The Winter Park History Museum seeks to research and preserve the abundant, history of Winter Park and its surrounding area, and tell our town's story through free educational exhibits, lecture series and outreach programs.
Did you know Winter Park was once home to an international literary celebrity?
When Winter Park’s population was still under 300, a quiet literary legend was already putting our town on the cultural map. In 1886, Isabella Macdonald Alden — better known by her pen name Pansy — moved here with her husband and son, becoming one of Winter Park’s earliest and most influential residents.
A literary sensation, Alden wrote hundreds of stories and was the author of more than 70 novels — some of them translated into French, German, Russian and Japanese. Her books — brimming with Christian values and moral lessons — were beloved by generations of children and young adults around the world. At the height of her fame, she received thousands of fan letters each week.
In Winter Park, Alden’s grand Victorian home — affectionately named Pansy Cottage — stood proudly at the corner of Lyman and Interlachen Avenues. Far more than just a residence, it became a hub of literary, religious and civic activity. From editing the beloved children’s magazine “The Pansy” to helping establish the Winter Park Public Library and the local Women’s Christian Temperance Union, Alden’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of our town. Though largely forgotten today, Alden’s work has experienced a quiet revival, with many of her books now available as high-quality ebooks.
As we celebrate the city’s artistic evolution in our new exhibit, Echoes of Expression: The History of Arts and Culture in Winter Park, we invite you to rediscover the woman who quietly helped lay the groundwork. Stop by the Winter Park History Museum and step into the world of a woman whose pen was her power — and whose spirit still lingers in the cultural fabric of Winter Park.
Watch this blank wall turn fabulous in record time! Big thanks to @mythosfl for this awesome time lapse — and to the crew who made our new exhibit Echoes of Expression look amazing.
Walls are up, the exhibit is open — now all we need is YOU! Make sure you stop by the Winter Park History Museum!
#WinterPark #WinterParkHistory #BeInspired
Looking for something cool to do this Fourth of July?
We’re open—and yes, we have air conditioning!
Swing by the Winter Park History Museum to explore our latest exhibit: Echoes of Expression - The History of Arts and Culture in Winter Park.
Celebrate the holiday with a dose of history and cool comfort.
Free admission | Hours: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
From Winter Park to Gospel Greatness: The Boyer Brothers
Born in Winter Park in the 1930s, Drs. James and Horace Boyer were more than just talented musicians—they were national pioneers of gospel music and champions of education. Known as the “Famous Boyer Brothers,” the duo got their start writing, recording and performing spiritual music in their hometown church before releasing their first single, "Step by Step," in their early teens. As teenagers, they toured the Southeast, even opening for the gospel great Mahalia Jackson.
But their talents didn’t stop at the stage. The brothers used their music earnings to attend Bethune-Cookman College and eventually earned doctorates, becoming nationally respected educators, scholars and church leaders. Horace became a leading authority on African American gospel music, lectured at numerous colleges—including Harvard and Yale—and served as Curator of Musical Instruments at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. James authored a seminal textbook and was the founding pastor of the Fellowship Temple Church of God in Christ in Manhattan, Kansas, where he served for 40 years.
And did you know? Of the eight Boyer siblings, seven earned doctorates and the eighth a master’s—a tribute to the unwavering dedication of their remarkable parents, Climmie L, Sr. and Ethel W. Boyer.
Throughout the years, they performed nationally, but they always returned to their hometown and the Flowers Church of God in Christ in Hannibal Square to share the smooth sounds of the Boyer Brothers to their friends and family in Winter Park. Discover their extraordinary journey—and the deep roots of arts and culture in Winter Park—at our latest exhibit, Echoes of Expression. Now open at the Winter Park History Museum!
We’d be remiss not to shine a spotlight on the incredible Winter Park History Museum team behind Echoes of Expression!
Christy, Dena and Linda poured their time, talent and heart into every detail of our newest exhibit—the result is something truly special.
Make sure to visit us at the Winter Park History Museum—we promise, you’ll be inspired!
We’re still basking in the afterglow of last week’s Echoes of Expression grand opening! Enjoy a look back at some of the highlights—from captivating performances to the powerful new exhibit celebrating Winter Park’s rich arts and culture history.
Haven’t seen it yet? Stop by and experience it for yourself!
Tues–Fri 10–4 | Sat 10–2
Winter Park History Museum
What an unforgettable night! Yesterday’s grand opening of Echoes of Expression – The History of Arts & Culture in Winter Park was nothing short of magical. We were overwhelmed by the support from our incredible community, friends and longtime supporters who showed up to celebrate with us.
Guests were treated to a beautiful evening of art, history and live performances that brought Winter Park’s cultural legacy to life — thanks to the incredible talents of @emotionsdance, @cflvocalarts, @bachfestivalwp, @crealdeschool, Jennifer Bonner, and poetry by the amazing Billy Collins.
A special thank you to Nothing Bundt Cakes Winter Park, @sparklebunnies and @totalwine for the sweet treats and sips, and to @winterparkfla for your continued support.
Our heartfelt thanks go to @mythosfl and @will.setzer for helping us bring our vision for this exhibit to life — we couldn’t have done it without you.
To everyone who joined us: thank you for making this opening night so meaningful. The exhibit is now open to the public — we can’t wait for more of you to experience Echoes of Expression!
#EchoesOfExpression #WinterParkHistoryMuseum #WinterPark #BeInspired #TotalWine
Tomorrow is finally the day — our grand opening is here, and we couldn’t be more excited!
Join us from 5:30–7:30 p.m. as we pull back the curtain on Echoes of Expression: The History of Arts & Culture in Winter Park. From early artistic movements to today’s thriving creative scene, discover the people, places and moments that shaped the cultural soul of our city.
Can’t make it tomorrow? The exhibit opens to the public on Thursday, June 19!
Museum Hours: Tues–Fri 10–4 | Sat 10–2
Museum Location: 200 W New England Ave, Winter Park, FL
We can`t wait to see you!
Thanks to @winterparkfla and @parksandrecwp for keeping our historic ACL planters always looking beautiful! 😍 🌺
A Stage for the Ages: The Annie Russell Theatre
Built in 1932 on the Rollins College campus, the @annierusselltheatre is Florida’s oldest continuously operating theater—and a jewel of Winter Park’s cultural legacy.
Rollins, founded in 1885, became a magnet for artists, creatives and educators who helped shape early Winter Park into a thriving hub for the arts. “The Annie” was a gift from philanthropist Mary Curtis Bok Zimbalist to honor her friend—internationally renowned actress Annie Russell. After retiring from the stage, Russell taught and directed at Rollins, leaving a legacy that still echoes today.
Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the theater has hosted nearly 100 seasons of student, faculty and guest productions. It`s not just a training ground—it’s a cornerstone of Winter Park’s artistic identity.
Rumor has it, the ghost of Annie Russell still attends performances from her favorite balcony seat.
Want more stories like this? Come explore Echoes of Expression: The History of Arts & Culture in Winter Park—opening June 19 at the Winter Park History Museum!
Museum Hours: Tuesday-Fri 10–4 | Sat 10–2
Location: 200 W New England Ave
#WinterPark #WinterParkArts #WinterParkHistory #AnnieRussellTheatre #BeInspired
It’s up! Our new banner for “Echoes of Expression: The History of Arts & Culture in Winter Park” is officially installed — just in time for the grand opening! Huge thanks to @mythosfl for the beautiful installation.
Join us for the Grand Opening Celebration on June 18! Link in bio to RSVP. The exhibit opens to the public on June 19.
Museum Hours
Tues-Fri 10–4 | Sat 10–2
Location
200 W New England Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
#WinterPark #WinterParkHistoryMuseum #BeInspired
Mark your calendar for June 19!
We’re excited to unveil our newest exhibit, Echoes of Expression—a vibrant journey through the rich history of arts and culture in Winter Park. From early artistic movements to today’s thriving creative scene, discover the people, places and moments that shaped the cultural soul of our city.
A heartfelt thank you to the incredibly talented @will.setzer of Circle7Studios for bringing this vision to life. His stunning design work turns the whole exhibit into a piece of art itself.
Come see the stories, feel the inspiration, and celebrate the creativity that continues to define Winter Park.
Museum Hours
Fri 10–4 | Sat 10–2
Location
200 W New England Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
#WinterPark #EchoesOfExpression #WinterParkArts #WinterParkHistoryMuseum
Board Member of the Month
We’re excited to shine a spotlight on Rick Kilby, Vice President of the Winter Park History Museum Board of Directors. Since joining in 2024, Rick has brought his 25 years of museum experience—and his love of local history—to everything he does.
“My wife’s family has a great Winter Park story—her father managed the Colony Theater and met my future mother-in-law while making bank deposits where she worked on Park Avenue. I’m fascinated with Winter Park’s history, from Chapman and Chase to Hannibal Square, and I love learning more every day.”
A self-described museum geek, Rick is enthusiastic about what’s ahead: “The future of our museum is rich with potential. Come check out our new exhibit this month!”
Favorite Five Friday: Pinehurst Cottage, Rollins College
Built in March 1886, Pinehurst Cottage was the second building completed at Rollins College—just ten days after Knowles Hall. Originally called the Ladies Cottage, it was designed to serve as a home where students lived in close proximity to a matron—fostering a warm, personal college experience. The structure followed the typical cottage style of New England architecture, complete with wide front porches and a communal layout. Inside, it featured 27 dorm rooms spread across three stories.
The name “Pinehurst” came later, inspired by the stand of pine trees surrounding it. Over the years, the building’s role has evolved as much as the campus around it. It has been a men’s dorm, a co-ed dorm, a chemistry lab, an infirmary, a classroom, a library, and even the home of President Ward. Through all these changes, Pinehurst remained central to student life.
In 1909, a devastating fire destroyed Knowles Hall next door and badly scorched Pinehurst’s exterior. But the sturdy cottage survived—and became a resilient link to the College’s founding days.
In 1985, Pinehurst Cottage was designated a historic landmark by the Historic Preservation Commission of Winter Park. Today, the oldest building on the Rollins College campus still serves as a co-ed residence hall, and its weathered wood and welcoming porches continue to tell the story of Rollins’ earliest years.
In honor of Historic Preservation Month, we featured a significant Winter Park historic building every Friday in May. Thank you for following along!
#Favorite5 #WinterParkFL #NationalRegisterOfHistoricPlaces #CentralFloridaCulturalHeritage #AIAOrlandoHRC #OrlandoFoundationforArchitecture #BeInspired #HistoricPreservationMonth
Favorite Five Friday: Winter Park Country Club
This week, we’re teeing up another Winter Park treasure! Standing proudly since 1914, the modest, Craftsman-style clubhouse at the Winter Park Country Club is the oldest civic building in town. In 1999, both the clubhouse and its golf course became the first in Florida to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Just steps from Park Avenue, the adjacent golf course has long been known for its walkable layout and scenic oak-lined fairways. Originally designed as a winter retreat for visiting golfers, it continues to draw both locals and visitors with its charm and history-rich setting. The clubhouse has hosted social gatherings and community events for over a century. With its original oak floors and working fireplace, it remains a testament to timeless design and enduring community spirit.
During World War I, stray cows occasionally interrupted golfers—prompting the installation of fences—but sheep and goats were welcomed to “mow” the grass and later helped ease local meat shortages.
Although the course closed in 1926, the clubhouse endured. In 1937, the Winter Park Country Club was revived with a new 9-hole layout—the same one still enjoyed by golfers today. The beloved clubhouse continues to serve as both a social hub and a lasting link to Winter Park’s rich history.
May is Historic Preservation Month, and we will spotlight a significant Winter Park historic building every Friday. Stay tuned for next week’s feature!
#Favorite5 #WinterParkFL #NationalRegisterOfHistoricPlaces #CentralFloridaCulturalHeritage #AIAOrlandoHRC #OrlandoFoundationforArchitecture #BeInspired #HistoricPreservationMonth
