More Accolades for the History Center
The Orange County Regional History Center is no longer a hidden gem in the Central Florida community. National recognition and numerous awards keep piling up for the educational institution dedicated to preserving and sharing Central Florida history.
The museum’s work this past year led to it being honored with a whopping nine major national or regional awards for excellence, including the nation’s most prestigious honors from the American Association of State and Local History, as well as the Florida Historical Society’s David C. Brotemarkel award.
Additionally, in March 2021 the History Center was reaccredited – the national gold standard in best practices by the American Alliance of Museums. Less than 3,000 U.S. museums are accredited.
During the year, the museum created virtual exhibitions as well as onsite experiences to maintain robust engagement with members and visitors. The History Center created a fifth-year remembrance exhibition after the Pulse nightclub shootings, where the museum offered a space for healing, discussion and understanding. They also hosted Healthcare Heroes: Portraits of Orlando Health’s Frontline Workers, depicting local first responders to COVID-19. These innovative exhibitions garnered international media coverage and helped connect families and the community to their own history.
The Orange County Regional History Center is located in downtown Orlando at 112 E. Central Boulevard and is open daily, excluding holidays and special events. Visit their website to get more information about hours and admission and current exhibitions.
The History Center Awards and Accolades 2016-2021
2021 Awards
American Alliance of Museums
Reaccreditation
American Association for State and Local History
History in Progress Award for the exhibition Yesterday, This Was Home: The Ocoee Massacre of 1920
Award of Merit for Leadership in History for the exhibition Yesterday, This Was Home: The Ocoee Massacre of 1920
Downtown Orlando Partnership
Golden Brick Award for the exhibition Yesterday, This Was Home: The Ocoee Massacre of 1920 (Category: Diversity)
Florida Historical Society
David C. Brotemarkle Award for the exhibition Yesterday, This Was Home: The Ocoee Massacre of 1920
Southeastern Museums Conference
Gold Award for Exhibitions – Yesterday, This Was Home: The Ocoee Massacre of 1920 (Category: Budget under $25,000)
Gold Award for Technology in Media Production – Oral History Animations in Yesterday, This Was Home: The Ocoee Massacre of 1920
Silver Award for Technology in Gallery Installations – Land Deeds Map in Yesterday, This Was Home: The Ocoee Massacre of 1920
Telly Awards
Gold Telly Award –Yesterday, This Was Home: The Ocoee Massacre of 1920 Scrapbook episode co-produced with Orange TV
Gold Telly Award – Curating a Tragedy: Documenting the Pulse Nightclub Shooting, a documentary co-produced with Orange TV
2020 Awards
Society for American Archivists
Distinguished Service Award for the museum’s One Orlando Collection Initiative in response to the Pulse nightclub shooting. (For details, click here.)
Southeastern Museums Conference
Gold Award for Exhibitions – The Accidental Historian (Category: Budget under $10,000)
Gold Award for Technology in Media Production – Curating a Tragedy: Documenting the Pulse Nightclub Shooting, a documentary co-produced with Orange TV
Silver Award for Technology Media App Launch – The Stories They Could Tell, an online exhibition about the Pulse nightclub shooting (view exhibition here)
Honorable Mention for Publications – the Time Travelers’ Gazette, a publication designed to bring Central Florida’s history to life for children.
2019 Awards
Institute for Museum and Library Services
National Medal for Museum and Library Services
2018 Awards
American Alliance of Museums
Excellence in Exhibitions Award for One Year Later: Reflecting on Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub Massacre
Excellence in Label Writing Award for One Year Later: Reflecting on Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub Massacre
Downtown Orlando Partnership
Golden Brick Award for the exhibition Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code (Category: Diversity)
Golden Brick Award for “Florida Highwaymen Kids” Art Project and Exhibition (Category: The Arts)
Southeastern Museum Conference
Silver Award for Exhibitions – Leaving Vietnam: Building a New Life in Central Florida (Category: Budget under $10,000)
2017 Awards
American Association for State and Local History
History in Progress Award for the One Orlando Collection Initiative
Award of Merit for Leadership in History for the One Orlando Collection Initiative
Downtown Orlando Partnership
Golden Brick Award for the exhibition Leaving Vietnam: Building a New Life in Central Florida (Category: Diversity)
Southeastern Museum Conference
Gold Award for Exhibitions – One Year Later: Reflecting on Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub Massacre exhibition (Category: Budget under $10,000)
2016 Awards
Downtown Orlando Partnership
Golden Brick Award for the exhibition Pride, Prejudice, and Protest: GLBT History of Greater Orlando (Category: Community Engagement)