Historical Society

Historical Society

Culture, History, Historical Society

Founded in 1994, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation operates two museums in the National Register Historic District of Winter Garden.

Historic House, Historical Society

The home was built in 1888 by General William T. Withers. His widow, Martha, sold the house to David Maguire in 1910. The House was purchased by the City of Ocoee Florida in 1983 and placed on the National Registry of Historic Buildings in America in 1987. It has been restored through grants from the State of Florida and is open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

History, Historic House, Historical Society, Library

Originally Seven Springs Schoolhouse, built in 1915, where children had to bring their own desks to school, examples of which are shown in the Museum. The Frierson family used the building as their home in 1925. It was moved to Sims Park in 1980 and dedicated in 1983. The Library addition was added in 1992. The Museum is handicapped accessible.

Historical Society

Children's, Culture, History, Historical Society, Library

The Winter Park Historical Association partners with several regional institutions to research and promote the history of our area. We are founding members of the Winter Park Cultural Consortium and participate in many city-wide festivals to share with our residents and visitors the rich history of this lovely community. Our annual garden tour takes place in a different historic neighborhood each April. Not only do our participants have the opportunity to stroll through a lovely neighborhood and into private gardens, but a written history included in the program makes all aware of this community's heritage. Our museum exhibitions change and are informative, educational, creative and occasionally whimsical.