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New Additions to DeBary Collection
https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/233 On July 8 2024, the City of DeBary partnered with the University of Central Florida Department of History and RICHES to host their first history harvest at DeBary City Hall, located at 16 Colomba Road in DeBary, Florida. Pictured: A black and white photograph of five members of the DeBary Volunteer Fire Department Number…
September 4, 2026
New Additions to Jesse Cutler Collection
https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/227 Jesse Cutler has spent an illustrious career, beginning at age 12, as a musician, composer, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Starting in New York City in the 1960s and then in Los Angeles from the early ’70s through the late ’90s, Jesse performed with his bands and in the original cast of Godspell on Broadway,…
September 3, 2026
New Collection: Goldsboro Quilters
https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/232 The Historic Goldsboro Commemorative Quilt is more than a work of art – it is a testimony stitched with memory, resilience, and reconciliation. The Quilt began as an idea rooted in the City of Sanford’s ongoing commitment to truth-telling, healing, and unity through the Pathways to Reconciliation Project, a citywide initiative designed to face…
August 5, 2026
New Exhibit: The Transition from Tranquil Town to Technology Titan: Orlando in the 1950s and 1960s
https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/exhibits/show/tranquiltotech For much of the 18th and 19th centuries, Florida remained a relatively undeveloped state on the eastern coast of the United States. Orlando itself was home predominantly to wealthy seasonal residents and a small, local population. However, at the end of World War II and during the onset of the Cold War in the…
July 31, 2026
New Collection: DeBary
https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/233 On July 8 2024, the City of Debary partnered with the University of Central Florida Department of History and RICHES to host their first history harvest at DeBary City Hall, located at 16 Colomba Road in DeBary, Florida. Pictured: A black and white brochure entitled “Welcome to Sparkling DeBary and Deltona” distributed by the…
July 30, 2026
New Exhibit: Development, Involvement, and Philanthropy: Greek Life at UCF
https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/exhibits/show/greek_life Almost immediately upon its inception as an open and functional university in 1968, Florida Technical University (FTU) saw the emergence of social groups and organizations which added to the sparse and desolate landscape characteristic of all new institutions. Within these organizations, Greek life emerged, with the inception of various fraternity and sorority groups. By…
July 9, 2026
New Collection: Orlando Family Stage
https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/234 Orlando Family Stage is a professional Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) organization in Orlando, Florida that focuses on producing engaging theatrical experiences for children and families. Since its founding as the Orlando Little Players in December 1925, the company has become one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in the southeastern United States and…
July 6, 2026
New Exhibit: Theater: From Tragic FTU to Broadway UCF
https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/exhibits/show/theater This exhibit explores how and why UCF’s Theater Department arrived at its current standing. From the theater’s first play in 1969 to the 1990’s production involvement, funding, academics, and resources improved because of increased university majors and interest.
June 29, 2026
New Exhibit: From the Florida Frontier to a City’s Backbone: Orlando’s Public Service, 1870s-1950s
https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/…/exhibits/show/publicservice Many people do not realize the effect that public service has had on shaping Orlando’s history. This exhibit explores the contributions of Orlando City Hall and its mayors in accordance with other public sectors.T he early Orlando Police Department (OPD) and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) will also be looked at and how…
June 18, 2026
New Collection: Sumner Hutcheson III
A collection of materials from Sumner Hutcheson III, who was a Senior Executive manager with the American Red Cross for over 30 years, a senior administrator at three universities, and Chair of the Peace and Justice Institute. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/231
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Parramore Speaks
Parramore Speaks is a collaborative project between the City of Orlando and the University of Central Florida’s RICHES dedicated to preserving the rich, multifaceted histories of the Parramore community. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/229
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Roger Hipel
A collection of postcards from the private collection kept by Roger Hipel of St. Cloud, Florida. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/228
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Jesse Cutler
Collection of digital images, documents, and oral histories depicting the life and work of Jesse Cutler. Cutler has spent an illustrious career, beginning at age 12, as a musician, composer, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Starting in New York City in the 1960s and then in Los Angeles from the early ‘70s through the late ‘90s,…
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum
In 2000, Gloria Godwin and Gracia Muller Miller began talking about a reunion for the Jackson Heights Elementary School, a colored school in Oviedo during segregation. Reunion Historian, Judith Smith, began to look for artifacts from that era and struggled to locate any pictures or other information. She put the word out amongst the former…
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Nelson and Company
The Nelson and Company Packing Plant was originally founded by Steen Nelson and Gus Nelson and called Nelson Brothers. The company changed its name to Nelson and Company after it became a three-way partnership between the brothers and Benjamin Franklin Wheeler. In 1923, Wheeler became sole owner after buying out the company. The 80-acre historic…
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Florida Prison Education Project
Founded in 2017, FPEP is an initiative of the University of Central Florida that seeks to offer a high-quality undergraduate education to people who are incarcerated in Central Florida. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/224
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Covid-19
Collection of materials documenting the “COVID era”, which refers to the period between early 2020 and mid-2023. It was a global pandemic that brought unprecedented societal and economic disruptions, shifting much of daily life toward remote work, lockdowns, and widespread public health measures. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/223
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Hannibal Square
Hannibal Square is one of the oldest officially recognized neighborhoods in Winter Park. Along with the western half of the city, this neighborhood is historically the home of Winter Park’s African American community. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/221
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Jared Muha
A collection of oral history interviews conducted by Jared Muha. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/219
June 16, 2026
New Collection: First Unitarian Church of Orlando
Orlando Unitarian Universalists can follow their roots back to 1912, when Reverend Eleanor Gordon was first minister to a church formed with 21 members. Building Unity Chapel in 1913, the group shared literary and spirited discussions, fostered by transplanted Unitarians from the North. Property in an orange grove east of town was purchased in 1954.…
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Judith LaRue
A collection of materials from Judith LaRue pertaining to Bluebird brand citrus juices and Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc. Bluebird brand citrus juices were manufactured and distributed by Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., a company founded by Philip Caruso. The Bluebird juice company is currently part of Florida’s Natural Food Service. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/216
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Alliance for Truth and Justice
The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well as the local…
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Jones High School Historical Museum
Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham Avenue and…
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Hillcrest Elementary
Hillcrest Elementary School is one of Orlando’s oldest schools, opening in 1923. Since the 1980s, it has had a vibrant foreign language component and today it continues that tradition through the Orange County Public Schools Foreign Language Academy. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/212
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Veterans Legacy Program
In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing…
June 16, 2026
New Collection: The Orlando Gay Chorus
The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles…
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Pulse
In the early hours of June 12, 2016, an American born security guard named Omar Mir Seddique Mateen shot and killed 49 people and wounded an additional 53 at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Mateen, who swore allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), was shot and killed by…
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District
The Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District’s mission is to provide resources, planning, assessment, assisting citizens to apply conservation and preservation technology, and to educate the citizens in these technologies. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/204
June 16, 2026
New Collection: The Watermark
Since 1994, The Watermark has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning August 31, 1994. Since then, The Watermark has consistently published newspaper style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction, the publication expanded in…
June 16, 2026
New Collection: DeLand
In 1874, Captain John Rich became the first white settler to arrive in the present-day DeLand, which was then known as Persimmon Hollow. After arriving in 1876, Henry Addison DeLand (1834-1908) began developing the area. The city was officially incorporated in 1882 and became the county seat of Volusia County in 1887. DeLand Academy, the…
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Ferndale
Ferndale, Florida, is a census-designated place in Lake County with a population just a couple hundred people. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/201
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Sebastian
Sebastian, Florida, was established as a fishing village as early as the 1870s. In the early 1880s, David Peter Gibson and Thomas New became the first non-indigenous settlers in Sebastian. New founded a post office called New Haven and he became the village’s first postmaster. In 1882, Sebastian was officially established as St. Sebastian. In…
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Palm Beach
Palm Beach was first established in the 1890s when Henry Flagler (1830-1913) purchased land along Lake Worth to establish a resort and expanded his Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) to the area. The hub of the community centered around the Royal Poinciana Hotel and the Breakers Hotel. West Palm Beach was established nearby for hospitality…
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Rockledge
Rock Ledge was officially founded in 1887, making it the oldest incorporated municipality in Brevard County, Florida. Early industry depended upon citrus and tourism. In the 20th century, the spelling changed to one word: Rockledge. Wealthy tourists continued to visit Rockledge, causing the town’s population to increased ten times during winters. For much of the…
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Sarasota
The first recorded contact of European explorers in present-day Sarasota, Florida, was at Charlotte Harbor in 1513. Following American acquisition of the Florida Territory, the U.S. Army established Fort Armistead along the bay. The first permanent Euro-American settler was William Henry Whitaker (1821-1888), who arrived in the early 1840s. Other pioneer families include the Webbs,…
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Tallahassee
During the 17th century, various Spanish Catholic missions were established in the indigenous Apalachee Province, where present-day Tallahassee, Florida, is located. During his 1539 expedition, Hernando de Soto (ca. 1500-1542) occupied the Apalachee town of Anhaica, which is now known as Tallhassee. Nearly hree centuries later, in 1824, Tallahassee was selected as the capital of…
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Clearwater
Present-day Clearwater was originally inhabited by the Tocobaga. The U.S. Army began construction of Fort Harrison around 1835 to serve as an during the Second Seminole War. The area, which was then known as Clear Water Harbor, experienced significant growth following the passage of the Federal Armed Occupation Act of 1842, which offered land to…
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Miami Beach
The present-day area of Miami Beach was originally inhabited by the Tequesta. In 1870, Henry Lum and Charles Lum purchased a land grant for the area and set up a coconut venture. After the new business failed, the Lums eventually sold the land to John S. Collins and Thomas Pancoast. In 1913, with money loaned…
June 16, 2026
New Collection: Jacksonville Beach
Originally inhabited by the Timucua, the area of present-day Jacksonville Beach was not settled by non-indigenous peoples until the late 19th century. The first settles to migrate to the area were William Edward Scull and Eleanor Kennedy Scull in the early 1880s, naming the settlement Ruby. In 1886, the town was renamed Pablo Beach. Developers…
June 16, 2026
New Exhibit: The Path to Equality: Black Student Life at UCF
https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/…/show/blackstudentlife The history of the University of Central Florida was initially shaped throughout the 1960s and informed partially by social changes caused by the Civil Rights movement. On June 10, 1963, Governor Farris Bryant signed Legislative Bill 125, an act which sought to bring a new state university to east central Florida.1 A year later,…
June 16, 2026
Oral History of Octavius Clark
An oral history of Octavius Clark. The interview was conducted at the Booker Town Community Center in the Booker Town neighborhood of Sanford, Florida, on May 16, 2026.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Reginald Campbell
An oral history of Reginald Campbell. The interview was conducted at the Booker Town Community Center in the Booker Town neighborhood of Sanford, Florida, on May 16, 2026.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Eunice Brown
An oral history of Eunice Brown. The interview was conducted at the Booker Town Community Center in the Booker Town neighborhood of Sanford, Florida, on May 6, 2026.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Neal Coates
An oral history of Neal Coates. The interview was conducted at the New Smyrna Museum of History on March 28th, 2026.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Michael E. Williams
An oral history of Michael E. Williams. The interview was conducted at the New Smyrna Museum of History on March 28th, 2026.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Patricia Ann Blake-Harris
An oral history of Patricia Ann Blake-Harris. The interview was conducted at the New Smyrna Museum of History on March 28th, 2026.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Kenneth Bentley
An oral history of Kenneth Bentley. The interview was conducted at Hopper Academy in the Georgetown neighborhood of Sanford, Florida, on Saturday, January 28th, 2026.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Sylvia Thomas
An oral history of Silvia Thomas. The interview was conducted at Hopper Academy in the Georgetown neighborhood of Sanford, Florida, on Saturday, January 28th, 2026.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Benita Tillman Brown
An oral history of Benita Tillman Brown. The interview was conducted at Hopper Academy in the Georgetown neighborhood of Sanford, Florida, on Saturday, January 28th, 2026.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Sylvia Wimberley
An oral history of Sylvia Wimberley. The interview was conducted at Allen Chapel AME Church in the Goldsboro neighborhood of Sanford, Florida, on January 10th, 2026.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Suanne Chisolm
An oral history of Suanne Chisolm. The interview was conducted at Allen Chapel AME Church in the Goldsboro neighborhood of Sanford, Florida, on January 10th, 2026.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Robin Dehlinger
An oral history of Barbara Wells and Robin Dehlinger. The interview was conducted at Allen Chapel AME Church in the Goldsboro neighborhood of Sanford, Florida, on January 10th, 2026.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Louisa Moore
An oral history of Louisa Moore. The interview was conducted at Allen Chapel AME Church in the Goldsboro neighborhood of Sanford, Florida, on January 10th, 2026.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Leroy McClendon
An oral history of Leroy McClendon. The interview was conducted at Allen Chapel AME Church in the Goldsboro neighborhood of Sanford, Florida, on January 10th, 2026.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Barbara Wells and Lelia M. Ross
An oral history of Barbara Wells and Lelia M. Ross. The interview was conducted at Allen Chapel AME Church in the Goldsboro neighborhood of Sanford, Florida, on January 10th, 2026.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Kenneth Bentley
An oral history of Kenneth Bentley. The interview was conducted at the Sanford Museum in Sanford, Florida, on November 21st, 2025.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Harold Lucas
An oral history of Harold Lucas. The interview was conducted at the Lucas Center in Daytona Beach, Florida, on November 11th, 2025.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Reverend Rollie Murray
An oral history interview with Reverend Rollie Murray. The interview was conducted by Eric Thompson at the Callahan Neighborhood Center in Orlando, Florida, on March 8, 2025. Some of the topics covered include growing up in Chattahoochee, Florida, and his path to ministry, educational background from elementary school to Florida A&M University, participating in track…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Walter Hawkins
An oral history interview of Walter Hawkins. The interview was conducted by Sarah Boye via Zoom in Orlando, Florida, on February 13, 2025, as part of the University of Central Florida’s RICHES program in collaboration with the Parramore Speaks project. Some of the topics covered include growing up on Division Avenue and South Street in…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Rebecca Ford
An oral history interview of Rebecca H. Ford. The interview was conducted by Sarah Boye at the Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center on April 21, 2025. Some of the topics covered include growing up in South Carolina and moving to Orlando, Napoleon Ford’s education career and founding the charter school, her work as an educator and…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Reginald Bernard McGill
An oral history interview of Reginald Bernard McGill. The interview was conducted by Eric Thompson at Orlando City Hall on February 10, 2025. Some of the topics covered include growing up in Parramore and his family’s move to Orlando, family business, church involvement, and early leadership, childhood challenges including crime and school integration, teachers who…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Ralph Armstead
An oral history interview with Ralph Armstead. The interview was conducted by Sarah Boye at the Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center in Orlando, Florida, on April 25, 2025. Some of the topics covered include growing up in Parramore, early education, and attending Jones High School, family employment and his grandfather’s role as a builder and inspector,…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Pinkie Sanders
An oral history interview with Pinkie Letty Wright Sanders. The interview was conducted by Sarah Boye at the Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center in Orlando, Florida, on April 25, 2025. Some of the topics covered include growing up on Holden Street and her family background, her father’s work as a chauffeur for Dr. Phillips and family…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Paul Perkins
An oral history interview with Paul C. Perkins Jr. The interview was conducted by Eric Thompson at the Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center in Orlando, Florida, on May 12, 2025. Some of the topics covered include growing up in West Lakes, family history, and his father’s law practice on Parramore, his education journey, favorite teachers, and…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Natalie J. Ford
An oral history interview with Natalie J. Ford. The interview was conducted by Sarah Boye at the Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center in Orlando, Florida, on May 31, 2025. Some of the topics covered include growing up in Orlando and her family’s background in education, experiencing school desegregation and its impact on her education, attending private…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Mary Cottman
An oral history interview of Mary Cottman. The interview was conducted by Adaeze Nwigwe at the Callahan Neighborhood Center on March 8, 2025. Some of the topics covered include growing up on McFall Avenue and her family’s move to Orlando, running rooming houses and renting to seasonal orange pickers, staying connected to the community through…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Kathy Sapp, Ernest Sapp, and Alfreda Gary
An oral history interview with Kathy Sapp, Ernest Sapp, and Alfreda Gary. The interview was conducted by Sebastian Garcia at the Callahan Neighborhood Center in Orlando, Florida, on March 8, 2025. Some of the topics covered include growing up in Parramore, family history, and childhood experiences, family occupations and running dry cleaning businesses, family challenges…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Martha Walton Williams-Glenn
An oral history interview with Dr. Martha Walton Williams-Glenn. The interview was conducted by Eric Thompson at the Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center in Orlando, Florida, on May 31, 2025. Some of the topics covered include growing up in Parramore, family history, and attending Callahan Elementary, family challenges, Jones High School experiences, and her education journey,…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Kay Barrington
An oral history interview of Kay Barrington. The interview was conducted by Sebastian Garcia at the Callahan Neighborhood Center in Orlando, Florida, on March 8, 2025. Some of the topics covered include growing up in Parramore, her family’s involvement in the fruit-picking industry, working as a maid, attending Callahan Elementary and Jones High School, participating…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Harry H. Bryant
An oral history interview with Harry H. Bryant. The interview was conducted by Riley O’Neill at the Callahan Neighborhood Center in Orlando, Florida, on March 8, 2025. Some of the topics covered include growing up in Callahan, family history, and education journey, his family’s move to Orlando, labor work, and community life in Callahan, his…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Georgine Alice Walton
An oral history interview with Georgine Walton. The interview was conducted by Eric Thompson at the Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center in Orlando, Florida, on April 25, 2025. Some of the topics covered include growing up in Parramore and her mother’s role as a nurse, family history in Parramore and her mother’s legacy at ORMC, her…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Freddie Maxwell
An oral history interview with Freddie Maxwell. The interview was conducted by Sarah Boye at the Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center in Orlando, Florida, on April 28, 2025. Some of the topics covered include growing up in Orlando and family background, her father’s work as a lawn service owner and minister and her mother’s work, attending…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Danny Vereen, Sr.
An oral history interview with Danny Vereen Sr. The interview was conducted by Eric Thompson at the Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center in Orlando, Florida, on April 25, 2025. Some of the topics covered include growing up in Parramore and family background, experiences with school integration and attending Callahan, Rock Lake, and Howard, Jones High School…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Robert Stuart
An oral history interview with Robert Stuart. The interview was conducted by Eric Thompson at the Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center in Orlando, Florida, on April 28, 2025. Some of the topics covered include growing up in College Park, family history, and his father’s business and community involvement, memories of Parramore from childhood and providing services…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Shaniqua “Shan” Rose
An oral history interview of Shaniqua “Shan” Rose. The interview was conducted by Sarah Boye at Orlando City Hall on January 27, 2025. Some of the topics covered include moving from Brooklyn to Orlando and her family’s work in government, childhood memories and pursuing education in public administration and business finance, businesses in Parramore and…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Ann Brown
An oral history interview with Ann Patricia Brown. The interview was conducted by Riley O’Neill at the Callahan Neighborhood Center in Orlando, Florida, on March 8, 2025. Some of the topics covered include growing up on Oak Street and her family history in Parramore, her mother’s work and involvement in the Callahan Neighborhood Association, the…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Alzo Reddick
An oral history of Alzo Reddick. The interview was conducted by Sarah Boye at the Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center in Orlando, Florida, on May 31, 2025. Some of the topics covered include growing up on Jackson Street in Parramore, early education, experiences with segregation, and participating in scouts, sports, and student leadership, his father’s work,…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Kenneth Bentley with Introduction by Barbara Colman Foster
An oral history of Kenneth Bentley with an introduction by Barbara Colman Foster. The interview was conducted at the Dr. Velma H. Williams Westside Community Center in Sanford, Florida, in 2025.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Sumner Hutcheson III
An oral history of Sumner Hutcheson III. The interview was conducted at the University of Central Florida on September 15th, 2025.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Curtis Joshua Rayam Jr.
An oral history interview of Curtis Joshua Rayam Jr. The interview was conducted by Eric Thompson at the Melrose Center at the Orlando Public Library in Orlando, Florida, on March 5, 2025. Rayam, born February 4, 1951, is a native of the Parramore neighborhood in Orlando and a successful opera and concert singer. Some of…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Judith Dolores Smith
An oral history of Judith Dolores Smith. The interview was conducted at the Oviedo Woman’s Club in Oviedo, Florida, on April 16th, 2025.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Ida Boston
An oral history of Ida Boston. The interview was conducted at her home on April 23rd, 2025.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Susan Hanas (Duda)
An oral history of Susan Hanas (Duda). The interview was conducted in her home on April 23rd, 2025.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Ingrid Burton Nathan
An oral history of Ingrid Burton Nathan. The interview was conducted at Hopper Academy in the Georgetown neighborhood of Sanford, Florida, on Saturday, February 8th, 2025.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Wanda Parker
An oral history of Wanda Parker. The interview was conducted at Hopper Academy in the Georgetown neighborhood of Sanford, Florida, on Saturday, February 8th, 2025.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Wynell Washington
An oral history of Wynell Washington. The interview was conducted at Hopper Academy in the Georgetown neighborhood of Sanford, Florida, on Saturday, February 8th, 2025.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Fannie Miller
An oral history interview of Fannie Miller. The interview was conducted at Hopper Academy in the Georgetown neighborhood of Sanford, Florida, on February 8th, 2025.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Linda Gail Smith Johnson
An oral history of Linda Gail Smith Johnson. The interview was conducted at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Community Center on Monday, January 27th, 2025.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Dr. Annie Ruth Jackson Gavin
An oral history of Dr. Annie Ruth Jackson Gavin. The interview was conducted at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Community Center on Monday, January 27th, 2025.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Sophie Jackson Washington
An oral history of Sophie Jackson Washington. The interview was conducted by Judith Smith in 2022.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Richard Billette and Roger Billette
An oral history interview of Richard Billette and Roger Billette at the Zellwood Community Center in Zellwood, Florida, on March 25, 2023.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Dr. Sara Hiott Irrgang, M.D.
An oral history interview of Dr. Sara Hiott Irrgang, M.D. at the Zellwood Community Center in Zellwood, Florida, on March 25, 2023.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Dr. Sara Hiott Irrgang, M.D.
An oral history interview of Dr. Sara Hiott Irrgang, M.D. at the Zellwood Community Center in Zellwood, Florida, on March 25, 2023.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Patricia Boulware
An oral history interview of Patrica Boulware at the Zellwood Community Center in Zellwood, Florida, on March 25, 2023.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Eugene Mason
An oral history interview of Eugene Mason at the Zellwood Community Center in Zellwood, Florida, on March 25, 2023.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Pearl Mason
An oral history interview of Pearl Mason at the Zellwood Community Center on March 25, 2023.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Cissy Turner
An oral history interview of Cissy Turner at the Zellwood Community Center in Zellwood, Florida, on March 25, 2023.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Barbara “Honey” Caldwell
An oral history interview of Barbara “Honey” Caldwell at the Zellwood Community Center in Zellwood, Florida, on March 25, 2023.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Elfleata Deveaux
An oral history interview of Elfleata Deveaux conducted at Hopper Academy in the Georgetown neighborhood of Sanford, Florida, on May 18, 2024.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Patricia Phelps
An oral history interview of Patrica Phelps conducted at Hopper Academy in the Georgetown neighborhood of Sanford, Florida, on May 18, 2024.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Julia Brunson
An oral history interview of Julia Brunson conducted at Hopper Academy in the Historic Georgetown neighborhood of Sanford, Florida, on May 9, 2024.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Neal Coates
An oral history interview with Neal Coates. The interview was conducted at the New Smyrna Museum of History in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, on April 6, 2024.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Richard Feacher
An oral history interview with Richard Feacher. The interview was conducted at the Sanford Museum in Sanford, Florida, on March 28, 2024.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Dr. Geraldine Davidson Wright
An oral history interview with Dr. Geraldine Davidson Wright. The interview was conducted at the Sanford Museum in Sanford, Florida, on March 28, 2024.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Dr. Annye Refoe
An oral history interview with Dr. Annye Refoe. The interview was conducted at the Sanford Museum in Sanford, Florida, on March 28, 2024.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Zillersteen Bellamy
An oral history interview with Zillersteen Bellamy. The interview was conducted at the Sanford Museum in Sanford, Florida, on March 14, 2024.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Jesse Cutler (Part 2)
An oral history of Jesse Cutler conducted at Trevor Colbourn Hall at the University of Central Florida on February 8 and 23, 2024. Cutler has spent an illustrious career, beginning at age 12, as a musician, composer, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Starting in New York City in the 1960s and then in Los Angeles from…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Jesse Cutler (Part 1)
An oral history of Jesse Cutler conducted at Trevor Colbourn Hall at the University of Central Florida on February 8 and 23, 2024. Cutler has spent an illustrious career, beginning at age 12, as a musician, composer, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Starting in New York City in the 1960s and then in Los Angeles from…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Martha Sanders
An oral history of Martha Sanders conducted at Hopper Academy in the Georgetown neighborhood in Sanford, Florida, on March 18, 2023, as part of an event honoring community mothers entitled “Mother Made Me”.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Betty Robinson
An oral history interview of Betty Robinson conducted at Hopper Academy in the Georgetown neighborhood in Sanford, Florida, on March 18, 2023, as part of an event honoring community mothers entitled “Mother Made Me”.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Ieshia Walker
An oral history interview of Ieshia Walker conducted at Hopper Academy in the Georgetown neighborhood in Sanford, Florida, on March 18, 2023, as part of an event honoring community mothers entitled “Mother Made Me”.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Adrienne Fuller
An oral history interview of Adrienne Fuller conducted at Hopper Academy in the Georgetown neighborhood in Sanford, Florida, on March 18, 2023, as part of an event honoring community mothers entitled “Mother Made Me”.
June 8, 2026
Rosenwald School Oral Histories
Collection of oral histories taken from former students of the Rosenwald School in Altamonte Springs, Florida, at a history harvest on February 19, 2023.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Dr. Annie Gavin
An oral history of Dr. Annie Gavin. The interview was conducted by Geoffrey Cravero via Zoom on November 17, 2022.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of David Tossie
An oral history interview of educator David Tossie. The interview was conducted by Geoffrey Cravero and Diana Dizon over Zoom on November 8th, 2022. Some of the topics include early life and education in Oviedo, his favorite teachers, integration of Central Florida public schools, becoming an educator, thoughts on Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, and his…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Gracia Miller
An oral history of Gracia Miller. The interview was conducted by Geoffrey Cravero via Zoom on August 25, 2022.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Kelley Muller-Smith
An oral history interview of Kelley Muller-Smith, a Sanford native raised in Oviedo and professional singer. The interview was conducted by Dr. Connie Lester and Jessica Oldham over Zoom in Orlando, Florida, on July 28th, 2022. Some of the topics covered include Muller-Smith’s childhood and schooling in Oviedo and Jackson Heights Elementary School, now Jackson…
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Dillard A. Gould
An oral history of Dillard A. Gould. The interview was conducted by Dr. Connie Lester via Zoom on August 2, 2022.
June 8, 2026
Oral History of Samuel Wright III
An oral history of Samuel Wright III. The interview was conducted at Hopper Academy in Sanford, Florida, on October 15, 2022.
June 5, 2026
Oral History of Robert Guy
An oral history of Robert Guy. The interview was conducted at Hopper Academy in Sanford, Florida, on October 15, 2022.
June 5, 2026
Oral History of Elfleata Deveaux
An oral history of Elfleata Deveaux. The interview was conducted at Hopper Academy in Sanford, Florida, on October 15, 2022.
June 5, 2026
Oral History of Martha Hall Doctor
An oral history of Martha Hall Doctor. The interview was conducted at Hopper Academy in Sanford, Florida, on October 15, 2022.
June 5, 2026
Oral History of Linda Brown Campbell
An oral history of Linda Brown Campbell. The interview was conducted at Hopper Academy in Sanford, Florida, on October 15, 2022.
June 5, 2026
Oral History of Joseph Starling
An oral history of Joseph Starling. The interview was conducted at Hopper Academy in Sanford, Florida, on October 15, 2022.
June 5, 2026
Oral History of Israel Black
An oral history of Israel Black. The interview was conducted at Hopper Academy in Sanford, Florida, on October 15, 2022.
June 5, 2026
Oral History of Ingrid Nathan
An oral history of Ingrid Nathan. The interview was conducted at Hopper Academy in Sanford, Florida, on October 15, 2022.
June 5, 2026
Oral History of Dr. Charles Harris
An oral history of Dr. Charles Harris. The interview was conducted at Hopper Academy in Sanford, Florida, on October 15, 2022.
June 5, 2026
Oral History of Rev. Dr. Caroline Shine
An oral history of Rev. Dr. Caroline Shine. The interview was conducted at Hopper Academy in Sanford, Florida, on October 15, 2022.
June 5, 2026
Oral History of Byron T. Deese
An oral history of Byron T. Deese. The interview was conducted at Hopper Academy in Sanford, Florida, on October 15, 2022.
June 5, 2026
Oral History of Bettye Black Dorman and Barbara Black Deese
An oral history of Bettye Black Dorman and Barbara Black Deese. The interview was conducted at Hopper Academy in Sanford, Florida, on October 15, 2022.
June 5, 2026
Oral History of Judith Dolores Smith
An oral history of Judith Dolores Smith. The interview was conducted by Geoffrey Cravero at Trevor Colbourn Hall at the University of Central Florida on July 28, 2022.
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Tom Bryce, Willard “Buddy” Eure, and Jan Charles Potter
An oral history of Tom Bryce, Willard “Buddy” Eure, and Jan Charles Potter. The interview was conducted by Geoffrey Cravero at the Zellwood Community Center in Zellwood, Florida, on April 11, 2022.
June 4, 2026
Oral History of George Oliver
An oral history of George Oliver. The interview as conducted via Zoom on September 21, 2021.
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Geraldine Thompson
An oral history of Geraldine Thompson. The interview was conducted via Zoom on October 26, 2021.
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Sen. Randolph Bracy
An oral history of Sen. Randolph Bracy. The interview was conducted by Geoffrey Cravero via Zoom on September 14, 2021.
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Deborah Patricia Kirby
An oral history interview with Deborah Patricia Kirby, conducted by Fairolyn H. Livingston at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center in Winter Park, Florida, on October 4, 2021.
June 4, 2026
Oviedo Plane Crash Witnesses
On Saturday, March 6, 2021, a historical marker was unveiled honoring the crew of a 1962 plane crash in Oviedo. A Naval A3D Skywarrior Airplane based at the Sanford Naval Air Station would crash in the Oviedo area narrowly missing a school ground full of children. The pilot, Lt. Charles Hodgate, was credited with navigating…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Elizabeth Thompson
An oral history of Elizabeth Thompson. The interview was conducted via Zoom on November 6, 2020.
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Walter Hawkins
An oral history of Walter Hawkins. The interview was conducted via Zoom on November 4, 2020.
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Demetrius Summerville
An oral history of Demetrius Summerville. The interview was conducted via Zoom on October 29, 2020.
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Sandy Cawthern
An oral history of Sandy Cawthern. The interview as conducted by Geoffrey Cravero at the Downtown Orlando Public Library, on May 23, 2019.
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Jordan Klein
An oral history of Jordan Klein. The interview was conducted by Geoffrey Cravero at the home of Mr. Klein in Summerfield, Florida, on May 24, 2019.
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Fairolyn H. Livingston
An oral history interview of Fairolyn H. Livingston, chief historian of the Hannibal Square Heritage Center in Winter Park, Florida. The interview was conducted by Geoffrey Cravero at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center on December 12, 2019. Some of the topics covered include growing up in a segregated community, finding the resources to attend college,…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Warren Kaplan
An oral history of Warren Kaplan. The interview was conducted at his home in Altamonte Springs, Florida, on June 3, 2019.
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Robert Hickey
An oral history interview of Robert Hickey, a descendant of the Hickey family of Ocoee, Florida. The interview was conducted by Geoffrey Cravero at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, on February 26, 2019. Some of the topics covered include the family history of the Hickeys, growing up with his grandparents, John and…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Earline Tillman and Beverly Albert North
An oral history of Earline Tillman and Beverly Albert North. The interview as conducted by Geoffrey Cravero in Parramore, Florida, on September 19, 2019.
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Benjamin Franklin Wheeler III
An oral history interview of Benjamin Franklin Wheeler III, a descendant of the Wheeler and Lawton families in Oviedo, Florida. The interview was conducted by Desta Lee Horner at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, on June 18th, 2019. Some of the topics covered include the family history of the Lawtons and Wheelers,…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Debbie Simmons
An oral history interview of Debbie Simmons, the co-owner of Shelbie Press and a founding member of the Metropolitan Business Association (MBA), an organization supporting LGBTQ businesses in Orlando, Florida. As MBA president, she also helped found Come Out with Pride and the LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida. This interview was conducted by Sara…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Patty Sheehan
An oral history interview of Patty Sheehan, Orlando’s first openly gay city commissioner. The interview was conducted by Kalynn Smith at Sheehan’s offices at Orlando City Hall in Orlando, Florida, on April 11th, 2017. Some of the topics covered include an introduction, how the challenges of growing up gay shaped her activism, how coming out…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Reverend Margaret E. “Peggy” Howland
An oral history interview of Reverend Margaret E. “Peggy” Howland, a member of the Orlando Gay Chorus and a former Presbyterian minister. The interview was conducted by Geoffrey Cravero at the interviewee’s residence in Orlando, Florida, on December 13th, 2016. Some of the topics covered include becoming one of the first female ministers, fighting for…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Emmanuel “Manny” J. Agon Kresky
An oral history interview of Emmanuel J. Agon Kresky, a member of the Orlando Gay Chorus. The interview was conducted by Sarah Schneider at the University of Central Florida Center for Emerging Media in Orlando, Florida, on November 17th, 2016. Some of the topics covered include joining the Orlando Gay Chorus, his favorite productions, the…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Nicholas Agon Kresky
An oral history interview of Nicholas Agon Kresky, a member of the Orlando Gay Chorus who serves on the chorus’s Music and Artistic Development Committee. The interview was conducted by Sarah Schneider at the University of Central Florida Center for Emerging Media in Orlando, Florida, on November 17th, 2016. Some of the topics covered include…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Patrick Herman
An oral history interview of Patrick Herman, a member of the Orlando Gay Chorus. The interview was conducted by Sarah Schneider at Herman’s home in Orlando, Florida, on November 4th, 2016. Some of the topics covered include moving to Florida, joining the Orlando Gay Chorus, the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses Festival, the…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Richard Lamberty
An oral history interview of Richard Lamberty, a member of the Orlando Gay Chorus, same-sex ballroom dancer, and software developer. This interview was conducted by Geoffrey Cravero at the Center for Humanities and Digital Research at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, Florida, on October 11th, 2016. Some of the topics covered include…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Joel Strack
An oral history interview of Joel Strack, one of the founding members of the Orlando Gay Chorus. The interview was conducted by Tyler Campbell in the conference room at the Center for Humanities and Digital Research (CHDR) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, Florida, on September 26th, 2016. Some of the topics…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Grace Marie Stinecipher
An oral history of Grace Marie Stinecipher, conducted by Diana Dombrowski on July 13, 2010. Stinecipher was born in Sanford, Florida on September 19th, 1936. In the interview, she discusses her family history, growing up in Sanford, her career in education, living in the Orlando-Winter Park area, school integration, the effects of the Naval Air…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of the Florida High-Tech Corridor Council
An oral history interview of John C. Hitt, Randolph E. Berridge, Dr. Peter T. Panousis, Dan Holsenbeck, Carrie Martine, and Roger Pynn regarding the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. This interview conducted by Dr. Connie L. Lester and James C. Clark at the Board Room in the Office of University of Central Florida President John…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Warren McFarland
An oral history interview of Warren McFarland, a telegrapher, train dispatcher, railroad station agent, grocery clerk, Railroad Safety and Service Agent, Assistant Regional Director and Regional Manager for the Interstate Commerce Commission, and Director of the Office of Compliance and Consumer Assistance. The interview was conducted by Geoffrey Cravero at the University of Central Florida…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Edwin White and Carolyn White
An oral history interview of Edwin White and Carolyn White, conducted by Porsha Dossie on April 18, 2015. Around 1967, the Whites moved to Oviedo, Florida, where they established a horse ranch. In the interview, the Whites discuss how Oviedo has changed over time, their horse ranch, and the wildlife that lives around their property.…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Bettye Jean Aulin Reagan
An oral history interview of Bettye Jean Aulin Reagan, conducted by Rebecca Schwandt on April 2, 2015. Born January 27, 1934, Reagan is the granddaughter of Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), who is credited with naming Oviedo, Florida. In this oral history, Reagan discusses growing up in Oviedo, attending school at Oviedo High School, the great…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Julia Nadine Davis Aulin
An oral history interview of Nadine Davis Aulin, conducted by Sarah Schneider at the Alafaya Branch Library of the Orange County Library System in Orlando, Florida, on March 13, 2015. Born in 1945, Aulin grew up in Orlando and migrated to Oviedo as an adult. Aulin married Andrew Aulin, the grandson of a founding member…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Ingrid Bryant
In this interview, Ingrid Bryant, a long-time resident of Oviedo, Florida, recalls her experiences growing up and living in this community. Bryant discusses her birth in Munich, Germany, in 1944, during the height of World War II, and her subsequent immigration to the United States. Bryant reminisces about the difficulties that faced her in Orlando,…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Lars D. White
An oral history of Lars D. White, conducted by Sarah Thorncroft on March 27, 2015. In the interview, White discusses the transformation of Oviedo, Florida, from small agricultural community to a suburb of the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando. He discusses attending desegregated schools, school bus rides, various school activities, and what people…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Mick Dolan
An oral history interview of Mick Dolan, a radio personality, news and traffic reporter, voiceover actor, promotions director, talk show producer and social media blogger based in Central F. The interview was conducted by Geoffrey Cravero at the Salem Media Group radio stations in Altamonte Springs, on July 30, 2015. Topics covered in the interview…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Arthur Evans
An oral history of Arthur Evans. The interview was conducted on April 18, 2015, at Lawton House in Oviedo, Florida.
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Robert Lee
An oral history of Robert Lee. The interview was conducted in Oviedo, Florida, in 2015.
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Alice Kathryn Aulin Bunch
An oral history interview of Alice Kathryn Aulin Bunch (1926-), conducted by Porsha Dossie on April 18, 2015. Bunch was born in in Oviedo, Florida, on July 2, 1926. After graduating from Oviedo High School, Bunch began working in a bank in Downtown Orlando. On August 17, 1946, she married Richard Burdette Bunch (1924-) and…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Ida Boston
An oral history of Ida Boston, conducted by Porsha Dossie on April 18, 2015. Boston is a resident of Oviedo, Florida, and a retired school bus driver for the Seminole County Public Schools. In 1956, she married her husband, Russell Boston, who is the grandson of Prince Butler Boston, a leading figure in Oviedo’s black…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Bette Skates 2
Oral history of Bette Skates, conducted by Diana Dombrowski on July 9, 2010. Historian of the Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Sanford, Florida, Skates discusses growing up in Sanford, how Sanford has changed over time, her educational and family history, her career as a teacher, school integration, the history and activities of the Holy Cross…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Bette Skates
Oral history of Bette Skates, conducted by Austin Smith on July 14, 2010. Historian of the Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Sanford, Florida, Skates discusses the history of the church and other churches in Sanford, missionaries at Mellonville and Camp Monroe, the founding of the City of Sanford by Henry Shelton Sanford, and how the…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of David Scott
Oral history of David Scott, conducted by Susan Holcomb on April 9, 2010. Scott was the son of Grady Scott, who served as Superintendent of the Old Folks Home, formerly located at 300 Bush Boulevard in Sanford, Florida. The property has since been converted into the Museum of Seminole County History. In the interview, Scott…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Diane Yeaton
Oral history with Diane Yeaton, President of the Board of Trustees of the Marine Discovery Center, located at 520 Barracuda Boulevard in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Yeaton migrated to New Smyrna Beach from Rhode Island in 2002. The Marine Discovery Center, Inc. (MDC) was founded in 1998 for the purpose of protecting the Indian River…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Scott Kidd
Oral history of former United States recruit training Commander Scott Kidd. Interview conducted by Mark Barnes at the Unviersity of Central Florida’s Colbourn Hall in Orlando, Florida. This oral history was produced as part of the Community Veterans History Project (CVHP) and the Lone Sailor Memorial Committee for the purpose conducting background research for a…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Henry Carl Okraski
An oral history of Henry Carl Okraski. The interview was conducted on March 7, 2014, at the National Center for Simulation offices in UCF’s Research Parkway in Orlando, Florida, as part of UCF’s Community Veterans History Project.
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Jeffrey Clark
An oral history of Jeffrey Clark. The interview was conducted on May 6, 2014, in Maitland, Florida, as part of the UCF Community Veterans History Project.
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Doris McClendon
An oral history of Doris McClendon. The interview was conducted on April 11, 2014, at the University of Central Florida as part of the UCF Community Veterans History Project.
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Helen Michels
Oral history interview of Helen Michels, who was born in Palm Bay, Florida on May 4, 1936. Michels and her parents and thirteen siblings migrated to Sanford in 1942. She attended Sanford Grammar School, located at 301 West Seventh Street, and Seminole High School, at 1700 French Avenue. When Michels entered college, she originally began…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Shirley Muse
Oral history interview of Shirley Muse, collection cataloger for the UCF Public History Center, located at 301 West Seventh Street in Sanford, Florida. Muse was born in Corvallis, Oregon on May 16, 1936. She was raised in the Panama Canal Zone. In 1958, Muse married her husband while attending Florida State University. She received a…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Storm Richards
Oral history interview of Dr. Storm Leslie Richards, an archaeologist and environmental consultant for Storm L. Richards & Associates, Inc. Dr. Richards was born in Patuxent River, Maryland on August 20, 1950, but his family migrated to Sanford, Florida in 1953. He graduated from Seminole High School in 1969 and received his B.A., M.A., and…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Florence O’Connor
Oral history interview of Florence (Patchell) O’Connor, a docent for the Student Museum, located at 301 West Seventh Street in Sanford, Florida. O’Connor was born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania on November 10, 1931. While living in Pennsylvania, she taught elementary school for nine years. After marrying, she moved to Marlton, New Jersey and continued teaching and…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Algerine Miller
Oral history interview of Algerine Miller, who was born on December 6, 1940 in Sanford, Florida. Miller graduated from Crooms Academy, located at 2200 West Thirteenth Street, in 1958. After high school, she attended the Walker Business School for one year. Miller worked for the State of Florida as an Eligibility Interviewer for sixteen years…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of David Grace
Oral history of David Grace, the master gardener and docent at the Student Museum, located at 301 West Seventh Street in Sanford, Florida. Fisher Parks was born in Wichita, Kansas on December 2, 1942. He attended Wichita State University and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the United States Army in 1965. He performed missile…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Serena Rankin Fisher Parks
Oral history of Serena Rankin Fisher Parks, a resident of Seminole County, Florida. Parks was born in Concord, North Carolina, on March 3, 1941. She has worked as a social studies teacher, a media center specialist, and a social studies resource teacher for Seminole County Public Schools, as wells as a Museum Specialist/Teacher Curator from…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Gene Kruckemyer
Oral history of Gene Kruckemyer, editor for UCF News at the University of Central Florida’s News and Information Office. Kruckemyer moved Orlando to Sanford in 2004, following a series of hurricanes. He worked as a publisher for The Sanford Herald for three years and as an editor for The Orlando Sentinel for 33 years. This…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Jackie Caolo
Oral history of Jackie Caolo, a resident of Sanford, Florida. Caolo was born in Texas but raised in Florida. As an adult, she traveled with her husband for 20 years while he was in the United States Navy. In 1956, the Caolo’s husband was transferred to the Naval Technical Training Command in Sanford. The Caolos…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Kem McNair
Oral history with Kem McNair, a surfer, artist, musician, photographer, and owner of McNair Computer Arts LLC in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Born on December 27, 1952, McNair moved from southern Georgia to Central Florida around 1962. He learned to surf and became a member of the Surfari Club for many years. McNair has competed…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Thomas D. Wright
Oral history with Thomas D. Wright, a surfer and lawyer with Wright, Casey & Stowers, P.L. in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Wright was born in Florida on April 8, 1951. Other topics discussed in the oral history include growing up in New Smyrna Beach, how others perceive surfers, the evolution of surfing, how surfing affects…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Matt Clancy
Oral history with Matt Clancy, a surfer and owner of Clancy’s Mexican Cantina. Clancy moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida in 1962 when his father, a member of the United States Air Force, relocated to Central Florida. Clancy began teaching himself how to surf at age six. His six older brothers, as well as friends…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Nancy Harris Ford
Oral history told by Nancy Harris Ford, an actress in the Creative Sanford, Inc. and Celery Soup production of Remade – Not Bought. Ford was raised in Sanford, Florida and lived there until she graduated from Seminole High School in 1973. She returned to Sanford around 2009 and became involved with Celery Soup, a community…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Marilyn Maples
Oral history of Marilyn Maples, an actress in the Creative Sanford, Inc. and Celery Soup production of Remade – Not Bought. The interview was conducted by University of Central Florida Professor of History Dr. Scot French and graduate student Katie Kelley on October 19, 2013. Maples moved to Sanford, Florida in 1993. As an actress,…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Luticia “Tish” Lee, Linda Maliczowski, and Cathy Dingle
Oral history of Luticia “Tish” Lee and her two daughters, Linda Maliczowski and Cathy Dingle. The interview was conducted by University of Central Florida Professor of History Dr. Scot French and graduate students Andrew Orleman and Paul Snow on October 20, 2013. Lee was born in Sanford, Florida in 1923 and lived in her family…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Trish Thompson
Oral history told by Trish Thompson, Vice President of the Creative Sanford, Inc. The interview was conducted by Autumn Reisz and Mark Miller on October 11, 2013 and focuses on Thompson’s experiences with Creative Sanford and Celery Soup. Other topics include adapting the Swamp Gravy model to Celery Soup, how Creative Sanford and Celery Soup…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Walter Smith
Oral history of Walter Smith, interviewed by John Settle on March 2, 2013 for the UCF Public History Center’s History Harvest. In the oral history, Smith discusses how he found information about the History Harvest, what it was like going to school at Westside Grammar Elementary School in the 1930s, his attendance at Seminole High…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Christine Kinlaw-Best
Oral history of Christine Kinlaw-Best, interviewed by Mark Miller on March 2, 2013 for the UCF Public History Center’s History Harvest. In the oral history, Kinlaw-Best discusses how she found information about the History Harvest, her family’s attendance at the school building at 301 West Seventh Avenue since it opened in 1902 as Sanford High…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Linda Moscato
Oral history of Linda Moscato, interviewed by John Settle on March 2, 2013 for the UCF Public History Center’s History Harvest. In the oral history, Moscato discusses the items she contributed to the History Harvest, which including photographs, birth certificates, and other documents. She was born Linda Leigh Morgan on November 11, 1940 in Pittsburg,…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Algerine Miller
Oral history of Algerine Miller, interviewed by Autumn Reisz on March 2, 2013 for the UCF Public History Center’s History Harvest. In the oral history, Miller discusses how she found out about the History Harvest, the documents and photographs she contributed, and her family’s property in Sanford. Born in Orangeburg County, South Carolina in 1909,…
June 4, 2026
Oral History of Sharon Karraker Driskell
Oral history of Sharon Karraker Driskell, who attended Sanford Grammar School for fifth and sixth grade during the 1953-1954 and 1954-1955 school years, respectively. Driskell was born in Kansas on February 24, 1943, but her family migrated to Sanford, Florida. She attended Southside Elementary, Sanford Grammar School, Sanford Middle School, and Seminole High School. Growing…
June 4, 2026
New Exhibit: From Civil Rights to Civilization: Policy Makers Bring Change to the Diversifying Community of Orlando
https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/…/20thcenturyorlandoofficials Between 1956 and 1991, Orlando’s small 36,736 population jumped drastically to 166,582 inhabitants. Over this 35-year period Orlando could no longer think in the terms of a small town. As its minorities became integrated into the poulation and the masses demanded to be served, the city’s policy makers needed to implement change. As the…
June 1, 2026
New Exhibit: Florida Epinal Cemetery Project
https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/…/show/epinalcemeteryproject Our project seeks to tell the stories of the US servicemen from Florida buried in the Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in eastern France. The U.S. Army soldiers and airmen buried in Epinal gave their lives to secure the liberation of France and in the fight against Nazi Germany in 1944 and 1945. Starting…
May 22, 2026
New Exhibit: Westinghouse Power Generation in Orlando: A Timeline of Managerial and Organizational Evolution
https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/…/exh…/show/powergeneration The Westinghouse Electric Corporation, one of America’s foremost industrial companies whose history spanned the 100-year period starting in the late 1800s until the late 1990s. In 1998, PGBU was acquired by Siemens, AG of Germany. The story of Westinghouse’s PGBU in Orlando began around 1980, when it was decided by corporate management that the…
May 18, 2026
New Exhibit: A Brief History of Westinghouse Gas Turbines: The First 50 Years
This exhibit briefly recounts the over 50-year history of Westinghouse’s combustion turbine—also known as gas turbine—business, starting with its birth in the late 1940s as an outgrowth of Westinghouse’s Aviation Gas Turbine Division (AGTD). AGTD was born during World War II as the developer and supplier of jet engines for the U.S. Navy’s carrier-based fighter…
May 14, 2026
New Collection: Sumner Hutcheson III Collection
A collection of materials from Sumner Hutcheson III, who was a Senior Executive manager with the American Red Cross for over 30 years, a senior administrator at three universities, and Chair of the Peace and Justice Institute. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/231
March 27, 2026
New Oral History: Sumner Hutcheson III
An oral history interview of Sumner Hutcheson III. The interview was conducted by Geoffrey Cravero in Trevor Colbourn Hall at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, on September 15th, 2025. Some of the topics covered include growing up in Brownsville, the entrepreneurship of his parents and meeting Black musical artists in his fathers…
March 27, 2026
New Additions to Jesse Cutler Collection
Collection of digital images, documents, and oral histories depicting the life and work of Jesse Cutler. Cutler has spent an illustrious career, beginning at age 12, as a musician, composer, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Starting in New York City in the 1960s and then in Los Angeles from the early ‘70s through the late ‘90s,…
October 9, 2025
New Collection: St. Cloud
A collection of postcards from St. Cloud, Florida, from the private collection of Roger Hipel. Click below to visit collection : https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/220
June 16, 2025
New additions to the Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum Collection!
In 2000, Gloria Godwin and Gracia Muller Miller began talking about a reunion for the Jackson Heights Elementary School, a colored school in Oviedo during segregation. Reunion Historian, Judith Smith, began to look for artifacts from that era and struggled to locate any pictures or other information. She put the word out amongst the former…
May 9, 2025
New Additions to Judith LaRue Collection
Three color promotional advertisements for Bluebird Citrus Products line of orange and grape fruit juice. The advertisements display a variety of juices of various sizes in glass bottles and cans. Bluebird brand citrus juices were manufactured and distributed by Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., a company founded by Philip Caruso. The Bluebird juice company is currently…
December 4, 2024
New Oral History: Jesse Cutler (Part Two)
Part Two of an oral history of Jesse Cutler conducted by Geoffrey Cravero at Trevor Colbourn Hall at the University of Central Florida on February 23, 2024. Cutler has spent an illustrious career, beginning at age 12, as a musician, composer, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Starting in New York City in the 1960s and then…
November 19, 2024
New Additions to Weeki Wachee Collection
Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in…
August 1, 2024
New Collection: Jesse Cutler Collection
Collection of digital images, documents, and oral histories depicting the life and work of Jesse Cutler. Cutler has spent an illustrious career, beginning at age 12, as a musician, composer, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Starting in New York City in the 1960s and then in Los Angeles from the early ‘70s through the late ‘90s,…
July 25, 2024
New Oral History: Jesse Cutler
An oral history of Jesse Cutler conducted at Trevor Colbourn Hall at the University of Central Florida on February 8 and 23, 2024. Cutler has spent an illustrious career, beginning at age 12, as a musician, composer, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Starting in New York City in the 1960s and then in Los Angeles from…
March 6, 2024
New Oral History: David Tossie
An oral history interview of educator David Tossie. The interview was conducted by Geoffrey Cravero and Diana Dizon over Zoom on November 8th, 2022. Some of the topics include early life and education in Oviedo, his favorite teachers, integration of Central Florida public schools, becoming an educator, thoughts on Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, and his…
January 19, 2024
New Additions to Weeki Wachee Collection
Photograph of three Weeki Wachee Mermaids in staged underwater dining scene at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park around 1950. The mermaids are eating watermelon and breathing using air hoses while sitting at a table placed on the bottom of a body of water. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs…
January 4, 2024
New Additions to Florida-France Soldiers Project Collection
The Florida-France Soldiers Stories Project seeks to tell the stories of the Florida soldiers buried in the American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries in France. Our goal is to honor and commemorate the brave individuals who gave their lives supporting the Allied forces, liberating France, and defeating Germany in the Second World War. Simultaneously, our goal…
October 27, 2023
New Oral Histories: Rosenwald School
A collection of oral histories taken from former students of the Rosenwald School in Altamonte Springs, Florida, at a history harvest on February 19, 2023. Watch the video by clicking here.
March 16, 2023
New Oral History Interviews: Georgetown
Twelve new oral history interviews conducted by UCF students at a history harvest at the Georgetown community of Sanford, Florida. https://www.youtube.com/user/RICHESMI/videos
November 3, 2022
New Additions to the Nelson and Company Collection
The company was originally founded by Steen Nelson and Gus Nelson and called Nelson Brothers. The company changed its name to Nelson and Company after it became a three-way partnership between the brothers and Benjamin Franklin Wheeler. In 1923, Wheeler became sole owner after buying out the company. The 80-acre historic district was incorporated in…
September 15, 2022
New Oral History Interview: Oviedo Plane Crash (1962)
On Saturday, March 6, 2021, a historical marker was unveiled honoring the crew of a 1962 plane crash in Oviedo. A Naval A3D Skywarrior Airplane based at the Sanford Naval Air Station would crash in the Oviedo area narrowly missing a school ground full of children. The pilot, Lt. Charles Hodgate, was credited with navigating…
July 7, 2022
New Collection: Nelson and Company
The Nelson and Company Packing Plant was originally founded by Steen Nelson and Gus Nelson and called Nelson Brothers. The company changed its name to Nelson and Company after it became a three-way partnership between the brothers and Benjamin Franklin Wheeler. In 1923, Wheeler became sole owner after buying out the company. The 80-acre historic…
June 23, 2022
Exhibit Phase III: The Legacy of Ocoee
Our exhibit Voting Rights and Voter Suppression Phase III “The Legacy of Ocoee” is now open! https://bendingtowardjustice.cah.ucf.edu/
March 23, 2022
Exhibit Phase II: Expanding and Contracting Voting Rights
Phase II of our Voting Rights & Voter Suppression exhibit is now open! Visit the link below for Expanding and Contracting Voting Rights: https://bendingtowardjustice.cah.ucf.edu/index.php/introduction-to-phase-2-expanding-and-contracting-voting-rights/
October 28, 2021
New Exhibit: Voter Rights & Voter Suppression
RICHES has opened Voter Rights & Voter Suppression: Florida’s Century of Struggle, 1920-2020 as the first phase of a 3-part series in the Bending Toward Justice Digital Exhibit (#BTJUCF). Explore the initial exhibit here: http://bendingtowardjustice.cah.ucf.edu
July 8, 2021
New Exhibit: The Women of Weeki Wachee Springs
Thanks to the Florida Humanities Council, Rebecca Schwandt, the Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and RICHES were able to collect oral histories from former Weeki Wacheee Springs mermaids and digitize their artifacts. The following exhibit features a selection of those artifacts, quotes from oral histories, and a history of the roadside attraction Weeki…
May 23, 2021
New Additions to the Weeki Wachee Collection
Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in…
September 4, 2020
New Oral History Interview: Sister Gail Grimes
An oral history interview of Sister Gail Grimes, a Roman Catholic sister from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who moved to Apopka, Florida, in January of 1975 to serve the farmworker, low-income and immigrant communities. This interview was conducted by Jared Muha in Apopka on October 10, 2014. Some of the topics covered include moving to Apopka, working…
August 27, 2020
New Additions to the Central Florida Music History Collection
Collection of digital images, documents, and other records depicting the history of music in Central Florida. Series descriptions are based on special topics, the majority of which students focused their metadata entries around. Central Florida’s musical heritage is as rich as it is diverse, dating back to the Spanish settlers of the sixteenth century. Over…
August 13, 2020
New Collection: Judith LaRue
Bluebird brand citrus juices were manufactured and distributed by Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., a company founded by Philip Caruso. The Bluebird juice company is currently part of Florida’s Natural Food Service. Visit the Judith LaRue Collection: https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/216
August 10, 2020
The Orlando Gay Chorus Collection is now complete
The Orlando Gay Chorus Collection is now complete. Follow the link below for access to 134 items, including original posters, programs and oral history interviews. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC…
July 10, 2020
New Addition to Alliance for Truth and Justice Collection
A genre-based bibliography for the Ocoee Project from the Alliance for Truth and Justice. The Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. ATJ…
June 26, 2020
New Additions to Orlando Gay Chorus Collection
The Orlando Gay Chorus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization part of GALA Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a whole…
June 8, 2020
New Oral History Interview: Fairolyn Livingston
An oral history interview of Fairolyn H. Livingston, chief historian of the Hannibal Square Heritage Center in Winter Park, Florida. The interview was conducted by Geoffrey Cravero at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center on December 12, 2019. Some of the topics covered include growing up in a segregated community, finding the resources to attend college,…
May 21, 2020
New Additions to the Veterans Legacy Program Collection
New additions to the Veterans Legacy Program Collection! In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public.…
April 16, 2020
Transcriptions for Sanford Herald Digital Archive
We would like to thank volunteers Karen Daniels and Kim Marie Fischer Peters for their hard work transcribing issues of the Sanford Herald for our digital archive. By making these transcriptions available, the archive can be searched more effectively. Keep up the great work! https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/sanford_herald/
February 17, 2020
More New Additions to First Unitarian Church Collection
Orlando Unitarian Universalists can follow their roots back to 1912, when Reverend Eleanor Gordon was first minister to a church formed with 21 members. Building Unity Chapel in 1913, the group shared literary and spirited discussions, fostered by transplanted Unitarians from the North. Property in an orange grove east of town was purchased in 1954.…
January 8, 2020
New Additions to the Watermark Collection
Since 1994, The Watermark has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning August 31, 1994. Since then, The Watermark has consistently published newspaper style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction,…
December 10, 2019
New Additions to Veterans Legacy Program Collection
New additions to the Veterans Legacy Program Collection! In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public.…
November 18, 2019
New Additions to First Unitarian Church Collection
New Additions: First Unitarian Church of Orlando Collection Orlando Unitarian Universalists can follow their roots back to 1912, when Reverend Eleanor Gordon was first minister to a church formed with 21 members. Building Unity Chapel in 1913, the group shared literary and spirited discussions, fostered by transplanted Unitarians from the North. Property in an orange…
September 23, 2019
New Additions to Orlando Gay Chorus Collection
New additions to the Orlando Gay Chorus Collection! The Orlando Gay Chorus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization part of GALA Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles…
September 12, 2019
New Oral History Interview: Jeannie Economos
An oral history interview of Jeannie Economos, the Pesticide Safety and Environmental Health Project Coordinator at the Farmworker Association of Florida (FAF), who also worked as Lake Apopka Project Coordinator for the FAF, as well as for non-profit organizations such as the Audubon Society and Save the Manatee Club. The interview was conducted by Jared…
August 21, 2019
New Oral History Interview: Benjamin Franklin Wheeler III
An oral history interview of Benjamin Franklin Wheeler III, a descendant of the Wheeler and Lawton families in Oviedo, Florida. The interview was conducted by Desta Lee Horner at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, on June 18th, 2019. Some of the topics covered include the family history of the Lawtons and Wheelers,…
August 16, 2019
New Collection: First Unitarian Church of Orlando
New Collection: First Unitarian Church of Orlando Orlando Unitarian Universalists can follow their roots back to 1912, when Reverend Eleanor Gordon was first minister to a church formed with 21 members. Building Unity Chapel in 1913, the group shared literary and spirited discussions, fostered by transplanted Unitarians from the North. Property in an orange grove…
June 25, 2019
New Additions to the VLP Collection!
In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program continues, engaging a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in national cemeteries available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing…
June 5, 2019
Screening of “The Yard” at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando
Photographs from a screening of the 60-minute documentary, “The Yard”, at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando. The event took place on March 7, 2019, from 6:30pm to 9:00 pm. The screening of the film was followed by a panel discussion that included the filmmaker. Partners in the event included Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), First…
May 21, 2019
New Oral History Interview: Debbie Simmons
An oral history interview of Debbie Simmons, the co-owner of Shelbie Press and a founding member of the Metropolitan Business Association (MBA), an organization supporting LGBTQ businesses in Orlando, Florida. As MBA president, she also helped found Come Out with Pride and the LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida. This interview was conducted by Sara…
May 10, 2019
New Collection: Truth and Justice Project Collection
The Truth and Justice Project of Orange County, Florida, (TJP) is a volunteer-based organization that engages with the community to promote education concerning the truth of local history and to advocate justice for those who have been harmed by inequities born of prejudice. TJP builds on the work of Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative as well…
March 8, 2019
New Additions to LGBTQ+ Collection!
We’ve added new items to our LGBTQ+ Collection! One is a flyer for a history harvest conducted by the GLBT History Museum of Central Florida and the University of Central Florida’s RICHES program on January 14, 2017. The harvest was held at The LGBT Center of Central Florida, located at 946 North Mills Avenue in…
March 4, 2019
Attention Programmers!
RICHES is hiring an Applications Systems Analyst/Programmer! If you are interested in joining our team, please follow the link below for details! https://www.jobswithucf.com/postings/56293
February 11, 2019
New Collection: Jones High School Historical Museum Collection
Located in the Parramore/Lorna Doone neighborhood of downtown Orlando, Jones High School – OCPS was the first area public school for African-Americans. The original building was located on the corner of Garland Avenue and Church Street, but the school was renamed the Johnson Academy and moved to a new building on the corner of Chatham…
January 4, 2019
100 Year Memorial Remembering Roderick Perry Taylor
The Geneva Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc. held a 100 year memorial on October 10, 2018, for Roderick Perry Taylor of Geneva, Florida, and the other 564 people who died on the R.M.S. Leinster when it was hit by three German torpedoes in the Irish Sea on Oct. 10, 1918. Most of those killed were…
December 4, 2018
New Collection: Weeki Wachee Collection
Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show…
November 20, 2018
New Item: A Side Walk with the Art Festival
A Side Walk with the Art Festival by Elizabeth Bradley Bentley. The book celebrates two decades of the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival in Winter Park, Florida. Bentley documents the festival’s history using newspaper articles, oral history interviews, personal experiences, scrapbooks, programs and minutes. Each chapter in Section One represents one year of the festival.…
November 2, 2018
New Additions to the Geneva Historical & Genealogical Society Collection!
The Geneva Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc. held a 100 year memorial on October 10, 2018, for Roderick Perry Taylor of Geneva, Florida, and the other 564 people who died on the R.M.S. Leinster when it was hit by three German torpedoes in the Irish Sea on Oct. 10, 1918. Most of those killed were…
October 24, 2018
New Additions to the Orlando Gay Chorus Collection!
The OGC allowed RICHES to digitize their concert programs going all the way back to their very first performance! Follow the link below to browse through some of the earlier programs and check back soon for more additions! https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/206
October 23, 2018
New Collection: Hillcrest Elementary School Collection
Hillcrest Elementary School is one of Orlando’s oldest schools, opening in 1923. Since the 1980s, it has had a vibrant foreign language component and today it continues that tradition through the Orange County Public Schools Foreign Language Academy. Visit our Hillcrest Elementary Collection: https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/212
October 22, 2018
Watermark Collection Now Through 2006!
Since 1994, The Watermark has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning August 31, 1994. Since then, The Watermark has consistently published newspaper style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction,…
September 27, 2018
Even More New Additions to the Watermark Collection!
Since 1994, The Watermark has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning August 31, 1994. Since then, The Watermark has consistently published newspaper style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction,…
July 13, 2018
New Exhibit: Central Florida Railroad Depots
Digital exhibit created by Dr. Connie L. Lester’s American Economic History class during the Spring Semester of 2014 at the University of Central Florida. The class project entailed a digital exhibit demonstrating the role of railroads, and specifically railroad depots, in the economic life of Central Florida communities. Each student was responsible for one railroad…
May 22, 2018
New Additions to The Watermark Collection
Since 1994, The Watermark has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning August 31, 1994. Since then, The Watermark has consistently published newspaper style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction,…
May 10, 2018
New Collection: Veterans Legacy Program Collection
In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and…
May 9, 2018
Nearly 100 Years of the The Sanford Herald are now digitally available on RICHESMI™!
On August 22, 1908, the Sanford Herald published its first issue. Featuring articles about the cost of purchasing and developing farm land and details of orange culture, the first issue was named the “industrial edition” as Sanford was then known as the Gate City to Florida. News of the past is no longer limited to…
January 31, 2018
Happy Holidays from RICHES!
Happy Holidays from all of us at RICHES! Check out this Army Air Forces menu created for Christmas of 1943, from the private collection of Thomas Cook. The cover shows Santa Claus piloting an airplane over an airbase. There are illustrations of a decorated Christmas tree, a palm tree and what appears to be orange…
December 22, 2017
New Exhibit: Westinghouse Power Generation in Orlando – The Early Days
The national headquarters of Siemens Energy, Inc., located in east Orlando on Alafaya Trail near University Boulevard—across from the University of Central Florida—is a major part of the Central Florida business community. Almost forgotten, however, is that the original developer and occupant of the site was the Power Generation Business Unit (PGBU) of the Westinghouse…
October 25, 2017
Happy Birthday to Us!
RICHES was founded 8 years ago in the Fall of 2009. Help us celebrate by checking out some of our collections: https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collection-tree
August 24, 2017
New Exhibit: Orlando Remembered
Orlando Remembered, a committee of Historical Society of Central Florida, Inc. is dedicated to preservation of the memories of Orlando, “The City Beautiful,” primarily as it was during the period of 1930 to 1950. Founded in 1981 by Don Acito and Andy Serros, Orlando Remembered has partnered with leading businesses, local governments, institutes of higher…
July 5, 2017
New Collection: Pulse Collection
In the early hours of June 12, 2016, an American born security guard named Omar Mir Seddique Mateen shot and killed 49 people and wounded an additional 53 at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Mateen, who swore allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), was shot and killed by…
June 26, 2017
New Exhibit: Citizen Curator Project
Citizen Curator Project on RICHES RICHES includes a permanent archive of Resilience: Remembering Pulse and Pulse: A Consultation, plus five additional projects: Florida Pride and Shame by Amanda Polk; Black in White by Kimari Jackson; Literature for the Resistance by Jaclyn Crawford; Central Florida Pulse: The Tragedy of Place and the Power of Activism by Mia Tangor, Carys O’Neill and Savannah Bitto; and A Cultural Poultice by Abigail Padfield,…
June 8, 2017
New Item: Oral Memoirs of Patty Sheehan
An oral history interview of Commissioner Patty Sheehan, Orlando’s first openly gay city commissioner. The interview was conducted by Kalynn Smith at Sheehan’s offices at Orlando City Hall in Orlando, Florida, on April 11th, 2017. Some of the topics covered include an introduction, how the challenges of growing up gay shaped her activism, how coming…
May 24, 2017
New Additions to The Epinal American Cemetery Collection
The Florida Epinal Cemetery Project seeks to tell the stories of the U.S. servicemen from Florida buried in the Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in eastern France. The U.S. Army soldiers and airmen buried in Epinal gave their lives to secure the liberation of France and in the fight against Nazi Germany in 1944 and 1945.…
April 10, 2017
New Additions to Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District Collection
The Seminole Soil Conservation District organization began in 1948 with a goal of assisting agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole County Soil and Water Conservation District also began to concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests included inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water…
March 27, 2017
New Additions to The Watermark Collection
Since 1994, The Watermark has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning August 31, 1994. Since then, The Watermark has consistently published newspaper style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction,…
March 27, 2017
New Collection: Orlando Gay Chorus Collection
One of the largest mixed gay choirs in the country, the Orlando Gay Chorus is comprised of individuals from all walks of life, ages, and orientations, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, as well as straight allies. Their mission is to change hearts and minds in Central Florida and around the world. In the wake of…
March 14, 2017
New Exhibit – Comics Fighting: An Underground War for LGBTQ Visibility
“Comics Fighting: An Underground War for LGBTQ Visibility” was designed by Robert T. Smith, a student in UCF’s Department History, during his internship with the GLBT Museum of Central Florida. The exhibit centers on the use of story-telling through comics to expand visibility for the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) Movement by…
October 12, 2016
New Additions to the Friends of Lake Apopka Collection
The Friends of Lake Apopka (FOLA) is a citizen advocacy group with the mission of restoring Lake Apopka in Orange County and Lake County, Florida. Due to poor farming practices along its shores, Lake Apopka has become one of the largest polluted lakes in Florida. This collection features various archival items related to the restoration…
September 23, 2016
New Additions to the Sky Lake Collection
Sky Lake is a residential community and unincorporated area in Orange County, Florida. It is located approximately seven miles south of Downtown Orlando between Lancaster Road and Sand Lake Road. The community was developed in late 1950s and 1960s by Hymen Lake. Houses originally sold in the range of $10,000 to $15,000. In the 1970s,…
September 23, 2016
New Exhibit: The Building and Beyond: Orlando’s Post Office and Its Evolving Community
From its construction onward, the Downtown Orlando Post Office has been a physical symbol of the growing and evolving city that surrounds it. Opened in 1941, the post office experienced many changes that reflected national and local social and economic transformations. Demographic shifts, wars, economic booms and downturns, and social conflicts were reflected in the…
September 8, 2016
New Collection: The Watermark Collection
Since 1994, The Watermark has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning August 31, 1994. Since then, The Watermark has consistently published newspaper style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction,…
August 3, 2016
New Collection: Sky Lake Collection
Sky Lake is a residential community and unincorporated area in Orange County, Florida. It is located approximately seven miles south of Downtown Orlando between Lancaster Road and Sand Lake Road. The community was developed in late 1950s and 1960s by Hymen Lake. Houses originally sold in the range of $10,000 to $15,000. In the 1970s,…
June 22, 2016
New Collection: Florida Historical Quarterly Podcast Collection
The Florida Historical Quarterly is the academic journal published four times per year by the Florida Historical Society in cooperation with the Department of History at the University of Central Florida. Each issue features peer-reviewed articles focusing on a wide variety of topics related to Florida history. To explore this collection, please visit https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/?s=1&zoom=5&coll=184.
May 26, 2016
New Collection: Parramore Collection
Bordered on the east by Division Street and on the west by Orange Blossom Trail (OBT), the Parramore began as an agricultural community. Parramore was historically a segregated African-American community and now comprises three separate downtown neighborhoods: Lake Dot, Callahan, and Holden-Parramore. Once an economically thriving area and the home of many prominent black businesses…
April 8, 2016
New Collection: Viking Cemetery Collection
Viking Cemetery is one of the last remaining pieces of the small town of Viking, Florida. The area was first settled in 1892 by Major B. Daniels (1860-1947), who used the land largely to grow pineapple, a significant crop in Florida at the time. By 1895, Norwegian immigrant Jens Helseth (1858-1944) moved to the area…
March 7, 2016
New Collection: Orlando City Hall Collection
Historic artifacts from an exhibit created by Orlando Remembered at the Orlando City Hall, located at 400 South Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida. This exhibit houses objects relating to Orlando’s municipal government. The current building opened in July of 1991. The former city hall was located directly in front of current building and was…
February 22, 2016
New Collection: Epinal American Cemetery Collection
The Florida Epinal Cemetery Project seeks to tell the stories of the U.S. servicemen from Florida buried in the Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in eastern France. The U.S. Army soldiers and airmen buried in Epinal gave their lives to secure the liberation of France and in the fight against Nazi Germany in 1944 and 1945.…
January 8, 2016
New Collection: Westinghouse Electric Collection
Originally called the Westinghouse Electric Company, George Westinghouse (1846-1914) founded his manufacturing company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 8, 1886. In 1889, he renamed his business the The Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. Westinghouse’s primary products include turbines, generators, motors and switchgear related to the generation, transmission, and use of electricity. The company changed its…
December 8, 2015
New Items – Dr. Calvin Fowler Collection
Dr. Calvin Fowler Collection includes images, documents, and other archival items donated by Dr. Calvin “Cal” D. Fowler, who was the manager of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 during the final three launches of Project Mercury. To view the collection on the interactive map, click here.
November 30, 2015
New Items – Oviedo Historical Society Collection
RICHES has added a large number of new items to the Oviedo Historical Society Collection. The Oviedo Historical Society Collection encompasses historical artifacts donated for digitization at the Oviedo Historical Society’s History Harvest in the Spring semester of 2015.
November 25, 2015
New Collection – Captain Charles Henry Coe Collection
The Captain Charles Henry Coe Collection was donated by Andrew M. Foster, a descendant of Captain Charles Henry Coe (1856-1954). Capt. Coe was born in Torrington, Connecticut, on February 3, 1856, to William Henry Coe (1824-1879), who founded the town of Glencoe, and Deborah Little Archer Coe (1824-1912). In 1874, his family migrated to Jacksonville, Florida, due to…
November 25, 2015
New Collection – Florida Space Coast History Collection
The Florida Space Coast History Collection consists of various photographs and documents about the Space Program in Florida. This collection was donated to RICHES by the Florida Space Coast History Project, whose mission is to “preserve Florida’s unique space and missile heritage.”
November 17, 2015
New Item: Cocoa Beach Glass Bank
RICHES has just added “Cocoa Beach Glass Bank in 3D,” a video simulation of the Glass Bank as it appear in 1963. The video was produced by the Institute for Simulation & Training and the College of Arts & Humanities at the University of Central Florida. Also known as the First Federal Savings and Loan Building,…
November 17, 2015
New Release of RMI
Browse the Featured Items or Collections. Also select the Collection Overview to see an explanation of many of our collections. See all of the Featured Items by clicking the title of that section. Learn more by watching a Tour of RICHES MI, or reading about our project. Follow us on social media with the social…
September 29, 2015
New Collection – The Maitland News Collection
The Maitland News was a local newspaper originally published by the Maitland Realty Company (and later by The Maitland News Company) which began circulation in April 1926. The Maitland News Collection includes a number of early issues published from 1926 to 1927. Newspapers were contributed by the Maitland Historical Museum, as part of the Art & History…
August 24, 2015
New Additions to the Rock Collection
The Rock Collection explores the history of rock music in Central Florida. Items in this collection were curated by UCF graduate Geoffrey Cravero and include photographs, newspaper articles, ticket stubs, and videos. These new items were donated to RICHES from the private collection of professional photographer Alicia Lyman and features the following local bands and artists: Beeb$ and Her…
August 3, 2015
New Additions to the Oviedo Historical Society Collection
The Oviedo Historical Society Collection encompasses historical artifacts donated for digitization at the Oviedo Historical Society’s History Harvest in the Spring semester of 2015. Items in this collection were curated by UCF graduate student Porsha Dossie and include photographs, newspaper articles, maps, programs, pamphlets, booklets, and deeds. These new items were donated to RICHES from the…
July 22, 2015
New Collection: Oviedo Historical Society Collection
The Oviedo Historical Society Collection encompasses historical artifacts donated for digitization at the Oviedo Historical Society’s History Harvest in the Spring semester of 2015. Items in this collection were curated by UCF graduate student Porsha Dossie and include photographs, newspaper articles, maps, and artwork. Items were donated to RICHES from the private collections of Sue…
July 13, 2015
New Additions to the Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation Collection
RICHES MI has added a number of photographs to the Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation Collection. The Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation is located on the Bethune-Cookman University campus at 640 Doctor Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard in Daytona Beach, Florida. The foundation was established on March 17, 1953, as “a place to awaken people and to have them realize…
June 23, 2015
New Collection – Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens Collection
We’ve added a new collection to RICHES MI: the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens Collection. This collection features photographs, oral histories, and other items donated by the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens, located at 633 Osceola Avenue in Winter Park, Florida. Albin Polasek, known internationally for his sculptures, retired to Lake Osceola in Winter Park…
June 23, 2015
Central Florida Music History Collection
To view the collection on the interactive map, click here. Collection of digital images, documents, and other records depicting the history of music in Central Florida. Series descriptions are based on special topics, the majority of which students focused their metadata entries around. Central Florida’s musical heritage is as rich as it is diverse, dating…
June 11, 2015
Dr. Calvin Fowler Collection
Collection of images, documents, and other archival items donated by Dr. Calvin “Cal” D. Fowler, who was the manager of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 during the final three launches of Project Mercury. To view the collection on the interactive map, click here.
June 10, 2015
Analyze and Annotate your book bag! RICHES MI 3.0 arrives.
RICHES Mosaic Interface released its new version last week and it includes more ways than ever to analyze your book bag. Create folders for your bookbag Change the order of items in your bag See your selected folders on a timeline or map Choose suggested items from Connections to add to your bookbag View a…
May 1, 2015
Milane Theatre Collection
The Milane Theatre was built at 203 South Magnolia Avenue, the former location of the Star Theatre, an abandoned movie house. Scroggs and Ewing, architects from Georgia, prepared the plans for the Milane. The name of the new theater was derived from the combination of the Milane Amusement Company president and vice president: Frank L.…
February 9, 2015
New Smyrna Beach Collection
Collection of digital images, documents, and other records depicting the history of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Series descriptions are based on special topics, the majority of which students focused their metadata entries around. In 1758, the first European settlers arrived in present-day New Smyrna Beach and Dr. Andrew Turnbull established the colony of New Smyrna.…
January 9, 2015
History Harvest List
We have added a new Exhibit window to introduce our History Harvest Collections. The Menu on our archive will lead you straight to a list of our History Harvests where you can locate your items.
January 5, 2015
See Connections changes Immediately
We have also moved the connections settings button to the connections window. This allows the connections to be changed immediately when you choose a different setting. Connection Settings are basically the weights that the connections algorithm uses to for the different criteria used to calculate the realtedness of items in the repository. Try it! 1.…
November 21, 2014
Winter Springs Collection
Collection of digital images, documents, and other records depicting the history of Winter Springs, Florida. Series descriptions are based on special topics, the majority of which students focused their metadata entries around. The first Euro-American individual own land in present-day Winter Springs was Moses Levy of New York, who acquired a land grant from the…
October 9, 2014
Sort your Search Results
RMI has a new way to display search results! At THAT Camp 2014, users asked us to allow them to order their results. We have added a dropdown on the results tab to allow searching by relevance (for natural language searching), chronological and alphabetical order. Listed under the name of each item is the list…
September 23, 2014
Social Media on RICHES MI
From the detail window, you can now share your findings with your friends social media.
August 15, 2014
Geneva Historical & Genealogical Society Collection
The Geneva Historical & Genealogical Society is located in Geneva, an unincorporated area of Seminole County. The first regular meeting was held at the Geneva Community Center on November 30, 1952. Alice Coffee Guyton served as the society’s first president. The Geneva Historical & Genealogical Society established the Museum of Geneva History, located at 165…
June 9, 2014
Oviedo Collection
Collection of digital images, documents, and other records depicting the history of Oviedo, Florida. Series descriptions are based on special topics, the majority of which students focused their metadata entries around. The Timucuan Native Americans originally inhabited the area of present-day Oviedo, although the remains of their settlements have disappeared. Homesteaders arrived along the shores…
June 9, 2014
Sanford State Farmers’ Market Collection
The Sanford State Farmers’ Market Collection contains images of the market’s history and its significance to local and state agriculture. The Sanford State Farmers’ Market was founded in 1934 in order to provide a central location in which farmers would sell their produce directly to consumers. The idea for the Sanford State Farmers’ Market was…
June 9, 2014
Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation Collection
Collection of digital images, documents, and other records from the Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation located on the Bethune-Cookman University campus at 640 Doctor Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard in Daytona Beach, Florida. The foundation was established on March 17, 1953, as “a place to awaken people and to have them realize that there is something in…
June 9, 2014
Limit your results by Document Type
Many users have requested that they be able to limit their search to a certain document type. We have added the list of resource types on the first search tab. Now you can choose a document type before you search and see only that type of document in the results.
May 29, 2014
Lone Sailor Navy Memorial History Project Collection
Collection of digital images and oral histories related to the former Recruit Training Center Orlando (RTC Orlando) for the United States Navy. The training center transformed raw recruits into highly effective sailors. This process took place over an intensive eight-week training period, commonly referred to as “boot camp.” RTC Orlando occupied roughly one half of…
May 9, 2014
Sanford Riverfront Collection
The Sanford Riverfront Collection consists of images depicting the history and significance of Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River to the City of Sanford, Florida. The waterways that surround Sanford have provided transportation, commerce, defense, and leisure activities for the city’s citizens and visitors since its creation in 1877. To view the collection on…
April 9, 2014
Ice Houses of Sanford Collection
This collection features the various ice houses and ice plants that have existed in Sanford, Florida. Ice manufacturing became a prominent industry in the United States by the beginning of the twentieth century. Most ice houses consisted of two stories with the first floor used as food storage and the second floor used to store…
February 9, 2014
Sanford Avenue Collection
Collection of digital images, documents, and other records depicting the history of Sanford Avenue, the main street in Georgetown, an African-American community in Sanford, Florida. Series descriptions are based on special topics, the majority of which students focused their metadata entries around. Georgetown was established by the city’s founder, Henry Shelton Sanford, in the 1870s.…
February 9, 2014
Seminole County Public Schools Collection
Collection of digital images, documents, and other records depicting the educational history of Seminole County, Florida. Items from this collection are donated by the Student Museum and UCF Public History Center. The Student Museum has collaborated with the University of Central Florida and established the UCF Public History Center (PHC). All of the Student Museum’s…
January 9, 2014
Hotel Forrest Lake Collection
Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, the Forrest Lake Hotel has also been known as the Mayfair Inn and was briefly occupied by the Sanford Naval Academy. In 1916, construction of the building began. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and…
December 9, 2013
Georgetown Collection
Collection of digital images, documents, and other records depicting the history of Georgetown, an African-American community in Sanford, Florida. Series descriptions are based on special topics, the majority of which students focused their metadata entries around. Georgetown was established by the city’s founder, Henry Shelton Sanford, in the 1870s. The neighborhood spans along Sanford Avenue,…
December 9, 2013
Student Museum and UCF Public History Center Collection
The Student Museum and UCF Public History Center Collection encompasses a broad range of materials and items ranging from the late 19th Century into the present. The collection includes artifacts, photographs, documents, videocassettes, and other historical records pertaining to the history of the Sanford Grammar School, the Sanford community through the years, and the history…
September 9, 2013
Daytona Beach Collection
Collection of digital images, documents, and other records depicting the history of Daytona Beach, Florida. Series descriptions are based on special topics, the majority of which students focused their metadata entries around. Daytona Beach was originally inhabited by the Timucua before the arrival of Spaniards in 1513. After the Timucua were virtually exterminated following contact…
September 9, 2013
Ormond Beach Collection
Ormond Beach is a city located in Volusia County, just north of Daytona Beach. Timucuan Indians frequented the area, but it was not settled until 1643, when a group of Quakers arrived after being blown off course. Although relations were originally friendly, Timucuan chief Oseanoha led a raid of the Quaker encampment in 1704,…
September 9, 2013
Henry L. DeForest Collection
Henry L. DeForest was born February 7, 1857 in Derby, Connecticut, and knew Henry Shelton Sanford from childhood. In 1870, DeForest came to Florida seeking better health in the warmer climate. He became Sanford’s agent and helped carry out the work of establishing Sanford, Florida. He managed the contracted workers for Sanford’s groves, especially the…
August 9, 2013
Goldenrod Historical Society & Museum Collection
The Goldenrod Historical Society, located at 4755 Palmetto Avenue in Goldenrod, Florida, was established on October 17, 1984. On Friday, August 11, 2000, the society received permission to begin development of the Goldenrod Station and Museum using the Goldenrod Fire Station. The Grand Opening was held on October 6, 2001. The fire station is also…
July 9, 2013
Sanford Baseball Collection
Sanford entered the world of professional baseball in 1919 with the formation of the Class D Florida State League. In its inaugural season, the Celeryfeds won the first half pennant, finishing in a tie with Orlando for the best overall record. Although the league folded in 1928, it was revived in 1936, and once again…
July 9, 2013
Sanford Collection
Collection of digital images, documents, and other records depicting the history of Sanford, Florida. Series descriptions are based on special topics, the majority of which students focused their metadata entries around. The present-day Sanford area was originally inhabited by the Mayaca/Joroco natives by the time Europeans arrived. The tribe was decimated by war and disease…
July 9, 2013
Sanford Cigar Collection
The cigar industry was first brought to Florida by Cuban immigrants in the 1830s and became one of the nation’s most important industries in the Southeast. By the last quarter of the 19th century, with Tampa serving as the cigar manufacturing center in the state. In the late 1800s, cigar factories began to appear in…
June 9, 2013
Naval Air Station Sanford Collection
This collection contains images of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford from its inception in 1942 to present day. The Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford was commissioned on November 3, 1942, as a naval aviation training facility during World War II. The Navy continued to train pilots at NAS Sanford throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars.…
June 9, 2013
Churches of Sanford Collection
Collection of digital images, documents, and other records depicting the religious history of Sanford, Florida. Series descriptions are based on special topics, the majority of which students focused their metadata entries around. The present-day Sanford area was originally inhabited by the Mayaca/Joroco natives by the time Europeans arrived. The tribe was decimated by war and…
June 9, 2013
General Photographic Collection
The photographs in the General Collection range in date from the late 1870s to the early 2000s. Many of the photographs within this collection contain photographs taken in and around the Sanford community and city proper. Additional photographs from outside of Sanford, taken in DeLeon Springs and the Tallahassee Children’s Museum, as well as a…
June 9, 2013
Thomas Cook Collection
Collection of digital images, postcards, documents, and other records from the private collection of Thomas Cook. Series descriptions are based on special topics, the majority of which students focused their metadata entries around. To view the collection on the interactive map, click here.
May 9, 2013
Marie Jones Francis Collection
Collection of digital images, documents, and other records depicting the life and work of Marie Jones Francis. Francis, the “midwife of Sanford,” lived at 621 East Sixth Street in Sanford, Florida. Francis converted the house to also serve as a maternity ward, where she delivered over 40,000 babies during her 32 year career. She became…
September 9, 2012
Heathrow Collection
Collection of digital images, documents, and other records depicting the history of Heathrow, Florida. Series descriptions are based on special topics, the majority of which students focused their metadata entries around Heathrow is an unincorporated community just west of Lake Mary, Florida. Heathrow was founded by Jeno F, Paulucci in 1985. As a food business…
August 9, 2012