IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Extra! Extra!
WHAT: If you can’t toot your own horn when reaching 150 years, when can you? The Orlando Sentinel reached that milestone this year, and in a corner of its downtown venue, the Orange County Regional History Center is marking the occasion. Its exhibit, “Extra! Extra! The Orlando Sentinel Turns 150,” lets visitors view photographs and archival material from the newspaper’s history and serves as a reminder that a local newspaper can be a community’s most enduring institution.
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WHEN: Through Jan. 3, 2027
WHERE: Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando
INFO: thehistorycenter.org
YOUR SEASON PLANNER
Schedules are subject to change, so always double-check before heading to an event.
BEACON COLLEGE
Except where noted, events in the college’s Salon Speaker Series take place at the Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Court in Leesburg. The programs are free and include a catered meal by reserving a ticket at beaconcollege.edu/news-events/salon-series
GOOD DAY SUNSHINE STATE — THE BEATLES IN 1964 FLORIDA: Sept. 10. Journalist and author Bob Kealing revisits 1964 — a watershed year for the Beatles and Florida. Through dozens of new interviews and rare archival materials, including audio and video, Kealing traces the band’s two-week stay in Miami Beach, Key West and Jacksonville.
THE SUPREME COURT AND AMERICAN HISTORY — LANDMARK DECISIONS THAT CHANGED THE NATION’S COURSE: Oct. 5. Michael Scheibach examines landmark cases — including Dred Scott v. Sandford, Plessy v. Ferguson, Korematsu v. United States, and Bush v. Gore — and places each in historical context. He also discusses contemporary decisions, including the 2022 ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, to illustrate how constitutional interpretation evolves and sparks debate.
FLORIDA NEWSPAPERS AND ADVICE COLUMNS IN THE POST-WORLD WAR II YEARS: Dec. 1. Kimberly Voss explores the rise of advice columns and how these staples of “women’s sections” blended traditional values with emerging progressive ideas, reflecting a society in transition. Voss shows how these newspaper writers shaped conversations about relationships, gender roles and personal choice in changing times.
FREEDOM AND LIBERATION: Jan. 21, 2027. Inspired by Coretta Scott King’s visionary Freedom Concerts, this blend of music and narrative from the Ritz Chamber Players reflects on history and the enduring pursuit of justice.
HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN AND THE ART OF STORYTELLING FOR ADULTS: Feb. 18, 2027. In this illustrated lecture, Ray Nault reintroduces Andersen through “The Little Mermaid,” exploring the story’s themes of identity, sacrifice and transformation. Attendees will examine 10 striking lithographs by Danish printmaker Lars Bo, whose interpretations deepen the story’s symbolism and emotional resonance.
SACAGAWEA — ADVENTURES WITH LEWIS AND CLARK: March 17, 2027. Historian and storyteller Martina Mathisen brings America’s most famous expedition to life through the eyes of Sacagawea. Her immersive presentation highlights Sacagawea’s courage, skill and indispensable role in guiding the Corps of Discovery across an untamed continent.
BRITAIN’S LOYAL COLONIES LOST — THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION IN FLORIDA: April 27, 2027. While 13 colonies declared independence in 1776, Britain’s Florida colonies charted a different course. David Head explores the often overlooked story of East and West Florida during the American Revolution, beginning with who lived in the region and why many remained loyal to the Crown, in a presentation that sheds new light on Florida’s pivotal and complex role in the Revolutionary era.
CASA FELIZ
The historic home museum, 656 N. Park Ave in Winter Park, is open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays with guided tours available during those times. It also presents a music series. More information: casafeliz.us
Parlor Series
CASA FELIZ AT 25 — REFLECTIONS FROM THE FRONT LINES: Sept. 30. This special Parlor program will feature reflections from Jack Rogers, Lindsey Hayes, and others who helped save and relocate this historic house. From nesting bald eagles and a looming wrecking ball to closed streets, packed bleachers, a Dixieland band and comedian Carrot Top, the story of Casa Feliz’s move was a civic spectacle. The evening will also include the unveiling of Casa Feliz’s newly re-edited film, “The House that Moved Winter Park.”
CENTRAL FLORIDA MINERAL & GEM SOCIETY
The nonprofit educational organization presents its annual show at the Florida National Guard Armory, 2809 S. Fern Creek Ave. in Orlando. More information: cfmgs.org
ROCK, MINERAL, GEM, JEWELRY & FOSSIL SHOW: Sept. 12-13. Vendors offering rocks, minerals, gemstones, fossils, beads, jewelry, artifacts and metaphysical stones. Demonstrations, auction and family activities.
FLORIDA FOSSIL HUNTERS
The nonprofit organization’s annual fair is at the Sanford Civic Center, 401 E. Seminole Blvd. in Sanford. More information: floridafossilhunters.com
35TH ANNUAL FOSSIL FAIR: Oct. 3-4. Children’s activities, educational displays, raffle and auction.
HANNIBAL SQUARE HERITAGE CENTER
The center, run by the Crealdé School of Art, is at 642 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park. Hours are noon-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. More information: 407-539-2680 or hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org
Permanent Exhibits
PHOTOGRAPHS AND ORAL HISTORIES OF WEST WINTER PARK: Ongoing. Photography and writing document the Black experience in the neighborhood.
THE SAGE PROJECT — HANNIBAL SQUARE ELDERS TELL THEIR STORIES: Ongoing. This photographic and oral history documentary project preserves and shares local history from the perspective of the oldest residents in Winter Park’s historic African American community, ages 82 to 106.
Events
UNITY HERITAGE FESTIVAL IN HANNIBAL SQUARE & OPEN HOUSE: Jan. 16-18, 2027. Annual celebration of the life of the Rev. Martin Luther King in a festival that promotes community and family heritage.
JUNETEENTH AT THE HERITAGE CENTER: June 19, 2027. A celebratory commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States through storytelling, music, art and other cultural expressions.
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL RESOURCE & EDUCATION CENTER OF FLORIDA
The center is at 851 N. Maitland Ave. in Maitland. More information: 407-628-0555 or holocaustedu.org
Exhibits
HOPE & HUMANITY: Ongoing. The Holocaust is made personal by following Floridians who experienced it.
MEZUZAH TRACES — MEMORY ON THE DOORPOSTS OF POLAND: Through May 30, 2027. The first in the center’s Memory Keepers cultural exchange program, this exhibit brings to light the quiet, physical remnants of Jewish life in Poland through the lens of an object both sacred and symbolic: the mezuzah. Visitors will explore a collection of them, each paired with the original location and story it represents. This exhibit bridges past and present, faith and absence, reminding us that memory can endure, even in silence.
Events
MEET THE CURATORS: Sept. 17. Helena Czernek and Aleksander Prugar, curators and founders of the Mezuzah Traces project, will share the history of their groundbreaking work documenting the traces of mezuzahs still visible on doorframes throughout Poland — powerful reminders of once-vibrant Jewish communities and the lives forever changed by the Holocaust. Through photographs, personal stories, and historical research, this lecture offers a unique opportunity to engage with the exhibition’s creators and gain deeper insight into the enduring presence of Jewish memory in Poland’s landscape.
KRISTALLNACHT COMMEMORATION: Nov. 8. Annual observance of “The Night of Broken Glass” that marked the intensification of terror against Jews under Germany’s Third Reich.
MAITLAND HISTORICAL MUSEUM
The museum is at 221 W. Packwood St. in Maitland and is run by the Art & History Museums — Maitland, which also operates the Waterhouse Residence Museum, a restored Victorian house, and the Maitland Telephone Museum. Details: 407-539-2181 or artandhistory.org
MAITLAND’S ATTIC — A JOURNEY THROUGH A SMALL CITY’S PAST: Ongoing. A collection of artifacts that tells the story of Maitland and some of its citizens.
ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER
The history center has various ongoing exhibitions focused on Central Florida, including its first peoples, the cattle and citrus industries, African American life, aviation and tourism. The center is at 65 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando. More information: 407-836-8500 or thehistorycenter.org
Special exhibits
HISTORIES IN THREAD — HONORING HEIRLOOMS IN CONTEMPORARY QUILTING: Through Oct. 4. The exhibit brings together seven nationally and internationally recognized textile artists whose work explores creativity, culture, identity and family history.
EXTRA! EXTRA! THE ORLANDO SENTINEL TURNS 150: Through Jan. 3, 2027. This exhibit showcases photographs, archival materials and artifacts from the center’s collection that reflect the newspaper’s long presence in the region. It invites visitors to view original materials that highlight how the Orlando Sentinel has been read, experienced and remembered across generations while preserving the history of one of our community’s most enduring institutions: our local newspaper.
BY HEART AND BY HAND: Sept. 5, 2026-March 28, 2027. A showcase for the work of Black craft artists across Central Florida, this exhibition explores how contemporary artists draw on ancestral knowledge, family stories and cultural practices to create works that are both deeply personal and widely resonant. The featured artists work in various disciplines, from quilting and embroidery to woodcarving, soft sculpture and traditional instrument-making. “By Heart and By Hand” is a tribute to resilience, creativity and the enduring power of art to connect generations, sustain cultural traditions and enrich the story of Central Florida.
ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER
The science center features live shows and hands-on activities for children in such areas as DinoDigs, Food Heroes, KidsTown, Life and Flight Lab. Cinedome films are shown in the newly refurbished Dome by Dr. Phillips Charities theater. The center is at 777 E. Princeton St. in Orlando. More information: 407-514-2000 or osc.org
Special exhibits
PHENOMENA: Through Sept. 7. Uncover the science behind illusions and explore the mechanisms that govern human perception through hands-on experiences and exhibits. Discover how your brain can be tricked.
EXTREME SPORTS: Sept. 26, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027. This adrenaline-fueled exhibition reveals the real science behind extraordinary athletic performance. Visitors will explore the psychology, physics and physiology behind high-risk athletic feats such as wingsuit flying, parkour, ice climbing and freediving.
EXPLORE YOUR WORLD: Jan. 22-May 2, 2027. Immerse yourself in an interactive, quest-based STEM experience that teaches visitors how to use maps, navigational tools and data visualization to journey across land, sea, and space.
BODY WORLDS — ANATOMY OF HAPPINESS: May 17-Sept. 8, 2026. Observe real human specimens preserved through Gunther von Hagens’ revolutionary plastination process. Witness the impact of disease through stunning full-body plastinates, intricate organs and revealing transparent slices. Explore the powerful link between your emotions and physical well-being and see how feelings of happiness can affect your overall health.
Events
GLOBAL PEACE 360° STORYTIME CINEMA: Second Saturday of each month, a children’s film is screened. Sept. 19: “The Neverending Story,” Oct: 10: “Wonka,” Nov. 14: “October Sky,” Dec. 12: “The Land Before Time,” titles on subsequent dates to be announced.
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SOLAR SATURDAYS: Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12; Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 13, April 10, May 15 and June 12, 2027. Safely view the sun through Florida’s largest publicly accessible refractor telescope, take part in hands-on activities, and explore the science of our nearest star.
$15 DAYS: Sept. 15, 2026, and April 11, 2027. Discount admission.
FANTASY WEEKEND: Sept. 19-20. With hands-on experiments, interactive shows and
fantastical characters, this immersive experience blends fantasy and science fiction.
PUMPKINS AND PROTONS: Oct. 28. Members-only event with science demonstrations and live shows such as “Ghostflusters,” spooky crafts and lab experiments, a live DJ and more.
OSC AFTER DARK: Oct. 31. Adults-only event celebrating Halloween.
ASTRO FEST: Nov. 21-22. Astronomy fun with telescope viewing, activities and talks.
FOSSIL FEST: Dec. 12-13. Paleontologists, hands-on fossil digs, interactive activities and more.
SPARK STEM FEST: Feb. 12-15, 2027. Presented by the UCF Office of Research, this annual celebration of all things science includes fields such as technology, engineering and math.
SCIENCE NIGHT LIVE: Feb. 27, 2027. Adults-only party with activities.
MAKE FEST: March 13-14, 2027. Hands-on celebration of creativity with interactive workshops and DIY stations.
STELLAR NIGHTS: March 12, 13, 19 and 20, 2027. Late hours until 10 p.m. with a new laser show in the Dome by Dr. Phillips Charities each night.
14TH ANNUAL SCIENCE & WINE FUNDRAISER: April 17, 2027. A wine and gourmet food tasting, with wine selections from all regions of the world.
MESS FEST: May 8-9, 2027. Learn about colorful chemistry, flashy physics and splat-tacular science while making a mess. Dress appropriately. A Science Night Live Mess Fest party for adults only will take place May 8.
OSCEOLA HISTORY
The organization operates the Osceola History Welcome Center and History Museum at 4155 W. Vine St. in Kissimmee, as well as Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek at 2491 Babb Road in Kissimmee. More information: 407-918-9478 or osceolahistory.org
Exhibits
¡HOLA OSCEOLA!: Ongoing at the Welcome Center. Explore the contributions of Spanish-speaking people to Osceola County.
PIONEER VILLAGE: Ongoing. See actual historic structures, including a church, general store, citrus-packing plant, schoolhouse and more, that have been preserved.
OUT OF THE PARK: Ongoing. Discover the stories, memorabilia and history of sports in Osceola County.
Events
TUPPERWARE EXHIBIT OPENING: Sept. 12. The opening of a temporary exhibition on Tupperware will feature a talk by Bob Kealing, author of “Tupperware Unsealed: Brownie Wise, Earl Tupper, and the Home Party Pioneers.”
PIONEER DAY: Nov. 8. A free event at Pioneer Village featuring live music, a children’s craft zone, a real Florida market, and pioneer and Seminole life demonstrations. Learn how Florida Seminoles and early pioneer families lived off the land long before electricity and air conditioning.
SEMINOLE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Unless otherwise indicated, events are at the Museum of Seminole County History, 300 Eslinger Way in Sanford. More information: seminolecountyhistoricalsociety.com
HAUNTED TOURS AT THE MUSEUM: Oct. 16-18. Stories and scares, with a one-hour guided walking tour and paranormal investigation.
ST. LUCIA FESTIVAL: Dec. 12. Holiday festival celebrates the history of Seminole County’s Swedish settlers with children’s activities, food, dance and choral performances.
TIMUCUA ARTS FOUNDATION
The organization, which programs concerts, also has wellness, spoken-word and educational programming at its White House, 2000 S. Summerlin Ave. in Orlando. More information: timucua.com
ARTISTS’ CIRCLE: Third Wednesday of each month. An event for artists with the goal of supporting them in overcoming “imposter syndrome,” fostering meaningful connections and providing a safe space where individuals can freely share and celebrate their unique artistic expressions.
AUTHENTIC SELVES POETRY OPEN MIC: Third Sunday of each month. Sign up at the website to present your poetry and spoken word.
BODY DIALOGUE: Fifth Wednesday of each month. Janice Rous and Sean Lake use interactive theater, movement and breath to help understand what we are experiencing in these chaotic times.
TIMUCUA TALKS: First Wednesday of each month. A discussion series that dives into the arts’ connection with mental health, physical and emotional wellness, AI and other contemporary topics.
THE ENERGY THAT HEALS: Sept. 24. Presented with Global Peace 360°, this event looks at how healing in the body occurs beyond conventional medicine.
WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
The organization runs the Healthy West Orange Heritage and Cultural Center at 21 E. Plant St., the Central Florida Railroad Museum at 101 S. Boyd St. and the Heritage Museum at 1 N. Main St., all in Winter Garden. More information: wghf.org
Exhibits
WINTER GARDEN 118 — THE MILESTONES & MEMORIES THAT MADE US: Through Oct. 31. Step back in time through this exhibit showcasing rare, original artifacts and discover the people, historic places and defining moments that shaped Winter Garden.
LEGACY FAMILIES & BUSINESSES: Through Oct. 31. A look at families who have resided in Winter Garden for generations and how they shaped the city.
TEMPESTS & TORNADOES: Through Oct. 31, at Winter Garden City Hall. An exhibition of photographs and documents detailing extreme weather events that West Orange County and its people have endured during the past 130 years. Tornadoes, hurricanes, and devastating citrus freezes all have played a part in shaping the region.
Events
SPOOKY CABOOSE: Oct. 31. The caboose outside the museum turns into a family-friendly fright zone, complete with treats and tricks.
ORANGES & ORNAMENTS — A FESTIVAL OF TREES AND WREATHS: Nov. 20-21, at Heller Hall, 21 E. Plant St. in Winter Garden. Explore decorated and themed trees and wreaths while enjoying seasonal entertainment, a raffle and more.
WINTER PARK HISTORY MUSEUM
The free museum is at 200 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park. Information: wphistory.org
Exhibition
GOLDEN ROOTS — THE CITRUS LEGACY OF WINTER PARK: Ongoing. An exploration of how citrus transformed the city’s economy, landscape and community—and helped establish Central Florida’s reputation as a place of sunshine, health and opportunity..
Event
PEACOCK BALL: Oct 17, at the Center for Health and Wellbeing in Winter Park. Cocktails, dinner, dancing and entertainment by Tymisha Harris to benefit the museum. The ball this year honors Winter Park resident Allan Keen.
WINTER PARK INSTITUTE
The institute brings speakers to town on topics of social interest in order to build community. Its fall program will be at Warden Arena at Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave. in Winter Park. More information: winterparkinstitute.org
JOSÉ ANDRÉS: Oct. 30. A conversation with chef, restaurateur and humanitarian José Andrés, who will share the experiences and ideas that have shaped his remarkable life and his belief in our ability to create change. Inspired by the philanthropy and humanitarian leadership of Andrés, Winter Park Institute and Orlando Health will make a philanthropic investment in Special Hearts Farm — turning the ideas explored in the event into meaningful action in our community.
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— Listings compiled by Matthew J. Palm