Kissimmee. The Historical Society moved the Lanier Cracker House to the property and opened the Osceola County Pioneer Enrichment Center, helping commemorate the county's centennial. In 1990, the Historical Society's collection was moved from the Osceola Center for the Arts to the newly named Pioneer Village which you can also visit. In 2010, Osceola County approved an expansion of the Pioneer Village and Museum into Shingle Creek Regional Park. The partnership between Osceola County and the Historical Society eventually led to the creation of the Osceola County Welcome Center & History Museum which opened on October 2012. Today, the museum provides visitors with an introduction to Osceola County's history and natural environment. The exhibits include dioramas depicting several of the county's distinct habitats, including swampland, pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, and lakefront environments. Seeing these different ecosystems helps illustrate how closely the area's natural landscape is connected to its history and development. The museum also explores some of the industries and activities that helped shape Osceola County, including citrus, cattle, transportation, and early tourism. Many of the exhibits feature interactive displays and scavenger hunts, making the museum experience hands-on. After taking in the museum exhibits you can step outside and explore Shingle Creek, where you can see some of the natural environment featured in the exhibits. One thing that really stood out to me was how much this museum appeals to children. I love a free history museum, but some can be a little dry for younger visitors. This one does a great job of making history accessible through interactive exhibits, activities, and educational programs. The Historical Society also works with local school groups and offers field trips and community programs. Admission is completely free making it a budget friendly option. It is a worthwhile stop for families, history buffs, or anyone who wants to learn more about the history and natural environment of Osceola County. If you're in the Kissimmee area, I definitely recommend a visit.

WOW! What an absolute gem! This place had such a beautiful exhibit area! From the natives, to the…read morepioneers, to the wildlife in the area- we learned so much! Our 4 year and 1 year old were also BIG fans! Such awesome touch exhibits for them - a little tunnel they could crawl through, an adorable playhouse with toys and an awesome train station area with Lincoln logs. We will definitely be back - i just wish this was closer to my home!! Also bonus tip- if you are coming here with kids, check out the Construction Zone Restaurant near by- makes the perfect lunch spot!

This was an interesting part of our day trip!…read more Checking out this museum was a lot of fun! There were plenty of old artifacts to check out. The most interesting to me was the old hospital setting with medical supplies (donated by Orlando Health). It was so cool to see the old arrowhead collection too! Definitely worth the trip to historic Winter Garden

A free museum! I'm all for it. David was the greeter and it was cool even though the museum is…read moresmall it's jam packed with tons of history about historical Winter Garden. They have a super cool tractor trailer and fire truck out front which I loved to see. The artifacts and things were in very great condition, and David had so much wealth and knowledge of not just Winter Garden and Florida but of other states as well- he's 91 and is full of so much knowledge. I would check this out if I were you. Just find parking on the street and go on it- be sure to donate as well since it is free and fun by volunteers. I want to go back next time when I have more time I was limited on time when I went back I did like the variety in the museum.

Located in downtown Kissimmee in front of Lakeside Park is a folksy roadside attraction called…read moreMonument of States. In the dark days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dr. Charles Bressler-Pettis, a retired physician and president of the Kissimmee All-States Tourist Club, wanted to create something that would stand as a symbol of the unity of America and attract tourists to Kissimmee. Dr. Pettis worked with his friend J. C. Fisher to design a pyramid. Pettis wrote letters to the governors of all of the states requesting rocks for the project he conceived. Donations came poring forth in the form of granite, quartz, boulders, fossils, and pieces of old buildings. President Franklin D. Roosevelt even sent a rock from his Hyde Park estate. In 1943 Dr. Pettis had a set of rocks from all the 48 states (Hawaii and Alaska weren't states yet). He had the rocks embedded in concrete slabs that had each donors name and the location the rock came from etched on it. Pettit also included rocks from his travels. With the help of retired volunteers who were members of the travel club, Pettit had the slabs assembled into a 50 foot tall, 100,000 pound pyramid reinforced with 3 and half tons of steel rails. By the time it was finished the monument had 1,500 stones and objects donated from all over the world. Volunteers who helped build the monument had their names inscribed on the ground in front of it. At the top of the pyramid sits an American eagle and American flag on top of a blue orb. Pettis dedicated his creation as The Monument of States on March 28, 1943. Dr. Pettis loved his monument so much that when he died he had a portion of his remains sealed inside. Before Disney World the Monument of States was a big tourist attraction. After Disney people stopped visiting and the monument was neglected. Through the years more stones appeared from Alaska and Hawaii and even foreign countries but after 60 years the monument was crumbling. In 2001 the American Automobile Association along with some local businesses got together to refurbish the monument with fresh paint and a new flag. They also embedded a time capsule that will be opened in 2043. The monument was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 8, 2015. Visiting the monument is free and it's open 24 hours a day. We don't have too many quirky roadside attractions in Florida so I was delighted to find this one. There is free parking for Lakeside Park and there is even a snack bar and restrooms. After visiting the monument you can take a beautiful stroll in Lakeside Park behind it. I loved my visit to this oddball attraction.

The Monument of the States is one of those must-stops if you're ever in the Kissimmee area. It's…read moresuch a unique and meaningful landmark, built as a symbol of unity after the attack on Pearl Harbor. What makes it even more special is that it's made from stones sent in from all over the United States (and even a few from other countries), which gives it so much character and history.

The Leu House Museum is located within the beautiful Harry P. Leu Gardens. A guided tour of the…read morehome is included with garden admission. Since tour times may vary, it's always best to check online before your visit. Originally built in the late 19th century, the home was expanded over the years by several owners, most notably Harry P. Leu and his wife, Mary Jane, who purchased the property in the 1930s. The Leus were passionate travelers and collectors, and their influence can be seen throughout the home in the furnishings and décor. The house reflects a mix of architectural styles and offers a glimpse into Florida living from the 1880s through the mid-1900s. Tours begin promptly at their scheduled times, so be sure to arrive on time. If you miss your tour, you'll need to wait about 30 minutes for the next one. The home is filled with rich history and truly is a hidden gem. Be sure to use the restroom beforehand, as re-entry into the house is not permitted once the tour begins. The tour guide was very informative and kind, making the experience even more enjoyable.

A very nice tour of an historic house. The Leu House and…read moreGardens in Orlando, Florida is a charming historic home and gardens that offer visitors a glimpse into the city's past and a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life. You can google the directions but basically it is on the south end of Lake Rowena. There is a parking lot in front of the entrance house. This is not where the house museum is located. Visitors need to pass through this house and follow the various paths to the center of the park. The house is a two story affair that offers tours throughout the day to park visitors. Walking through the lush gardens surrounding the Leu House, visitors are transported to another time and place, with the scent of blooming flowers filling the air and the sound of trickling fountains providing a calming ambiance. The gardens are beautifully landscaped with a wide variety of flora, including camellias, azaleas, and orchids, making it a paradise for nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts. Inside the historic Leu House, visitors are greeted with period furniture and décor, providing an insight into what life was like for the home's previous occupants. The tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate, providing engaging insights into the history of the house and its former residents. Overall, a visit to the Leu House and Gardens is a delightful experience that offers a glimpse into Orlando's past and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat from the city, this hidden gem is definitely worth a visit.

While visiting the St. Cloud Heritage Museum, I noticed this Florida Historical Marker standing in…read morefront of the building. I've always enjoyed stopping to read these markers because they tell the stories behind places that might otherwise be overlooked. Part of the Florida Historical Marker Program, one of the Division of Historical Resources' most recognizable public history initiatives, these markers commemorate significant people, places, and events throughout the state. They can be found at archaeological sites, battlefields, churches, cemeteries, schools, historic districts, and notable buildings like this one. Historical Marker F-903 was dedicated in 2016 by St. Cloud Main Street, the City of St. Cloud, and the Florida Department of State. The marker tells the story of the Ladies Improvement Club of St. Cloud, founded in 1910. Long before the city had a permanent library, these determined women promoted literacy by creating a small lending library of books and magazines inside the Sugar Belt Railway depot. As St. Cloud grew, so did their vision of providing the community with a dedicated public library. In 1915, club president Mary George partnered with Judge W.G. Peckham to acquire lots on Massachusetts Avenue for a future library. The project suffered a setback when the First National Bank failed on December 31, 1917, wiping out approximately 60 percent of the club's savings. The ladies did not give up and began raising funds again through bake sales, socials, and other community events. World War I delayed construction even further as the club shifted its attention to wartime charitable work, including supporting the Red Cross and Near East Relief. Despite these challenges, they never gave up on the library. In 1921, William G. King, one of St. Cloud's founders, appealed to Union Army veterans across the country who had settled in the city's retirement colony for support. Their contributions, along with the club's years of fundraising, finally made the library possible. The Veterans Memorial Library was completed in 1923 and constructed by P. E. Morgan using hollow clay tile with a stained stucco exterior. Designed in the Grecian style by pioneering architects Ida Annah Ryan and Isabel Roberts, it became St. Cloud's first permanent public library. Ryan made history as the first woman to earn a master's degree in architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), while Roberts trained under Frank Lloyd Wright and was among his earliest employees, helping complete several of his commissions during his absence in Europe. The library's dedication in February 1923 was a community celebration. The ceremony was led by the president of the Ladies Improvement Club, with sixty members of the Grand Army of the Republic and forty members of the Woman's Relief Corps marching to the library for a flag-raising ceremony. In addition to housing the city's first public library, the building also served as the first permanent meeting place for the Ladies Improvement Club, later renamed the Woman's Club of St. Cloud, until the organization constructed its neighboring clubhouse in 1949. The club continued operating the library for more than five decades before it became part of the Osceola County Library System in 1968. After the library relocated in 1974, the historic building served several community organizations before being restored by the City of St. Cloud. In 2008, it reopened as the St. Cloud Heritage Museum, where volunteers from the Women's Club continue to generously share the history of the community. I really enjoyed reading this marker because it tells the story of a remarkable group of women whose persistence and dedication helped shape St. Cloud. Their commitment to literacy, education, and civic improvement left a legacy that is still being celebrated more than a century later. It's amazing to think that the building behind the marker has served so many purposes over the years, and today it stands as both a museum and a reminder of the determination of the early women residents of St. Cloud.

This is located within Greenwood Cemetery and remembers a respected family that resided here in…read moreOrange County, Florida and can trace their lineage to Thomas Jefferson. I have said it before, but it bears repeating, we need to remember and acknowledge the footsteps from our past that brought us to where we stand today. This was a nice find in the historic cemetery known as Greenwood.

I was exploring the history of Orlando in the historic Greenwood Cemetery when I discovered this…read moremarker dedicated to the Eppes and Shine families buried here. I learned from the sign that they were descendants of Thomas Jefferson who made their mark on early Orlando. Francis Wayles Eppes VII, was 8 years old in 1809 when he spent Christmas in Virginia with his grandfather Thomas Jefferson who had just completed two terms as president. Francis's mother was Jefferson's beloved daughter Maria who died during child birth in 1804 when he was three. His father John Epps was a congressman who remarried and was often away in Washington, DC. so Francis grew up in the care of his grandfather. Francis was the only one of Maria's three children to live to adulthood. Jefferson had set aside the family outpost called Poplar Forest, a 300 acre estate near Lynchburg, Va. for Francis as his inheritance. When Francis turned 15, Jefferson sent him a letter with this advice "Above all things, and at all times, practice yourself in good humor. This, of all human qualities, is the most amiable and endearing to society." Thomas Jefferson died in 1826, when Francis Eppes was 25 and married to Elizabeth with two children. The Jefferson family ended up selling Monticello and Poplar Forest due to debts and legal problems. Francis Eppes landed in Tallahassee with his young family but his wife Elizabeth would pass here during child birth like his mother and two of his seven children died in infancy. Francis Eppes remarried Susan Margaret Ware (1815-1887), the daughter of a governor of Georgia. They lived at Pine Hill, a 1,900-acre plantation, and had six more children, four girls and two boys. Francis Eppes founded St John's Episcopal Church and went on to serve two terms as mayor of Tallahassee in the 1840s and 1850s. He was one of the founders of Florida State University when in the 1850s he helped establish the West Florida Seminary that would become the university where he would serve 11 years on the school's board, eight of them as president. The Civil War hit the Francis Eppes family hard. Eppes sold his land but it was purchased with worthless Confederate money. The family was broke and they moved further south into what would become Orlando, a frontier outpost that sprung up from Fort Gatlin, an outpost during the Seminole Wars. In Orlando Francis Eppes became a citrus farmer. Three of the Eppes daughters married three Shine brothers in 1866. Martha Virginia married Capt. Thomas Jabez Shine, called T.J., Capt. Tom Shine, a Confederate veteran, was the director of the First National Bank, a board of trade officer, an alderman, and commander of the Orlando Guards, later named Shine Guards. In 1879, Thomas built a home on Orange Avenue with the first indoor bathroom in Orlando. The first sidewalk in the city ran past the house and it had a tennis court. He named the cross street Jefferson Street in honor of his wife's family Caroline Matilda married David Shepard Shine who became deputy clerk of Orange County and was appointed postmaster. Caroline and her sister Martha served their communities as members of the Rosalind Club, Sorosis, and with other charities. The third Shine brother Dr. William F. Shine was married to Martha Eppes. Unlike the previous two couples, they did not live in Orlando. Dr. William F. Shine, served as a Civil War surgeon and practiced medicine in St. Augustine after the war. Maria Jefferson Eppes founded the St. Augustine Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution which bears her name. Francis Eppes died on May 30, 1881 a few months before his 80th birthday. Francis Eppes and Susan Ware Eppes are buried in Orlando's Greenwood Cemetery in a family plot with members of the Shine family, including T.J. Shine, and their descendants. The Shines are noted for being among Orlando's earliest civic minded families. Marker F-838 was erected in 2014 by The City of Orlando and the Florida Department of State.

Celebration is a master-planned community developed by The Walt Disney Company in the 1990s near…read moreOrlando, Florida. Designed according to the principles of New Urbanism, it blends traditional early 20th-century American architecture with a walkable layout of interconnected streets, parks, and a vibrant downtown district. Located near the US-192 entrance on Celebration Avenue, the Celebration Water Tower has been one of the town's most recognizable landmarks for more than two decades. Its is so iconic that it even inspired the name of a nearby shopping plaza. Built in the Colonial Revival style, the tower serves purely an aesthetic purpose. It does not provide water to the community, instead it acts as a visual centerpiece and symbol of the town's identity. When visiting Celebration, the water tower is a great spot to stop and snap a photo in front of one the most beloved landmarks and enduring symbols of community pride.

I always love catching a glimpse of the Disney Springs water tower whenever I drive by. Standing at…read morethe entrance to Disney Springs, it has become one of the area's most recognizable landmarks. It was installed in 2016 as part of the reimagining of Disney Springs, formerly Downtown Disney, and the tower sets the stage for the new story line. Like so many details throughout Disney property, this isn't just a decorative structure, it tells a story. Disney Imagineers created the water tower as part of the fictional backstory that Disney Springs is a thriving turn of the-century Florida boomtown built around a set of natural springs. Designed to resemble the kind of water tower that would have served a small town in the early 1900s, it helps bring that image to life. The tower is actually a bit of engineering marvel. It was actually constructed about an hour away, then transported to Disney Springs in the middle of the night in four separate pieces before being assembled in its permanent home. One of my favorite details is the ghost sign painted on the tower. Just beneath the Disney Springs lettering is a faded "Come Visit the Springs" graphic, making it appear as though the tower had been repurposed from an earlier era. It's a subtle touch that adds to the town's fictional history while highlighting Disney's attention to detail. This is not just a faux water tower. It tells a hidden story and every time I visit Disney Springs, it's one of the first landmarks I look for. It is a reminder that Disney magic is often found in the smallest details.