“Love Speaks” Highlights Artistic Responses to Pulse Tragedy

MUSEUM’S ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE INCLUDES FREE ADMISSION JUNE 8-16

ORLANDO, Fla. – MAY 21, 2019 – In honor of the third annual remembrance of the mass shooting at the Pulse Nightclub on June 12, 2016, the History Center presents a moving and beautiful art exhibition titled Love Speaks: Artistic Responses to the Pulse Nightclub Tragedy.

The exhibition opens on June 1 and continues at the downtown Orlando museum through September 22, 2019. The community is invited to see Love Speaks, as well as the History Center’s permanent exhibits, with no admission charge from Saturday, June 8, through Sunday, June 16.

“This year’s remembrance reflects the emotions and support that spread throughout our nation in the aftermath of the Pulse tragedy on June 12, 2016,” said Pam Schwartz, the History Center’s chief curator. “From exquisite works of art to captivating storytelling, Love Speaks encompasses a wide range of media and styles and includes works from across the nation that have never been exhibited in Central Florida.”

“We’re proud that the exhibition is fully bilingual, with text in both Spanish and English,” notes the museum’s director, Michael Perkins.

From June 10 to 14, the History Center’s Education Department will present a variety of family and children’s activities to promote understanding and healing around difficult history. The hands-on activities for children connect to different works of art in the exhibit and will include word-collage art and messages written on ribbons to be left in the museum.

“While each piece in Love Speaks carries its own meaning, the artwork adorning the walls of the exhibit also serves to remember those who were taken during the tragedy and inspire a better tomorrow for those who remain,” said Perkins.

History Center staff will offer a special preview of the exhibit to members of the media on May 31.

The History Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and on Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. To learn more, visit thehistorycenter.org.

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The Orange County Regional History Center, housed in a historic courthouse at 65 E. Central Blvd. in downtown Orlando, features four floors of permanent and limited-run exhibitions. The museum is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Orange County Regional History Center is funded in part by Orange County Government through the Family Services Department under Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings and the Board of County Commissioners. The Historical Society of Central Florida Inc. is supported by United Arts of Central Florida and sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.